We were hoping to see the PC version of BioWare's Jade Empire role-playing game released by the end of this year, but along with Atari's latest announcement that they have picked up the publishing rights for Jade Empire: Special Edition on the PC, we also learn that the game is now anticipated for January 2007. Still, since the original game appeared on the Xbox almost a year and a half ago, the news is only slightly disappointing.

Besides, the PC special edition will come equiped with enhanced graphics (meaning increased resolutions and new visual effects), new fighting styles, new monsters, and enemies with enhanced AI. Also, similar to Star Wars: KotOR's porting on the PC, the PC version of Jade Empire will also include customizable, intuitive controls, plus an all-new art book as part of the Special Edition bonus content.

In the ancient, mysterious world of the Jade Empire, players choose to act as a noble hero or treacherous villain by following the path of the "Open Palm" or the "Closed Fist". Players face powerful human and supernatural foes, learn exotic and magical martial arts and discover the darkest secrets of the world. Keep in mind, though, that your choices and actions will determine the fate of an empire. Will you prevent the destruction of this beautiful land or crush it beneath your heel? Are you a warrior who uses strength and fighting mastery to bring peace or will your power bring pain and ruin?

Well, you have plenty of time to make up your mind until January. In the meantime, Take-Two have also announced another kind of special edition, to be published under their "2K" label: Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles for the PC. The set will be released this October, and will include (take a deep breath) Sid Meier's Civilization I, Sid Meier's Civilization II, Civilization II: Fantastic Worlds, Civilization II: Conflicts in Civilization, Civilization II: Test of Time, Sid Meier's Civilization III, Sid Meier's Civilization III: Play the World, Sid Meier's Civilization III: Conquests and Sid Meier's Civilization IV. Phew! If that won't make you more civilized, I don't know what will!

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)