The gaming industry rarely spoils players with quality tactical strategies. And now after 24 years, the developers of the iconic strategy series of the 90s, Jagged Alliance, have decided to give a new life to their legendary franchise. On the 14th of July the long-awaited Jagged Alliance 3 was released. Did the creators of the game manage not to disappoint the fans and to interest the new, unfamiliar with the series audience, giving a fresh breath of the legendary series?
About the game
Jagged Alliance 3 is a tactical, turn-based strategy game where players will explore the country of Grand Chien, where chaos and lawlessness reign. In the country, President Alphonse Lafontaine has disappeared and a military group called “Legion” has seized power. By agreement with the all-powerful corporation “Adonis”, members of the president’s family find experienced mercenaries who must find the head of state and restore order in the country. It is the management of the mercenary squads and the imposition of law and order that players must deal with. The top aus online casino also adds games with similar mechanics and missions.
Map
The map of the country is quite extensive and is divided into sectors, on which you move the mercenary squad in search of adventure. Each square is a separate well-designed location, where you can perform various quests or engage in tactical turn-based battles, clearing sector after sector from the “Legion” army. The strongest enemy positions are located at diamond mines, settlements and outposts. You need to prepare for battles for these squares in advance.
Combat System
Let’s dwell on the most important thing: the combat system. It remains traditional, with the usual action points, which the player can dispose of at his discretion. Points can be spent on shooting, healing, moving or hiding the character. During your turn, you can switch to any fighter in the unit, which is quite convenient. You can also shoot at different parts of the body (from head to toe), which affects the power of the damage done and imposes status effects on the enemy, such as reduced accuracy, bleeding, burning, etc. These mechanics give firefights more variety.
Squad and Pumping
In order to complete missions and liberate sectors, you will need mercenaries to build your own squad. There are 40 characters available for hire, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Each of them is colorful in their own way and has their own specialization, unique set of skills and perks.
Specializations are divided into: leader, medic, technician, sniper and bomber. All specialities are special and affect the style of play of each fighter, as well as the pumping of the corresponding characteristics. In the game there is a character Kalina Sokolova, who is the daughter of a miner. The girl shoots well, understands technology and loves folk tales.
Enemies
Enemies from the army of the “Legion” are also diverse and are divided according to the style of play and weaponry. For example, the sniper, having a rifle, keeps a distance and tries to hit from a distance, and stormtroopers on the contrary put pressure and attack the fighters from the flanks, armed with automatic rifles. There are also elite enemy sergeants, who have more health and raise the alarm faster. In general, the enemies and their AI are well worked out, mopping up sectors and fighting in general is fun and not boring.
Verdict
Well, now it’s safe to say that the Jagged Alliance series is back, and it was quite successful. In general, the new part kept the old mechanics of the previous parts and successfully implemented them with new ones. Despite some technical flaws, the game turned out to be interesting, so the fans of the series will definitely be delighted. But newcomers may find the familiarity with the series a bit hardcore, but if you get used to the mechanics and “get involved”, you will get a lot of pleasure from the game.
