Jagged Alliance 3 - Game Review
2Jagged Alliance 3 - Game Review
Ah, the beauty of orchestrating a perfect tactical maneuver, like a conductor of a battlefield orchestra. Socrates might not have said it, but the satisfaction we derive from a plan falling perfectly into place is undeniable. And the essence of this sentiment is captured so perfectly in the turn-based tactical combat of Jagged Alliance 3.
The game places you in the heart of an intriguing plot, where the president of the fictional West African nation of Grand Chien has been kidnapped by a nefarious character known as The Major. As the one tasked with assembling an international team of mercenaries, it's up to you to save the day. While the narrative has its doses of humor and cliches, it manages to stay engaging and impactful, striking a balance between tongue-in-cheek entertainment and grave geopolitical dilemmas.
But where Jagged Alliance 3 truly shines is its immersive tactical combat. The flexibility in squad customization opens doors to a plethora of playstyles, where your team of six mercenaries can master a diverse range of skills, from heavy weaponry to sniper rifles and demolitions. The ability to construct your squad according to your preferences, without being cornered into filling traditional roles, is refreshing. You're not punished for thinking out of the box or opting for a strategy that resonates with your style.
The game adds an extra layer of depth with pre-written characters. Unlike other strategy games, where characters are often blank canvases waiting to be painted, Jagged Alliance 3 equips you with characters who have distinct personalities and unique combat traits. It's a game that values individuality, as it celebrates the variety of characters, each bringing something unique to your squad and the narrative.
However, the game doesn't come without its quirks. The suppression mechanics might feel a bit constrained at times, especially when managing your ammo. Automatic weapons, though appealing for their firepower, can consume your resources quicker than anticipated, and the inability of single-shot weapons to suppress enemies might steer you towards unconventional tactical maneuvers. But these hiccups serve as a reminder that no battle is won without overcoming challenges.
A standout feature of Jagged Alliance 3 is its impressive world map, featuring over 100 distinct tiles each with their own custom 3D battle map. The diversity of environments is commendable, featuring everything from dense urban sprawls to open savannahs teeming with hostile wildlife. Each map is visually stunning, with excellent color palettes and lighting.
But the game doesn't stop at simply providing a visually stunning world, it also ensures there's plenty to do in it. Managing resources, securing critical points, and training local militias are just a few of the tasks at hand. Engaging side quests also offer rewarding incentives, adding to the overall depth of the game. Having a diverse team, each member excelling at a specific role, will aid in your journey, as you might have to disarm booby-traps or hack into classified data.
The campaign is a lengthy one, taking up over 40 hours if you choose to explore and complete side quests. But it's not a journey that overstays its welcome. The pacing and difficulty of the economic side could use some tweaking, but you’ll find it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. An array of progression options awaits your mercs, with the ability to craft useful weapon mods or to suit up in protective gear. Despite some minor flaws, you will find that there's enough variety to keep the campaign fresh and engaging.
When you look at Jagged Alliance 3 as a whole, it's a game that revels in its tactical roots, offering an action-packed, humor-laced extravaganza. Its character and map diversity, hand-built tactical environments, and a range of objectives ensure that the campaign remains fresh throughout. There's a special thrill in trying to keep your squad alive through each combat encounter, a tension that adds a whole new layer to the game. It might not always hit the bullseye with its humor, but it successfully tells an intriguing story that strikes a balance between complexity and intrigue. So, whether you are a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer, Jagged Alliance 3 is sure to offer a riveting, lead-slinging adventure that promises hours of fun.
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