Jagged Alliance Introduction:
The Jagged Alliance game series revolves around the strategic control of mercenary squads, both on and off the battlefield, as they undertake diverse missions, such as liberating nations from oppressive dictators. These games blend turn-based combat simulations, 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) elements, and role-playing mechanics.
A trademark of the series is the injection of humor through comments made by the in-game characters. The individual mercenaries exhibit a wide range of personalities, varying from mildly quirky to deeply disturbed. This contrast with the game's backdrop, closely tied to themes of war and mortality.
Each mercenary possesses unique traits, and player strategy involves the freedom to assemble a diverse team to achieve victory through different approaches. However, not all combinations of mercenaries work well together. For instance, the Polish bodybuilder Steroid despises Ivan and his nephew Igor, who otherwise have a strong working relationship. Similarly, Danish markswoman "Buns" dislikes "Fox," a medic known for their attractive appearance. Conversely, "Fox" holds a fondness for "Grizzly" and has developed a bit of a crush on them.
Gameplay:
Mercenaries embark on various randomly assigned missions, ensuring that the pool of available characters remains dynamic for each game.
Maintaining a positive reputation is crucial in the Jagged Alliance series. Frequent troop losses, rapid hiring and firing of team members, and general insensitivity (like neglecting to cover deceased mercenary transport expenses) can all lower the player's reputation. A tarnished reputation affects all mercenaries, potentially leading them to demand higher pay. Mercenaries might even quit unless they are discreetly offered bonuses. Only desperate mercenaries would agree to work for players with notorious reputations.
The intellectual property (IP) for Jagged Alliance has changed hands across multiple companies. The series and IP were initially created by Mad Labs Software, later becoming part of the publisher Sir-Tech Software, Inc., along with the IP transfer. Subsequent developments involving the IP passed through various companies due to bankruptcies and acquisitions, ultimately leading to Strategy First owning the IP.
Final Words:
The first game, developed by MadLab Software, tasked players with liberating the fictional island of Metavira from the avaricious Santino. Recruitment of mercenaries, territory exploration, and resource management formed key gameplay elements.
The second game, released in 1999, aimed to free the nation of Arulco from its tyrannical ruler, Queen Deidranna. Players were hired by the exiled king to overthrow the oppressive regime. The game introduced improved graphics, isometric pseudo-3D visuals, destructible terrain, and an expanded arsenal of weapons.
Jagged Alliance 2 experienced extensive fan-modding, introducing variations like v1.13, Urban Chaos, Deidranna Lives, Renegade Republic, and JA2-Stracciatella. While attempts were made to bring the series to platforms like the Nintendo DS, not all projects came to fruition.
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