Summary

Release Year: 2004
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: I-deal Games
Publishers: TopWare Interactive

Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire: A Mercenary’s Guide to Liberating Arulco

Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in command of a mercenary squad tasked with overthrowing a ruthless drug cartel and liberating the oppressed population of Arulco. Released in 2004, Wildfire is an expansion to the critically acclaimed Jagged Alliance 2, offering a vast and immersive gameplay experience that blends strategic combat, character management, and political intrigue.

Gameplay

As the leader of a mercenary squad, you’ll be responsible for recruiting, equipping, and training your team. Each mercenary has their own unique skills and abilities, and you’ll need to carefully assemble a team that can adapt to the challenges of Arulco’s diverse environments and enemy forces.

Combat in Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire is turn-based and tactical. You’ll need to carefully position your mercenaries, use cover to your advantage, and exploit enemy weaknesses to succeed. The game features a wide range of weapons and equipment, from assault rifles and sniper rifles to rocket launchers and explosives.

In addition to combat, you’ll also need to engage in diplomacy and negotiation. The people of Arulco are skeptical of outsiders, and you’ll need to earn their trust and support if you want to succeed in your mission. You’ll need to interact with local leaders, complete quests, and make tough choices that will affect the outcome of the conflict.

Setting

Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire is set in the fictional country of Arulco, a war-torn nation ravaged by a ruthless drug cartel. The cartel has infiltrated all levels of government and the military, and the population lives in fear and oppression.

As a mercenary, you’re working undercover on behalf of the US government to destroy the cartel and restore peace to Arulco. However, your mission is far from straightforward. You’ll face opposition from the cartel’s heavily armed forces, as well as from corrupt government officials and rebel groups.

Characters

Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire features a cast of over 50 mercenaries, each with their own unique backstory, skills, and personality. You’ll need to carefully consider each mercenary’s strengths and weaknesses when assembling your team.

Some of the most popular mercenaries in Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire include:

Ivan Dolvich: A Russian veteran with a reputation for being a skilled marksman and a deadly close-quarters combatant.
Raven: A former US Army Ranger with a knack for stealth and infiltration.
Biff: A demolitions expert with a penchant for blowing things up.
Gus: A doctor with a dark past who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Fox: A hacker with a talent for unlocking doors and disabling security systems.

Legacy

Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire is considered one of the greatest turn-based strategy games of all time. It has been praised for its deep and engaging gameplay, its realistic and immersive setting, and its cast of memorable characters.

Wildfire has also been influential in the development of other turn-based strategy games, such as the XCOM series and Wasteland 2. Its unique blend of combat, character management, and diplomacy has set a high standard for the genre.

Conclusion

Jagged Alliance 2: Wildfire is a challenging and rewarding turn-based strategy game that offers a deep and immersive gameplay experience. With its diverse cast of characters, realistic setting, and engaging storyline, Wildfire is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Whether you’re a seasoned Jagged Alliance veteran or a newcomer to the series, Wildfire is sure to provide hours of entertainment and strategic challenge. So assemble your mercenary squad, liberate Arulco from the clutches of the drug cartel, and become a legend in the process.