Jade Empire's combat system annoyed me so much that I didn't want to suffer through the whole game. It looks like it wants to be action oriented but its very static RPG combat roots cannot be denied. This makes the whole thing awkward with problems with no end - static animations that can't be cancelled, combos instead of hit by hit controls, hits that don't connect but are hits anyway, no sense of impact whatsoever. Basically, imagine KotOR, but with action controls instead of a turn based systems.
Story was okay as far as I played it, although it basically is a collection of martial arts/ancient Asia movie cliches. What really shines, is JE's unusual setting - there aren't many games like it and it's refreshing.
I suggest to skip it.
Bought The Banner Saga the day before yesterday (my first full price game in ages!). No regrets so far, but I didn't play much. Really like the atmosphere and the Norse inspirations. Beautiful drawn art design (except maybe the character models in combat) and fitting soundtrack. Combat requires some thinking, even in early stages of the game. Lots of Choice and Consequence - no good/bad as far as I can tell. Weighing the moral high road or the equipment/health of your hero party (=> easier combat) against the welfare of your Banner is tough.
