Perfect World Entertainment's free-to-play, martial arts-themed MMORPG, Jade Dynasty, has entered Open Beta. All players are invited to register at the official website.

The full press release is available below:

PERFECT WORLD ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES OPEN BETA FOR “JADE DYNASTY”

New Martial Arts Inspired MMORPG Provides Access to Complete Game World Free of Charge

June 16, 2009 – Redwood City, CA - Perfect World Entertainment Inc. (“PWE” or the “Company”), a wholly owned US subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), today announced the beta program for its flagship free-to-play MMORPG, Jade Dynasty, is now open to all gamers. Based on the widely popular internet novel “Zhu Xian,” Jade Dynasty features a unique martial arts style game play wrapped in a huge, evolving game world that players can access completely free of charge.

New and existing players are invited to participate in the open beta program and gain access to the Jade Dynasty game world by downloading the full game at: http://jd.perfectworld.com/download

“This is a very important release for Perfect World Entertainment. We consider Jade Dynasty to be our flagship title and our teams in both the USA and China have put in long hours and an amazing level of dedication to ensure a successful launch,” said Dr. Alan Chen, CEO of Perfect World Entertainment Inc. “Jade Dynasty will usher in a new generation of MMORPGs and we’re excited to open this virtual world to all players in North America and Europe.”

Jade Dynasty is the English-based version of Zhu Xian, one of China’s most popular online games, and it offers a multitude of features and systems not commonly found in free-to-play MMORPGs. Once inside the crisp, clean game world, players begin their quest to uncover the secrets of immortality as they first assume the role of a simple paladin. Players delve into a system where choices between good and evil begin to shape their game play experience as they obtain different skills, items and ultimately, a story that is unique to every player. Among the many great features, the classless character progression system allows players to focus on the skills you desire to create the ultimate warrior.

Unlike other games that charge monthly subscription fees, Jade Dynasty allows gamers complete access to the game world free of charge. Players can trade, earn and spend virtual currency in the game to upgrade a large variety of items in real-time to further enhance and personalize their game play experience. Digital goods that players can obtain in the In-game Shop include: items that can assist with tasks such as consumables that aid player progress, others that reset or temporarily increase stats, expansion of storage capabilities, customizable fashion and equipment, such as mounts that allow faster movement and reduce travel time, social items and gifts that assist communication, and much more.

Gamers can visit the official Jade Dynasty website at: http://jd.perfectworld.com/ to view additional game play details, trailers, and screenshots.

Beta Trailer Open Beta trailer for Jade Dynasty

With this latest announcement we've also added Jade Dynasty to our game list.

For more information on the game, or to register for the beta, go here.

I've tried this game. Oh what an awful 3 hours.

I just edited my post. JD is actually a great game. I am playing it now. Mixed with some other crappy mmo I've tried.

I agree, this game is a complete grindfest and it looks very old to start with.  This is one game they should have left alone.

If you want a decent game play, Perfect World or Runes of Magic, don't bother with this game at all.

I don't think this game is crappy, a little grindfest, but not bad at all.

 Ooooh trying this. Flying with a sword, yes yes. Monnnnnkkeeeeyy maggicccccccc.

So you're saying you played for 3 hours and didn't encounter a single quest? Are you sure you played Jade Dynasty and not something else? What I think is more likely is that you took a 5 second look at the web site and dismissed this MMORPG as another "typical asian grinder."

If all you do in this game is kill mobs then it will take a very, very long time to level. This game's leveling, like Perfect World and Ether Saga, is based on quests. In fact, it's based on HUNDREDS (thousands?) of quests.

From what I've played of the game it's as feature complete as Perfect World International's other games. Jade Dynasty aka Zhu Xian was also the #1 most played MMORPG in China in 2008. What does that mean? A few forum posts saying this game isn't worth playing pales in comparison to the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of CONCURRENT USERS who disagree.

***

New to mmorpg.com. Played Guild Wars (1-2 years, all professions to level 20, ~15 sets of 15k+ armor, Gladiator title pre-nerf), World of Warcraft (1 year, 3 level 80's tank/dps, all full epic PvE/PvP gear, >50k honorable kills). Trying Runes of Magic, Requiem, Crowns of Power, Ether Saga.

hey look!! pseudo-asian metro-sexuals performing dramatic animations in the midst of nuclear explosion particle effects!!!

/puke

I just changed my topic. Mixed JD with some other game, sorry.

JD is actually a pretty decent game. Been playing it for like 2 weeks and enjoying so far. Tons of acivities keep you busy and make it all fun:

Regular Events (Quest Events, Group Events)
Treasure Hunt
Fishing
Fishing Competition for lvls 45+
Hero quests

I mean comparing to other games this one actually delivers fun on a different dimensions. Jade Dynasty does have a very steep learning curve for people who never played games like Perfect World. It may take a while to figure out things. I am 53 (out of 150) now and i still have to figure out a lot of things. I've already learned tons of stuff and it seems that the best way to learn its just keep playing do quests etc.

The game actually only really begins after you reach lvl 45. before that its more of a tutorial. Very freaking long one, but yeah, need to learn a lot.

I love the evolution system, where your esper items (skysword) and pets can actually evolve and change shape, look more powerful, bigger, cooler. Thats quite an impressive invention that I haven't seen in other games. I did play PW for a while but never got anywhere far. Was just way to relaxed of a game.

There are a lot of people do PvP between alliances. And in most cases of course they are griefing kids, so my Block List feels up little by little lol.

Game is fun. Cash Shop needs more items, but what already is there enough for starters. After all game is still in Open Beta. I hope it will get even better in 2-3 months.

I recommend to try it. There is a bit of grind. Like when you have to kill 100 mobs for some power quest, but then again you get rewarded appropriately. Those types of quests yield a lot of exp usually and a very good item rewards. But then again you can use 'Invigorate' feature of your esper which makes battle automated. Its probably the first game where 'Botting' is Legalized and you have all the features to do it.