Launch game through the folder w the exe. Profit.

You have to go through so many hoops to just be able to start the game, and then trying to get 144hz or even just your controller to work correctly is such a hassle

This game is legit broken and requires jumping through some hoops to get running on modern operating systems and hardware. I feel like a broken record saying this, but, just buy the GOG version if you're interested. I'm still amazed Valve is allowed to sell games on the Steam store that are completely broken when you click play. With that said, you could argue Jade Empire occupies a spot near the bottom of Bioware's catalogue. Mashy, uninspired combat and a bland story. It's not offensively bad, but it's not great. A solid 7-7.5. The contemporaneous reviews are overly glowing because it has not aged particularly well. Play it if you're a hardcore Bioware fan or just love variety. The setting is the strongest part of the game.