January 31^st, 2005 (4:44pm) - Microsoft Game Studios today announced a new release date for Bioware’s upcoming martial arts action RPG Jade Empire. Jade Empire will now available on retail shelves nationwide on April 14th.

Also, as we reported two weeks ago, Microsoft Game Studios has also confirmed that it will release a Limited Edition of Jade Empire that will feature a bonus character, a bonus fighting style and a behind-the-scenes "making of " video feature on DVD produced by G4 – video game television. 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 monk spade, 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 dazzling spectacle of Hong Kong action movies like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." The game features a deep, rich story in the tradition of BioWare, which most recently developed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. 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.