Jagged Alliance 3 review (PC)

Jagged Alliance 3, developed by Haemimont Games and published by THQ Nordic, brings the beloved franchise back to life with a new take on turn-based tactical combat. Set in the fictional nation of Grand Chien, players take on the role of mercenaries hired to rescue the kidnapped president and restore order to the country. The game offers a wide array of recruitable mercenaries, each with their own unique personalities, quirks, and skills, making for a diverse and entertaining cast of characters to accompany players on their journey. It’s been a long time since the previous game launched – does Jagged Alliance 3 have what it takes in 2023?

The strategic gameplay of Jagged Alliance 3 combines both tactical battles and larger-scale strategic elements through the overworld you see when not in battle. On the strategic map, players can oversee enemy movements, manage operations, hire new mercenaries, and navigate the battle against The Legion. This larger-scale gameplay is designed to support the tactical battles, which form the heart of the game and have been the core of Jagged Alliance for ages. The tactical battles themselves provide engaging and fair (though very challenging) combat experiences. Players can experiment with different approaches, utilizing a variety of weapons and taking advantage of the game’s stealth system to outmaneuver their enemies. The game’s well-designed maps offer diverse avenues of approach, ensuring each battle feels fresh and exciting.

While Jagged Alliance 3 excels in its tactical gameplay and character interactions, the main narrative falls somewhat short, lacking depth and originality. However, the game compensates for this with numerous side quests that add depth and variety to the overall experience. The world design is intriguing, and the voice acting, along with the strong writing for the dialogues, makes the NPCs and mercenaries enjoyable to interact with. Each mercenary feels distinct and original in their personality, and their interpersonal dynamics add an immersive element to the game. The interactions and banter between mercenaries create a sense of camaraderie and make the mercenaries more than just expendable soldiers, so it’s a shame that the story that connects everything isn’t that memorable.

The game’s combat mechanics, resource management, and squad composition offer an engaging and challenging experience for hardcore tactical fans. The chance-to-hit mechanic, although frustrating at times, adds an element of unpredictability to the battles. Players must carefully manage their resources, including money and supplies, while navigating the ever-present contracts of their mercenaries. Balancing the need for rest and healing with the urgency of completing missions creates a constant sense of tension and strategic decision-making.

Jagged Alliance 3 features a visually pleasing environment, but certainly doesn’t stand out among the crowd of other tactical/strategy games. The attention to detail in the environments and the distinct visual personalities of the mercenaries are commendable though, as they help bring the world to life.

In conclusion, Jagged Alliance 3 successfully revitalizes the franchise with its engaging gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and strategic depth. While it may not appeal to everyone, fans of turn-based tactics will find a worthy successor in Jagged Alliance 3, despite its few imperfections. It provides an enjoyable and immersive experience that will keep players engaged for hours, though they have to come ready to take on a serious challenge. With its combination of tactical battles and larger-scale strategy, Jagged Alliance 3 offers a well-rounded and entertaining adventure for fans of the genre that was well worth the long wait.

Score: 8.0/10