One of the best RPG games ever!
To have the opportunity to change sword and bow (although some weapons can still be used), for the equally efficient asian bare handed combat style of choice is the dream of many players.
It is very engaging also, for the main hero, the feeling of spending their childhood in a secluded martial arts school, near a small village, and then leave it to seek a great adventure far beyond any expectation...
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1.Graphics/Visuals
The places you can visit are superb, you really feel like exploring ancient China from the perspective of a martial arts specialist.
Although exploration of the world itself is somewhat limited, there is plenty of eye candy and room for contemplating nature: forests, waterfalls, sunsets... Amazing how much even a small world may provide!
2. Story/Atmosphere
Very good deep story, well constructed. Immersive atmosphere.
2. Mechanics/Gameplay
Too bad character customization is so limited!
Main char voiceless? Downside here.
But: good, intuitive interface. Combat is usefully easy enough and happens in real time. Maybe it's just good because it is real time :)
You can dodge and attack at free will, not being bound by stupid behind-the-scenes-rolls (as disastrous game combat mechanics such as D&D or turn based, than often ruin otherwise nice games, Dragon Age Origins serving as prime example, are...).
The combat may be a bit simplistic or static (when you receive negative effects, there's not much you can do but wait for your char to "come back to life"...) now and then, but it still does its job overall.
3. Replayability
Lots of choices to be made, lots of replayability.
First of all, the martial style themselves: One can play the entire game by dedicating entirely to only 1-2 styles. Then play a different game while turning to different ones.
Lots of moral choices: Choosing either Open Palm: (sti)good side, or Closed Fist: (sti) evil side, connecting this up to the romance options where you can shift followers's points of view on the world.. that is splendid craft! And very interesting to play again and again.
(sti=subject to interpretation)
The game providess 3 different endings, however there's more to it. Even so, the endings may be experienced differently depending on romance options and companions's alignment shifts. So, tons of replay value.
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The game is a beautiful masterpiece of the RPG genre.
Good visuals, decent combat, tempting choices to make, all implying the respective consequences ...
Hopefully sequels will be made, they will definitely be met with great success.
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Game killers: lack of char customization; voiceless main char; some awkward combat situations (main example, being "paralyzed" in a fight)
Game boons: unique world setting, great story with lots of choices, beautiful music, real time, generally satisfactory, combat system