The drama, mildly satisfying gameplay and high replay value add up to a nice game.
I bought it. I didn't regret.
First off, Jade Empire has a few hidden extra's you might miss firsthand (unless youre being chicken-sh-- and got a Walkthrough with you :P).
Then the alignment system, adding it all up to a quite high-replay value.
Let us begin with the combat system.
You'll most likely be making use of your martial arts styles.
The weapon styles are nice, but they drain from an energy bar you'll rather be using for something else, such as faster running or slowing time.
The Martial arts are nice. Buttonmashing can get you there, beating enemies to a pulp works, and with enough evading, you might beat the final boss!
There are a few to choose from, each distinctive in style.
You like Wolverine from the Xmen? There's one style that looks JUST like him. ^^
Support styles do no damage, but deal effects upon your foes.
Stunning, confusing, steal mana...you name it.
Sound useless, don't they? Well, you'll be surprised what you can pull off in the right combination with Martial styles.
You can read what combinations make for special kills on cheating websites or, if you own the game, can use the code on the box to use with your account on the developers website, and get access to content only for those using a code!
Quite fancy, and funny vids to read there too.
Magic does, as you might have guess, magic damage, usually in the form of remote attacks. Some can be combined with Martial Art skills to do fatal attacks like Support Styles can allow you to.
Quite a few alinea's for just combat, isn't it?
Just wait till you'll experience the depth of the story, and their system that somewhat represents Karma in a way, but then again not.
The Open Palm and Closed Fist not necessarily represent Good and Evil, though aren't far off. To understand, you'd have to play the game. But believe me, if you like lots of dialogs with lots of moral-affecting things to say, you can be sure that Jade Empire offers lots, with good depth too!
The drama that encompasses friendship, betrayal and love-interest (yup, your character may just fall in love, but with who? That depends on your actions :P).
Jade Empire is an emotional game. If you're not up for that, run. Now. JE is deep. REAL deep.
I feel I cannot type more without giving away the experience.
If you can get your hands on it, do it. Last I checked, it works for the 360 aswell. Enjoy!