Jagged Alliance: Rage!

Let’s be frank, if the name didn’t contain “Jagged Alliance” I wouldn’t have played it even if it would be for free (Install-heck-no-uninstall). But I did pay for it, so I gave it a shot. This game is not ready. It does not seem to have "advanced" features like option to rebind keys, quicksave, quickload. The weapon choice is minimal. Inventory solution is from last century. For example mercs cannot wear helmet and sunglasses simultaneously. Sometimes camera is moved so that you can’t see the headshot percentage. At least it did not crash. Some design features are annoying like looting system, only turn based game mode, having manually close the loading screen. What is the purpose for that on a turn-based game? Other choices could be better. One lacks options to roam freely, compared to Jagged Alliance 2, trucks are as useful as boulders, weapons have the durability as if were made of aluminium or cheese. Sadly there is no no-one to buy or sell stuff to. Well, I didn’t find any stores and there is not enough time to search (by design). At least the storyline is satisfactory for yet another game (this genre). Just keep your expectations low. There will be no amusing landmarks like slap-slap, “Ellioot, you idiot”!

I was hoping for a bigger, better version of JA2 Wildfire with tons of new weapons and a fresh generation of mercs. OMG it failed miserably. Only 6 mercs to choose from, of which you only get to use two for the team. No custom option to create your leader. No go anywhere, whenever you want to go there ability. You just get a pathway to follow as you clear a zone. You can't even savegame while in play. I could go on and on. I just hope it doesn't take as long to uninstall as it did to install. It truly doesn't deserve the one star required to comment.

If you want to feel the joy of old times playing Jagged Alliance, this is NOT FOR YOU! Don't bother. Save money for something else. ;)

Jagged Alliance was a pretty cool game. This "sequel" isn't. Really dull gameplay with frequently annoying control issues. Sometimes, it doesn't make any sense how some enemies can see you, but others can't. It also has ugly, primitive graphics, but still runs my laptop red hot for some reason. The really cool thing about JA 1, 2 and Deadly Games was that you hired mercenaries and managed them as you attempted to solve the varying big, challenging missions. JA Rage consists of a series of small maps that you take on in a linear fashion, with zero wider strategic components. Take down the nearest guard, take down the next one in line, etc. Two characters on the map instead of a full team. 6 to choose from instead of dozens... At least the music didn't suck.