I suppose that goes without saying because, if I interpret the situation correctly, the original version was for the xbox, the special edition, which is younger, is for PC. According to the Bioware web site (which is down when I'm writing this, btw) the Special Edition has Customizable, intuitive controls including support for game-pads and keyboard/mouse, so I'm not without hope with my lack of a console style controller, though. It might still pay off to read a review or two and see if they praise or insult the controls, I suppose...

Well, as it is, the only extra controller I currently do have, in addition to mouse/keyboard, is a Sidewinder Precision 2 joystick for flight simulators. I doubt that will help much with Jade Empire... >_>