Posts Tagged ‘bioware’
Video: Let’s Compare Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
Thanks to the backward compatibility program on Xbox One, you can now play Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) in 1080p on the Xbox One and 4K on the Xbox One X. In this video we compare the resolution and performance of the original Xbox version, the Xbox 360 emulated version, both Xbox One versions, and finally the PC (with an without mods). This video is mastered in 4K at 60 fps, so if you have a screen that supports it we highly recommend viewing on that.
Podcast: The Shepard Legacy (Mass Effect Trilogy)
This week Fred and guest Matt Bradford re-visit the Mass Effect trilogy. Although GH101 tackled this with a previous episode, it was time to go back to the well and delve a bit deeper into the mechanics, evolution, and critical opinions placed upon one of the most significant series of last generation.
The referenced Annotated Symphony of the Night can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFmpodGI3Jk
Podcast: …Shepard…
One of BioWare’s largest gaming achievements would have to be Mass Effect. In the follow-up to Jade Empire, and after 3 years of development, the original premiered on Xbox 360 and established the closest example to Star Trek in gaming. An entire universe was literally developed for the series and despite some stumbles here and there, the Mass Effect series is of the most notable from last generation. Join Fred, Jam, and special guest Me10dee as they delve into the world of Commander Shepard.
Jade Empire Review
The original Xbox was a system with some incredibly gems on it that really didn’t receive much appreciation until near the end of the consoles life cycle. The game developer Bioware were all about the Xbox with their main hit on the system being Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic then later down the road in 2005 they brought out one of the most overlooked titles from the company Jade Empire. Jade Empire really never found its audience, even to this day. Just mentioning this title to people today brings question marks in peoples minds. I remember seeing the game in an Official Xbox Magazine and being incredibly excited by the screen shots. Then the game came out and people just sort of forgot it was there. Today the game is passed off as one of the weakest titles in Biowares back catalogue.
Jade Empire is a Western developed action role-playing game (RPG) you play as a martial arts hero that you choose at the start of the game. You can choose between 5 set character models (6 if you have the limited edition or special edition), you can choose to go with pre-selected stats or you can customize the heroes stats yourself. You unfortunately can’t customize your characters appearance which is a shame considering Bioware’s previous Star Wars title allowed you to alter your characters appearance.
Podcast: Jade Empire Game Club
Due to scheduling conflicts, Fred and Jam had to do the Jade Empire game club as a live show and not an extra credit. BioWare’s first console exclusive (temporarily) and intermediary between Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect is an interesting combination of gameplay mechanics for the developer. Fred and Jam delve into the development, mechanics, and campaign of Jade Empire, which is probably the most polarizing of BioWare titles.
The Making of Jade Empire (G4 Special)
A brief documentary produced by G4 and found on the Limited Edition supplemental DVD.
Extra Credit: Knights of the Old Republic
Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR for short), is notable for many reasons. Developers BioWare and Obsidian not only created a new plotline, in fact part of a new history, of Star Wars, but managed to also do so with RPG elements. From the moment development began to the release of the sequel, KOTOR is definitely an influential part of the video game universe of Star Wars. This episode delves into development, mechanics, and release of both titles in the series.
Gaming History 101 