The Overlooked & Underplayed column allows us to recommend top notch games that, for one reason or another, failed to capture the public’s imagination. Don’t miss these forgotten gems.

After the smashing success of their Star Wars and Forgotten Realms titles, many people wondered if BioWare had it in them to create an original universe. Well, no one should have worried, because what they brought us was something truly unique. In a genre where Sci-Fi and Fantasy reigned supreme, they brought us Kung Fu.

Published by Microsoft for the original Xbox in May 2006, Jade Empire was an RPG that took strong influence from both eastern mythology and modern kung fu cinema, giving players a world that included mythical water dragons, fire breathing toad demons and drunken warriors that Jackie Chan would be proud of.

The excellent real time combat system had players switching between four different fighting styles on the fly, creating a technique that was as unique as it was effective. Facing multiple enemies was a joy and the game went above and beyond to ensure the player felt in full control of their chosen martial arts master.

Solid RPG mechanics, excellent voice acting and a strong story saw Jade Empire wow critics around the world. Sales were a little disappointing though, meaning that to this day BioWare are yet to announce a sequel.

Don’t waste another minute! Jade Empire is available for download from XBL and Steam.

Searching for more Overlooked & Underplayed classics?  View additional entries here.