Buyers of "Jade Empire" are greeted with laughable cover art and silly character names like "Furious Ming." At first glance, the mythological theme appears to be a mockery of ancient Chinese culture. But beneath the regrettable packaging lies an honest and fun game that engulfs players in an awe-inspiring virtual world, and in doing so, becomes a milestone in Western game design.

"Jade Empire" was pieced together through a partnership between Microsoft and Canadian developer Bioware, one of the industry's hottest studios. Bioware is spearheaded by two medical doctors, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, best known for refining the role-playing game genre into something distinctively Western. But if there was something limiting the studio's potential (and revenue), it was depending on established licensees for its games. Titles based on nerdy (but pricy) properties such as Star Wars and Dungeons & Dragons gave Bioware games instant name recognition but limited creative input.

Enter "Jade Empire," Bioware's first original property. The world of "Jade" can best be described as a reinterpretation of China's prosperous Tang dynasty, treating Chinese legends and mystical art as historical fact. Dragons rule over the empire with divine providence, dormant Zen masters wield uncanny physical strength and artifacts harbor magical powers. Characteristic of RPGs developed in the West, you have much say in the game's story, including what character will become a hero (or tyrant) through your controller movements. Six unique warriors can be chosen, including magic-wielding monks and warrior babes. Once you select a character, you embark on a short training session at a secluded martial arts school in Two Rivers. Thankfully, it only takes about 30 minutes before crisis hits and the game takes off, leaving you breathless for the remaining 15 hours of game play. Events lead the player to haunted forests, a villainous penthouse for crooked politicians, the inner walls of the Forbidden City -- and even to heaven itself.