From Jade Empire 2 to brand new project. Revolver from BioWare was set to be like Assassin’s Creed and DMC

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For enthusiasts of action RPGs, particularly fans of BioWare studio’s works, Jade Empire is undoubtedly a well-known game (for more details, check out one of our Retro Gaming issues). Regrettably, unlike other games produced by the same team, which have garnered praise from players and critics alike, this game did not receive a follow-up.

To begin with, there were indeed proposals for further development. BioWare was contemplating transforming Jade Empire into a franchise, and they had multiple concepts for its sequel. It would be fascinating to delve into the rollercoaster ride of this project’s history and imagine what could have unfolded if events had taken a slightly altered path.

Classic Jade Empire 2

Initially, the conception of Jade Empire 2 occurred while BioWare was deeply engrossed in creating the first Mass Effect. However, the development team found themselves uncertain about the direction they wanted to steer. Originally, Jade Empire 2 was envisioned as a traditional sequel, with its narrative unfolding several decades after the original series’ events. The game aimed to revisit the familiar universe and offer players a new protagonist.

The sequel aimed to dazzle us with more than just new characters; it was intended to introduce figures from the Western world as well. Regarding technical aspects, Jade Empire 2 was designed to be devoid of loading screens. However, due to a shift in team resources for Commander Shepard’s adventure and learning Unreal Engine technology, the project experienced a significant delay. Despite this setback, the project did not necessarily come to an end.

Modern Jade Empire 2

Concurrently, a fresh, contrasting concept for “Jade Empire 2” surfaced. This project, later referred to as “Jade Modern,” was intended to transport us into the future of the universe initially crafted for the original game. Despite magic being absent from it over time, it was expected to resurface there eventually.

In spite of this significant shift, the game would pick up where the initial version left off. As part of the Crisis Response Unit, a team dedicated to probing matters related to magic, we’d gradually acquire supernatural powers. The ISA (Imperial Security Agency) would serve as our adversaries, and our longtime nemesis would be Emperor Lee.

Consequently, the concept didn’t work out, however, its developers decided not to abandon it entirely. Instead, they elected to utilize it in another undertaking instead.

Revolver…

In the end, BioWare decided against making a sequel to Jade Empire and opted instead for a fresh concept. This decision led to the creation of Revolver, an action RPG designed for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game was anticipated due to its expansive size and potential.

In the game Revolver, players would be immersed in an expansive environment that encourages exploration, much like the Assassin’s Creed series. The developers intended to incorporate parkour mechanics and the ability to traverse various environmental features. Meanwhile, the intense battle system was designed to evoke comparisons with games such as Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden.

The developers weren’t shy about trying innovative approaches either. If we happened to eliminate a character tied to a story-progressing quest (or hindered our progress in some way), the game was designed to present another character with a similar objective instead. Moreover, the dialogues were planned to resemble those seen in Mass Effect, and there would also be a moral system in place.

…and his issues

It turned out that the project for the game titled Revolver was more difficult than initially expected by the developers at BioWare. Primarily, the game grew too expansive, leading them to work together with Big Sandwich Games, a team known for developing sandbox games. Yet, this collaboration didn’t entirely solve the problem. As one developer noted (through Unseen64):

During my tenure on Mass Effect, I’ve been part of discussions related to the development of Revolver. At this stage for Revolver, decisions are being made about what elements to keep and what needs to be trimmed down. This is beneficial because there were numerous aspects under consideration, many of which were viable individually but collectively exceeded the project’s capacity.

Despite trimming down certain aspects possibly being beneficial, it became apparent that the project’s complications went deeper than simply oversized ideas. It seemed as if the developers had turned prematurely gray trying to justify why our character couldn’t operate a vehicle (developing a driving mechanic was not feasible). Ultimately, the most practical resolution was… the complete elimination of vehicles. Additionally, there was the challenge of rationalizing why melee weapons were prevalent in the game world, given that firearms were abundant there.

To sum up, it’s important to note that during development, they explored the use of cel-shading technique, imbuing the visuals of Revolver with a comic-esque aesthetic similar to that seen in the Borderlands franchise.

End of the project

Due to the severe financial crisis that occurred between 2008 and 2009, Electronic Arts, BioWare’s parent company, had to implement spending reductions. Consequently, a project called Revolver, which was almost ready for full production, was unfortunately scrapped.

It’s worth mentioning that while the financial crisis may have provided an explanation for BioWare’s unrealized ideas, it wasn’t solely responsible for the situation. The successful games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, which saw great success, further complicated matters, as the studio no longer needed to consider a “plan B.” Additionally, since 2008, the team’s resources were increasingly diverted towards another project – Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The further fate of the Jade Empire brand

Approximately nineteen years since the debut of Jade Empire, there’s a strong possibility that the chance to resurrect this franchise may have passed. In 2016, the game became available on mobile platforms, and a trademark registration in 2019 hinted at an upcoming online version of the series. However, any subsequent news about it has ceased to exist.

In spite of the negative publicity BioWare is experiencing now, there’s a glimmer of hope that the studio, along with Electronic Arts, could capitalize on fan sentimentality in the future. They might be able to regain fans’ favor by creating a new game under the same brand that tugs at their heartstrings.

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2025-01-22 13:02