Jagged Alliance: Back in Action (2012)

by Christopher February 8, 2012

written by Christopher February 8, 2012 5 minutes read

Summary

A modern revival of the Jagged Alliance series, focusing on tactical combat and strategic planning.

Release Year: 2012
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: bitComposer Games
Publishers: THQ Nordic

Introduction

‘Jagged Alliance: Back in Action’ revitalizes the classic strategy game with a modern gaming experience.

Synopsis

The game is set in the fictional island nation of Arulco, which is under the iron grip of a dictator, Deidranna Reitman. The player assumes the role of a mercenary captain contracted to liberate Arulco. The mission is to free the island from Deidranna’s rule, using strategic, diplomatic, and economic tools to keep troops supplied and ready for the next fight.

“Jagged Alliance: Back in Action” is a turn-based tactics game. Outside of battle, characters move in real time. When a battle starts, the game switches to a turn-based system. The game features a unique “plan-and-go” system, where players can issue orders for their characters while the game is paused. This system allows for strategic planning and execution of tactics, making each battle a test of wit and skill.

The game offers a dizzying amount of RPG-like elements, and recruiting mercenaries for one’s squad is a fun process. Each mercenary has specific areas of specialization indicated by a robust list of stats, and associated costs, based on how proficient they are. The soldiers also have their own personalities, conveyed largely through the charmingly-cheesy dialog snippets uttered during missions.

Expansion and DLCs

An expansion pack, “Jagged Alliance: Crossfire,” was released in August 2012. It features a new campaign set in a fictional country of Khanpaa. It also added an optional line of sight mode, fog of war system, and ten new mercenaries. Two downloadable content (DLC) packs were released for the game in May 2012 and June 2012 respectively: “Shades of Red” and “Point Blank”.

Characters

Features a diverse roster of mercenaries with unique skills and personalities.

Gameplay

Blends real-time strategy with pause-and-play tactics, emphasizing strategic planning and combat.

Conclusion

Offers a fresh take on the series with challenging gameplay and strategic depth.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.