Over the years Allison and I have become more and more enthralled with RPGs. That is due in large part to KOTOR, the BioWare developed Star Wars RPG that has sold millions and endeared itself into the hearts of many. Although BioWare handed KOTOR II over to Obsidian, BioWare wasn't just sitting around twiddling their thumbs. No, no. In fact, they were hard at work on Jade Empire, a mystical RPG set in a mythological China. Now, BioWare has announced that Jade Empire has gone gold (the master copy is completed)! Early screens and info are simply amazing and we can't wait for the release on April 12! Check out http://xbox.com/jadeempire/ for more info.

PRESS RELEASE

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Jade Empire, BioWare's Epic Martial Arts Masterpiece, Goes Gold

April 1, 2005

Pre-Order the Limited Edition Now to Receive a Bonus Character at No Extra Cost

BioWare's dazzling vision of mythological China will soon spring to life, as Microsoft Game Studios announced today that Jade EmpireTM has gone gold. The stunningly beautiful action-RPG, exclusively for Xbox?, will burst into North American retail outlets starting on April 12, with worldwide distribution occurring shortly thereafter. Jade Empire fever has reached a deafening roar recently, with more than 11 major media outlets naming it one of the most anticipated games of 2005.

The Limited Edition of Jade Empire is loaded with bonus content and is now available for pre-order at the same price as the regular edition. The Limited Edition is packaged in a special foil hologram box and features a bonus character and fighting style. The bonus character, Monk Zeng, has the ability to channel his Chi, or spiritual energy, to fuel powerful magic attacks that manipulate both elemental and spiritual forces. Monk Zeng can equip himself with a special weapon called the spade staff, a deadly weapon useful for slashing foes at a distance and finishing them with lethal follow-up attacks. The Jade Empire Limited Edition is available for pre-order now for the same suggested retail price as the standard version, $49.95 (U.S.).

Created by the award-winning development team at BioWare, Jade Empire will let players master dozens of martial arts fighting styles and mystical powers that match the awesome spectacle of Hong Kong action movies. The game features a deep, rich story in the tradition of BioWare, which most recently developed Star Wars?: Knights of the Old RepublicTM. Players can train under their master's watchful eye to learn powerful martial arts and mystical powers. When danger threatens, players will travel across the world, from the harsh mountains of the Land of Howling Spirits to the lush gardens of the Imperial City. In their adventures, players will face powerful human and supernatural foes, learn exotic and magical martial arts and discover the darkest secrets of the world. Only by mastering the greatest fighting styles and defeating the most powerful enemies will players earn their place as a master of martial arts in the world of Jade Empire.

For more information about Jade Empire, visit http://xbox.com/jadeempire/ or http://jade.bioware.com/.

BioWare Corp. is an electronic entertainment company that develops computer and console games. BioWare's developers have just wrapped up work on Jade EmpireTM, a BioWare-created intellectual property to be published by Microsoft for the Xbox on April 12, 2005; and are hard at work on Dragon AgeTM, a PC RPG set in a brand new world created and owned by BioWare. BioWare is also developing its next-generation BioWare Eclipse EngineTM technology, as well as an unannounced next-generation title based on yet another BioWare-created intellectual property. BioWare has an online fan community consisting of more than 2.4 million registered users that connect to discuss the company's current and future games. In November 2004, the company launched the BioWare Online Store, where fans can purchase new content for their favorite BioWare games. Previously published projects include: the 2003 Game of the Year Star Wars?: Knights of the Old RepublicTM for PC and Xbox, the award-winning Neverwinter NightsTM series, the genre-defining Baldur's GateTM role-playing game series for the PC, MDKTM2 for Dreamcast and PC, MDKTM2: Armageddon for PlayStation?2 and Shattered SteelTM. BioWare information can be found online at www.bioware.com.

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox? video game system, the Windows? operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as Age of Empires?, Flight Simulator and Zoo Tycoon?; Xbox (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as Fable? and franchises as Halo?, Project Gotham Racing? and MechAssault?; and MSN? Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "HexicTM."

Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The new tagline, "It's Good to Play Together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.