Jagged Alliance: Back In Action

"Time will tell."


 

Developer: Kalypso
Publisher: bitComposer Games
Release Date: February 9, 2012
Platform(s): PC
Genre: Strategy

 

Jagged Alliance once ran along with the big boys/girls in the golden age for strategy games. This squad-based title puts a bunch of mercenaries in jungles and the likes, to overcome whatever mission that’s handed to them. Shoot first and ask questions later; that’s how we like it. After slowly fading into anonymity, along with most of its peers, this franchise is returning to action with Jagged Alliance: Back in Action (JABA); yes.

 

 

The pixel age is long gone now, so JABA adapts to the times with its 3D environments, viewed from a top perspective. It’s nothing fancy, but taking mercenaries through the swamps, jungles and other tropical regions of the world is portrayed in an adequate way nonetheless. Even if some jagged textures tend to blend in with others, it fits the theme of camouflage. But taking some time to adjust the camera now and again is advised, in order not to miss any important highlights. These points of interested pop out with small green indicators that display any interactive object. In addition, there’s also an inventory with a simple interface to equip mercs and adjust their settings, as well as a side bar on the right for quick commands such as stances and fire rate. Finally, a map on the lower left pinpoints the most important features, such as objectives and enemies. Given the adjustable pause option, this offers a capable overview in order to issue commands and keep a general eye on the entire situation.

Gameplay will get addressed mostly by taking in the map and situation, positioning mercenaries and carrying orders once everything is completed. Besides the real time clicking mechanism, JABA also introduces Commander mode, which freezes time in order to set up a route. The great thing about this is the ability to synchronize actions for all mercs across the map. For instance, 2 mercs can get into position and take out guards simultaneously, even if their routes are different. The merc who arrives first will then wait for the cue of the other one, before proceeding with his actions. This way, orders get a lot easier to issue and that creates an accessibility that is easily learned and removes some unnecessary busywork. Commander mode helps planning and executing and that is a big part of the game.

 

 

However, the buck stops there when it comes to big innovations seen thus far. That doesn’t mean that JABA is going to be a bad game, but if it looks generic and it feels generic, then what’s stopping it from being generic? It’s still the tactical big show it once was, with making sure team members exploit their qualities, move into advantageous places and finish missions with optimal efficiency. But as that concept hasn’t really changed nor improved a lot throughout the ages, the end product might come up short in the overall wow factor. Luckily, there are still refinements added, such as repairing items, disabling mines, collecting experience and so forth. But so far, perhaps the veneer of nostalgia won’t be enough to ensure that JABA has any staying power when it comes to a full release. Perhaps compelling missions, clever level designs or tactical puzzles might sway that gut feeling. Time will tell.

Before concluding, there was already one noticeable flaw that could potentially ruin the fun. When positioning or moving the team, often times the detection would go haywire for a few critical seconds. Mercs would start dancing or equip and unequip weapons in a confused state, which could prove fatal in tight situations. Fluid motion is an essential part of a strategy success and it seems this isn’t quite on point as of yet.

 

 

Bottom line; is Jagged Alliance: Back In Action going to be a title to look forward to? Yes, but! Yes, but this will probably only apply to fans of the series, genre or people longing to go back to the glory days of titles such as the Commandos series. It might end up fading into (good?) mediocrity, but it definitely adds enough positive elements to create a decent title de facto. Perhaps it just won’t return in a blaze of glory like it once did, certainly given the fierce February 14 release, along with many other titles. But not every game needs to return that way. The important part is that the franchise is revived and developed adequately. That’s all it really needs.

Screenshots

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)