Microsoft today announced that acclaimed RPG developer BioWare is currently developing Jade Empire exclusively for Xbox. BioWare, whose publishing relationship with Microsoft was announced one year ago at the Microsoft press event X02 in New York, has most recently been recognized for the smash hit Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. More information about Jade Empire will be revealed in Japan at the Tokyo Game Show on September 26.

Jade Empire is set in a ancient an mysterious land, where the Imperial China's tradition mixes with Mayan and Aztec architecture giving birth to a really impressive context. In this mystical world you'll be a young martial arts student, trying to gain the respect and admiration of your teacher and the townsfolk.

At the same time that you develop your reputation, you'll be able to develop your fighting school. You will learn new skills during the game, and you'll be able to choose the ones that fit you better. The high customization of the skill system will be reflected even in the aesthetics of the combat, a mixture of street fighting, military training, magic arts, and martial arts that looks convincing and spectacular as if it was lifted from the mind of Yuen Wo Ping.