Jagged Alliance 3

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,584 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • humor
Jagged Alliance 3 Game Cover
A legendary, ancient series is back and better than ever with more firepower and personality than Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Daniel Craig rolled into one.
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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 mercenaries, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,584 reviews
gameplay352 positive mentions
optimization29 negative mentions
  • Faithful successor to Jagged Alliance 2, capturing the essence and humor of the original.
  • Engaging tactical combat with a variety of mercenaries, each with unique personalities and skills.
  • Richly detailed environments and a large world map with numerous quests and side missions.
  • AI can be inconsistent, sometimes acting irrationally or failing to utilize cover effectively.
  • Combat can feel unbalanced, with sniper rifles being overpowered and enemies sometimes being bullet sponges.
  • Inventory management is cumbersome, and the lack of visible hit percentages can lead to frustrating gameplay.
  • gameplay1,208 mentions

    The gameplay of "Jagged Alliance 3" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its tactical depth, engaging mechanics, and nostalgic elements reminiscent of the original series. Players appreciate the blend of old and new mechanics, including character customization and strategic combat, although some criticize the simplification of certain features and the lack of clear tutorials for new players. Overall, while the game offers a solid and enjoyable experience, it also presents challenges in terms of mechanics and balance that may frustrate some players.

    • “The gameplay itself feels great; positioning for an ambush or getting out of one, intercepting enemy shipments, watch out for friendly fire.”
    • “The mercenaries themselves are a highlight, each with unique personalities, abilities, and backstories, which adds depth and variety to the gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is solid and I can honestly say I didn't ever get bored with it, specifically.”
    • “Between the non-integrated inventory, high merc upkeeps, esoteric game mechanisms with no explanations, boring and repeated gameplay, as well as rampant save scumming, I would say this is a miss.”
    • “The gameplay gets pretty repetitive; you kill all enemies and then walk around looting the area.”
    • “With its lackluster gameplay, technical issues, uninspired visual and audio design, and missed opportunities for innovation, the game fails to live up to the legacy of the franchise.”
  • story1,063 mentions

    The story in "Jagged Alliance 3" is generally engaging, featuring a mix of campy humor, interesting characters, and a variety of side quests that enhance the overall experience. While the main plot revolves around rescuing a kidnapped president and liberating a fictional country, it is often described as predictable and cliché, reminiscent of 80s action movies. Players appreciate the depth of character interactions and the impact of their choices on the narrative, although some quests can be convoluted or buggy, affecting the flow of the story.

    • “The story is engaging, though not groundbreaking, and the focus remains on tactical gameplay rather than narrative.”
    • “Jagged Alliance 3 is a masterful creation filled with high-level tactical strategy, a solid story with various twists, turns, and unexpected moments, all packaged to deliver maximum fun.”
    • “The story is interesting, the characters genuinely likable and funny, sometimes a bit too odd, but always enjoyable.”
    • “The story is a bit weak and feels like a distant second to the base objectives, which are primarily about finding money and gear.”
    • “The narrative design is actually pretty impressive for this type of game, but the story itself lacks depth and character development.”
    • “The story is typical for a Jagged Alliance game, with many cool side quests and plot twists, but it doesn't feel particularly engaging or original.”
  • humor518 mentions

    The humor in "Jagged Alliance 3" is a standout feature, blending nostalgic 80s and 90s action movie tropes with quirky, irreverent dialogue that often elicits genuine laughter. Players appreciate the colorful personalities of the mercenaries, whose banter and one-liners add a light-hearted touch to the tactical gameplay, although some find the humor hit-or-miss and occasionally repetitive. Overall, the game successfully captures the charm of its predecessors while infusing it with a modern twist, making it enjoyable for both new players and long-time fans of the series.

    • “It's hilarious and infuriating all at once.”
    • “The dialogue is pretty funny, but it is also serious when it needs to be.”
    • “The characters are fun and varied, the voice acting is good, and the lines are funny and well written.”
    • “Some of the mercs are just not funny to me, but to each his own.”
    • “But for newcomers, it might be too silly or not funny, especially without that context coming in.”
    • “Humor is forced on you and it's not funny.”
  • graphics480 mentions

    The graphics of Jagged Alliance 3 have received generally positive feedback, with many players appreciating the modernized visuals that enhance the nostalgic feel of the original games. While some reviews note that the graphics are not groundbreaking and may have minor performance issues, the overall aesthetic is described as appealing, with detailed environments and character models that contribute to an immersive experience. However, a few players express disappointment, feeling that the focus on graphics may have come at the expense of deeper gameplay mechanics.

    • “Graphically, the game balances realism with a tactical overhead view that lets players assess the battlefield with ease.”
    • “The graphics and locations are excellently done, varied, and each has its own features that directly impact the combat.”
    • “The graphics have received a significant upgrade, and the attention to detail in character models, environments, and weapons is remarkable.”
    • “The graphics are terrible: 5/10.”
    • “The graphics must have cost an inordinate amount of time that would have been, in my opinion, better spent on more in-depth gameplay details like the gear system and tiny details like, indeed, auto-reloads.”
    • “Once again, graphics triumph over gameplay - like a dozen predecessors and clones that tried to replicate tactical turn-based experience in 3D, this game sacrifices what made JA2 / 1.13 stand the test of time to deliver okay-ish visuals.”
  • music191 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers praising its engaging soundtrack that features a mix of African influences and nostalgic elements reminiscent of earlier titles in the series. While some players noted that certain tracks may become repetitive over time, the majority found the music to be immersive and fitting for the game's atmosphere, contributing significantly to the emotional weight of gameplay moments. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, with many recommending it as a highlight of the game.

    • “Excellent dialogue and one-liners, great voice acting, rich environments, and an amazing soundtrack top it off for a 10/10 for the single-player experience.”
    • “The music, especially, is magnificent, sometimes drawing on previous themes (combining an orchestra with slide guitar), then bringing new flavors and feels, all of which add to and complement the atmosphere perfectly.”
    • “The soundtrack is appropriately gritty and atmospheric, adding to the game's overall immersion.”
    • “The music is forgettable.”
    • “The soundtrack isn't really compelling either.”
    • “Music is underwhelming and annoying at times; I turned it off and play my own music in the background, playing the JA2 OST in the background elevates the nostalgia to a whole new level.”
  • optimization134 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting smooth performance on high-end systems, while others experience significant frame rate drops, stuttering, and crashes, particularly on lower-end hardware or specific configurations like Linux. Many users noted that the game requires further optimization to address these issues, especially during intense gameplay scenarios or when environmental effects are present. Overall, while some players enjoy stable performance, a considerable number express concerns about the game's optimization and its impact on the overall experience.

    • “Performance has been solid with no issues running at 4k maxed out, and after the recent patch optimizing shadows I noticed the game significantly reduced GPU usage.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and looks pretty even on medium settings.”
    • “Graphics are excellent for this type of game and have good optimization.”
    • “Poor optimization.”
    • “The game is incredibly poorly optimized, bordering on a possible lawsuit due to the game putting the players' hardware at risk of getting damaged.”
    • “From frequent crashes and game-breaking bugs to poor optimization and long loading times, the game feels unfinished and lacking in polish.”
  • replayability120 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse mercenary options, customizable squad builds, and multiple quest outcomes, allowing players to experience different strategies and team dynamics with each playthrough. The inclusion of modding support further enhances its longevity, offering endless possibilities for new content and gameplay styles. While some players note limitations in complexity compared to predecessors, the overall consensus is that the game provides ample replay value through varied missions, character interactions, and side quests.

    • “Jagged Alliance 3 has very high replayability value, multiple endings for quests, a lot of different ways to build your team, amazing destructible environments, and plenty of customization.”
    • “Its replayability is a testament to its depth, providing fresh experiences with every new journey.”
    • “The game has a good replay value because there are many choices, time-dependent missions, side missions, and play styles.”
    • “In the end, I don't see a lot of replayability.”
    • “Honestly, I'd try to buy it during a sale, as the full price doesn't seem worth it considering how short the game is and the limited replayability.”
    • “The game (both the global map as well as the tactical sector maps) are also far less open than what we're used to from Jagged Alliance 2, severely limiting replayability.”
  • atmosphere90 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its vibrant and immersive qualities, successfully capturing the charm and humor of the original Jagged Alliance series while incorporating modern elements. Players appreciate the detailed environments, engaging character interactions, and a soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, although some feel it lacks the gritty essence of its predecessors. Overall, the game strikes a balance between nostalgic elements and fresh gameplay, creating a captivating atmosphere that resonates with fans.

    • “The soundtrack is appropriately gritty and atmospheric, adding to the game's overall immersion.”
    • “The lush environments, detailed character models, and atmospheric effects further enhance the gaming experience.”
    • “Right from the beginning, the atmosphere and the interesting personalities of your mercs will suck you in.”
    • “What I really disliked, though, is the atmosphere.”
    • “On the atmosphere of deadly games, which, unfortunately, isn't present here.”
    • “Not as classy as previous 2 parts (due to XCOM style tactical combat), but it tries to catch up with atmosphere.”
  • grinding71 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages. Common complaints include cumbersome inventory management, micromanagement of squads, and a lack of engaging combat, which can lead to a frustrating experience. While some players still enjoy the core gameplay, the grind often detracts from the overall enjoyment, making it feel like a chore rather than a rewarding challenge.

    • “It's not grindy, not too long, has a bunch of optional stuff.”
    • “Great turn-based tactics game with a tedious strategic layer (satellite view) that mostly feels like a waste of time with constant raids that are there for the sole purpose of being annoying and diamond shipments that aren't rewarding enough to be worth chasing.”
    • “The inventory system is also pretty crappy; there is no sorting or filtering, and it's tedious as hell to do logistics for more than one squad.”
    • “Overall the game is fun to play, but it can be frustrating and grindy at times.”
  • stability70 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly in multiplayer modes and on certain platforms like Linux and Steam Deck. While some users have experienced minimal issues and praise the game's performance, others highlight frequent freezes and significant technical problems that hinder the experience. Despite these challenges, many players appreciate the game's artistic quality and express hope for future improvements.

    • “Mostly bug free and complete from day one, that alone deserves some kind of award these days.”
    • “The game runs great and there's plenty of content to explore and enjoy.”
    • “The game seems to be bug free, which is quite an amazing accomplishment in today's games.”
    • “The multiplayer is riddled with other players falling out of sync, bugs, glitches, and many other problems.”
    • “The game itself seems quite fun and good, but constant freezes make it almost unplayable.”
    • “A wonderful collection of bugs and glitches that further enhance the game's instability, very well done!”
  • emotional28 mentions

    Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, highlighting its ability to evoke nostalgia and deep feelings through well-developed characters and impactful storytelling. The blend of humor, tactical challenges, and serious moments creates a rich emotional experience, with many reviewers noting that character losses significantly affect them both strategically and emotionally. Overall, the game is praised for its heartfelt homage to its predecessors, making it a memorable and emotionally resonant experience for long-time fans.

    • “Story, humor, tactics, fun, cool characters, and even a deep emotional experience.”
    • “They made a sequel to a core classic game that actually made me cry with manic nostalgia.”
    • “The well-developed characters add depth and emotional investment to the story, making each interaction feel meaningful.”
  • character development24 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the unique interactions, rich dialogues, and detailed character designs that evoke a strong RPG feel. However, others criticize it for lacking depth and progression, describing it as underwhelming compared to other modern strategy games. While the perk system and character customization are noted, many players feel that the overall character development does not meet their expectations.

    • “Character development: characters are very well-developed, featuring unique interactions, rich dialogues, and spontaneous responses.”
    • “Excellent turn-based fighting with character development and map conquest.”
    • “The isometric landscapes brim with detail, and the character designs breathe life into the mercenaries that inhabit this tumultuous world.”
    • “The bad: if you are playing this for plot or character development, you will be disappointed.”
    • “The plot revolves around a conflict-ridden region, and while it provides a suitable backdrop for your mercenary escapades, it lacks the depth and character development found in other modern strategy games.”
    • “Character development and progression have always been key elements of the Jagged Alliance series, but in Jagged Alliance 3, they feel lacking and uninspired.”
  • monetization17 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been positively received, with reviewers praising its absence of microtransactions and labeling it as a genuine passion project rather than a cash grab. Many fans of the series feel reassured that this installment respects the legacy of its predecessors, offering a rich experience without the pitfalls of modern monetization practices. Overall, it is seen as a refreshing return to form for the franchise, standing out amidst a landscape of games often criticized for exploitative monetization strategies.

    • “One commendable aspect is the absence of microtransactions, a welcome rarity in modern gaming.”
    • “There are no in-game purchases.”
    • “Kind of felt like a cash grab since I feel like they got the game in, but decided not to fill it out too much.”
    • “The game almost feels like a cash grab.”
    • “So far, the game looks like a cash grab from an IP.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

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Play time

42hMedian play time
165hAverage play time
12-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 62 analyzed playthroughs

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