In 2005, before the big unveiling of the Xbox 360, the original Xbox was fading out and RPG developer, Bioware, was able to release something a bit different in between the transition to the next-gen console. Before their massively popular game, Mass Effect, came out in 2007, Bioware released Jade Empire, an oriental fantasy about Kung Fu and mythical powers. Largely forgotten now – 11 years later – the game was well received by reviewers. The game was largely overshadowed by the company’s previous titles like Baldur’s Gate and Knights of the Old Republic, along with Mass Effect later on. But now, according to Digitalspy, the 2005 RPG Jade Empire has been reworked on for iOS and is now available on the iPad, iPhone and Mac.
Below is the game’s full gamer trailer:
The game features elegant controls that were specifically designed from the ground up for a smartphone, so gameplay will seamlessly transition onto the device. The version of Jade Empire was reworked on by the same company that made the 2007 enhanced edition for PC. According to Gamespot, the game boasts more than 40 hours of gameplay, while also providing achievements to unlock. The iOS version of Jade Empire is compatible with third-generation iPads or newer, the iPad Air, and second-generation iPad minis or newer; the iPhone 5 is the latest phone required to play the game, anything newer will work.
Since Bioware released the game over a decade ago, many fans have been hoping they’d release a sequel to the game. General Manager Aryn Flynn of Bioware Edmonton and Montreal told Gamespot back in March of 2015 that
Well, there’s always hope. Both [Bioware developers Mark Darrah and Mike Laidlaw] worked on Jade Empire, so they’re advocates for it in the studio (so is Matt Goldman, DAI’s Art Director). I worked on it too! Our plate is awfully full right now, but the idea to go back to the universe does come up pretty regularly. Mark and I spent a sold two hours in my office talking about it not long ago.
Jade Empire incorporates several combinations of martial arts action with Bioware storytelling. The game features moral choices, rich characters, followers and plenty of deep storytelling with a ton of action. It’s what made it a now classic RPG that may have a sequel in the near future. Aspyr Media, the company that brought Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic to the iPad, is behind Jade Empire coming to iOS. You can get the game on iTunes now for $10.