Features

The old-age, rock-hard mercenaries series is back, but now revamped and boasting controversial new gameplay options. But can Jagged Alliance: Back In Action on the PC win over newcomers with this reboot while satisfying die-hard veterans?

A remake of the 1999 Jagged Alliance 2, the premise is simple but juicy - you and your 'soldiers of fortune' are charged with Bravo Two Zero-ing the island of Arulco to oust a despot in return for sackloads of cash, kudos and, we assume, Nectar points. This means hiring mercs to build up your squad, and kitting them out before turning them loose on the locals.

With 3D graphics that let you rotate round and zoom in on the game area (and the national stereotypes that can make up your team), you dish out orders, movements and more before setting the team off on their rampage. Raising eyebrows among Jagged Alliance aficionados though has been the introduction of the new 'Plan & Go' system. This features in-depth turn-based planning for your posse while offering the ability for RTS-like on-the-fly tactical changes at any moment. Spot a bunch of enemy cowering in cover behind the obligatory Toyota pick-up? Then lob in a hand grenade as and when you want to.

Such shenanigans may seem sacrilegious to existing fans but in reality, this approach adds yet another strategic element to an already tough, tactics title. After all, this is old school; where moving a foot in the wrong direction can mean the difference between life and death; where the death of a merc in your squad is permanent; where the quicksave key will become your best friend. And where you will experience decidedly un-SAS-like temper tantrums when your plans go up a certain creek.

But that's what remains so refreshing about Jagged Alliance in these days of hand-holding and challenge-killing checkpoints; that success or failure in the game really is down to you and your successful execution of guerilla tactics. In that regard then, we're hoping that JA remains back in action for another decade - and urge you to McNab this reboot asap. And that's an order.