The player can manually shift enemies by pulling the L or R Triggers, and can also enter a 'free targeting' mode of movement by pulling both triggers simultaneously. When combat begins, the closest enemy is automatically targeted, and all other enemies take a (relatively) passive role by targeting the follower (if they are in Attack Mode), or staggering their attacks (if the follower is in Support Mode). During combat, the camera is loosely centered on the player, and adjusts/compensates automatically around on-screen obstacles and obstructions. The amount of Chi available to the player is indicated by the blue bar located at the top left portion of the screen. Chi energy serves as the 'mana' for magical styles, and is consumed continually when a player enters a Transformation Style. By pressing the black button, many styles can use Chi to increase the damage delivered. By pressing the white button, players can use Chi energy for instantaneous healing. Chi in combat can be used in several ways. While in Focus mode, the Yellow bar at the top left portion of the screen is consumed at a continual rate. Players can enter Focus Mode, a 'bullet-time' style of combat time where they move at a faster rate than the enemies, and thus gain an advantage, by pressing the ( Y) button. In the combat pantheon, Fast Attacks counter Strong Attacks, Strong Attacks counter Blocks, Area Attacks counter Fast Attacks and Strong Attacks, and Blocks counter Area Attacks and Fast Attacks. There are four fundamental combat actions: Fast Attack ( color=green> A), Strong Attack ( X), Area Attack ( A + X), and Block / Evade ( color=red>B). This is the case for lethal and non-lethal combat. Battles in Jade Empire are real-time, contact (collision /pixel)-dependent, rock/paper/scissor based combat.

Jade empire sword or staff