Jagged Alliance 3
" Tactical action-strategy with deep turn-based combat and merc personalities, but steep learning curve "
Jagged Alliance 3 Review
Jagged Alliance 3 is widely praised as a worthy successor to the beloved Jagged Alliance 2, successfully capturing the classic tactical turn-based gameplay while introducing modern graphics and a rich storyline. Players appreciate the game's strategic depth, including team composition, unique mercenary personalities, and skill synergies that affect combat and squad dynamics. The tropical island setting of Grand Chien is visually appealing and enhances immersion with unique locales and a fitting soundtrack. The narrative is engaging with numerous side quests, memorable characters, and a blend of humor and serious themes.
However, some players note a steep learning curve due to minimal tutorialization and hidden mechanics that impact gameplay significantly. Inventory management and logistics can be cumbersome, and RNG elements occasionally cause frustrating combat moments. Despite these issues, the game offers substantial replayability through branching storylines and mercenary combinations, with good mod support expected to extend its lifespan.
Highlights
Players especially praise the turn-based tactical combat and strategic team assembly, highlighting the unique mercenary personalities and skill interactions. The graphics and setting of Grand Chien are lauded for their beauty and distinctiveness. The storyline and writing receive acclaim for combining humor, depth, and memorable side quests, supported by strong voice acting. Many find the game addictive and engaging, with a well-balanced mix of campiness and serious narrative moments.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a lack of clear tutorial guidance, making the early game confusing for newcomers. Inventory management and logistics across the map are seen as tedious and time-consuming. Some players find combat RNG frustrating, especially on higher difficulties. A few mention occasional technical issues and wish for more content such as DLC expansions. The strategic layer is described as somewhat lightweight, and some UI elements could be more intuitive.
Pros
- • Turn-based combat is deep and rewarding with strategic team composition.
- • Unique mercenary personalities add charm and tactical variety.
- • Beautiful and diverse tropical island setting enhances immersion.
- • Engaging story with humor, memorable characters, and side quests.
- • Strong voice acting and well-written dialogue enrich the experience.
- • Good mod support allows for gameplay customization and extension.
- • Blend of campy and serious tones creates a unique atmosphere.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve due to lack of tutorial and hidden mechanics.
- • Inventory and logistics management can be tedious and frustrating.
- • Randomness in combat can lead to aggravating moments.
- • Some UI elements, like map notes, lack clarity and convenience.
- • Limited strategic layer depth compared to turn-based combat.
- • Early game pacing and guidance may discourage new players.
- • Occasional technical issues reported, including crashes.
Rating Criteria
The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.
