Jagged Alliance 3, the highly anticipated installment in the popular game series, is finally here. Developed by Haemimont Games and published by THQ Nordic, this game is set to launch on July 14, 2023, exclusively for PC. Set in the fictional country of Grand Chien, chaos ensues as the elected president mysteriously disappears, and the notorious paramilitary force called “the Legion” takes over. In this gripping narrative, players step into the shoes of a mercenary group commander tasked with liberating the nation from the clutches of a brutal and enigmatic antagonist known only as ‘The Major'.
Prepare for an intense and strategic gaming experience as you navigate through a world on the brink of destruction, recruiting mercenaries, and forming alliances to take down this formidable foe. Jagged Alliance 3 promises to deliver an immersive gameplay experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats.
Jagged Alliance 2, released in 1999, made a huge impact in the gaming industry and gained a reputation as one of the greatest turn-based tactical games ever made. However, subsequent releases in the Jagged Alliance franchise failed to live up to the high standards set by its predecessor. So, when news of Jagged Alliance 3 started circulating, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As an avid fan of turn-based tactical games, I desperately hoped that this new installment would reignite the magic of the original. I am pleased to say that Jagged Alliance 3 has not only met my expectations but exceeded them. Its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and captivating storyline have truly reinvigorated the franchise, proving that sometimes, great things do come in threes.
Mercenary Recruitment Process in Jagged Alliance 3
The importance of hiring mercenaries for the initial deployment becomes crucial when beginning with limited funds. The process involves carefully sifting through the lists of available mercs, considering their unique personalities and traits. Each mercenary brings their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, adding an element of laughter and dynamism to the team.
This diversity of personalities creates an interesting gameplay experience, as the mercenaries react differently to events in the field. Sometimes, a desired mercenary may refuse to join the team due to their dislike for another already employed mercenary. These intricate dynamics and the unpredictability they bring make the hiring process a strategic and engaging aspect of the mission.
When confronted with a task, one must consider the choices of enlisting either inexperienced mercenaries or renowned mercenaries. While hiring a team of recruit level mercs may seem more cost-effective, their lack of experience can pose challenges during the mission. On the other hand, legendary mercenaries may come with a hefty price tag but possess unparalleled skills that allow them to effortlessly navigate through any area.
It all comes down to one's financial capabilities. In my case, I decided to employ a legendary mercenary known as ‘Steroid' to join my team. Not only does he bear a striking resemblance to a popular action star from the 80's, but his voice overs are filled with cheesy one-liners and banter among the mercs. Despite the silliness, I found myself enjoying the comedic relief and even laughed along the way.
Strategic Endeavors: Choosing the Right Mercenaries
In the realm of strategic endeavors, choosing the right mercenaries is vital in order to achieve success. Every mercenary possesses a distinct set of abilities that can be extremely valuable in practical situations. Whether you need an all-rounder to handle various tasks, a mechanic to fix equipment, a medic to tend to injuries, or an explosive expert to handle dangerous situations, there is a mercenary for every job.
Starting with basic gear, your team can progress and obtain better weapons and equipment to enhance their capabilities. It's important to note that different mercenaries may excel with specific gear sets, providing a much-needed advantage in the field. In this turn-based strategy game, each mercenary has limited action points, requiring careful planning and decision-making in order to move, shoot, or heal effectively.
Enhancing Equipment: Customization and Uniqueness
I really liked the feature of being able to enhance equipment in Jagged Alliance 3. The game offered a mechanic that allowed players to increase their chances of successfully adding modifications to weapons or enhancing their gear. However, it was important to choose the right mercenary for the job, as using someone with no skill in that area could result in the gear breaking and becoming unusable until repaired. I have always been drawn to games that offer extensive customization options, as they allow me to make my team or character more unique and personable.
Intuitive User Interface and Freedom of Movement
The user interface in this game is quite intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate through map deployments and utilize various commands to guide their team throughout the mission area. The freedom to move the team around allows players to explore and discover their objectives while also collecting valuable loot along the way. A unique aspect of the gameplay is the ability to strategically sneak attack enemy soldiers, dealing significant damage before being detected, and then transitioning into the standard turn-based tactics once spotted.
One particularly memorable mission involved liberating a village from enemy troops, and upon successful completion, the game offered the opportunity to manage the village. This included setting up training programs for the villagers, allowing them to learn how to defend themselves under the guidance of skilled mercenaries.
Frustrating Mechanics: The Challenge of Hitting Targets
I have had my fair share of close calls and narrow escapes, but the infuriating aspect of this game lies in its mechanic for hitting targets. It is utterly frustrating when one of my skilled mercenaries, standing just inches away from an enemy, takes a shot with their pistol and misses. At such a close range, it is only logical to assume that their exceptional weapon handling skills would guarantee a hit.
It reminds me of the traumatic moments in XCOM2, where even with a 98% chance to hit, shots would inexplicably miss. Perhaps the developers should consider tightening up this aspect of the game. However, despite these moments, the tactical gameplay remains challenging and forces you to carefully strategize and devise a systematic approach to take down all enemies in the area.
Visually Stunning Gameplay and Realistic Cover System
Jagged Alliance 3 is a visually stunning game, with its mission areas like Grand Chien and its diverse range of characters that are intricately designed. The attention to detail and interactivity in these areas is truly impressive. One aspect of the game that adds to its appeal is the ability to strategically position your mercenaries behind different objects for cover from enemy fire.
Whether it's a big rock or a sturdy brick wall, placing your merc in a good cover position can greatly increase their chances of survival. However, the game also adds a layer of realism by making the choice of cover matter. Putting a merc behind a flimsy wooden fence, for example, increases the risk of them being easily targeted and taking heavy fire from the enemy. This adds an interesting and challenging element to the game, forcing players to think strategically and carefully consider their choices in order to succeed.
Verdict
The developers at Haemimont Games have done an excellent job in creating a well-designed successor to the series. Although there are a few minor areas that could be improved upon, this release demonstrates the studio's prowess in game development, especially considering their success with Stranded: Alien Dawn earlier this year. Overall, Jagged Alliance 3 is a worthy addition to the franchise and is sure to captivate players with its immersive gameplay and engaging dialogue.
