Fascinating plot

By Jason Hill
May 19, 2005


Jade Empire

Microsoft, MA15+, RRP $100, * * * * ½

This stylish oriental role-playing adventure has wider appeal than most, thanks to a fascinating plot and engaging battles. Players can customise their hero from a selection including warriors with great strength, speed and magical skills. Dialogue with allies is enthralling and your responses influence your path.

The fast-paced martial arts combat offers scope for flair and experimentation. There are many weapons and combat techniques to master, including spectacular demonic transformations. Players can paralyse opponents, leap from danger and even link attacks from different combat styles to perform devastating combinations. The battle system may initially seem unwieldy, particularly with unhelpful camera angles often obscuring foes, but its subtle sophistication adds terrific depth.

Nintendo DS

Yoshi: Touch & Go

Nintendo, G, RRP $70, * * * *

The first platform game to let players draw their own levels is a charming endorsement for the innovative touch screen. Yoshi and Baby Mario make their own way through the crayon-coloured stages but will quickly meet their doom without user intervention. Players guide the cute heroes by drawing clouds, either steering them away from danger or providing platforms to walk on. You can also poke Yoshi to make him jump or tap at foes to hurl eggs.

The game is delightfully simple to learn but requires tactics and quick thinking. Multiple methods can be used to tackle any scenario. Despite the twee presentation, the difficulty may be beyond many youngsters. Beating high scores is addictive and you can enjoy wonderful two-player battles.

Playstation 2

Revenge of the Sith

LucasArts, M15+, RRP $90. Also X-box, * * ½

A furious light-sabre fighting game recreating key moments from the new Star Wars blockbuster. Combat is simple to learn but attack combinations can be chained together, discouraging random button bashing. Skilful moves are rewarded with experience points used to upgrade Jedi abilities. Powers include levitating objects and tricking weak-minded enemies into attacking each other.

Most droids are dimwitted but players will battle fearsome opponents such as General Grievous and Mace Windu. Unfortunately the offensive moves cannot stop the game from feeling repetitive. Shield door "puzzles" are recycled, while brief turret-blasting interludes are dull. Bonus missions let players control characters such as Yoda and Darth Vader.


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