Jagged Alliance 3

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,839 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

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,839 reviews
gameplay519 positive mentions
optimization50 negative mentions
  • Captures the essence and humor of the original Jagged Alliance games while modernizing gameplay.
  • Engaging tactical combat with a variety of mercenaries, each with unique personalities and skills.
  • Rich world with numerous quests and side missions that offer replayability and meaningful choices.
  • AI can be inconsistent, often leading to frustrating encounters where enemies behave illogically.
  • The inventory management system is cumbersome and lacks sorting options, making it tedious to manage gear.
  • Difficulty spikes can be abrupt, leading to situations where players may feel overwhelmed without adequate preparation.
  • gameplay1,864 mentions

    The gameplay of Jagged Alliance 3 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging tactical mechanics and nostalgic elements reminiscent of the original series. Players appreciate the depth of strategy involved, the unique personalities of mercenaries, and the blend of turn-based combat with RPG elements, though some criticize the simplification of certain mechanics and the lack of clarity in tutorials. Overall, while the game offers a solid and enjoyable experience, it also presents challenges and frustrations that may deter some players, particularly those familiar with the complexities of earlier titles in the franchise.

    • “Feels like JA2 and 2.5, great gameplay, requires thinking.”
    • “Mercs have their personalities, there's a ton of insane support characters straight from Van Damme and Seagal movies from the 90s and early 2000s; the gameplay keeps you engaged for hours on end... just buy and play the damned thing already!”
    • “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.”
  • story1,666 mentions

    The story in "Jagged Alliance 3" is generally well-received, featuring a mix of engaging main and side quests that offer multiple outcomes and character interactions that enhance immersion. While some players find the narrative predictable or cliché, many appreciate the humor, depth, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic action films, alongside a rich world filled with quirky characters. However, issues such as quest bugs and pacing can detract from the overall experience, leading to mixed feelings about the story's execution.

    • “Great story and immersion.”
    • “The story is interesting too.”
    • “The story is great, the combat mechanics are highly complex and realistic.”
    • “The story in the game takes place in the Africa continent.”
    • “In terms of the story, the characters and dialogues are mediocre.”
    • “Very expendable story about a bunch of mercs sent to an island to help free it.”
  • humor828 mentions

    The humor in "Jagged Alliance 3" is a mix of nostalgic, campy, and sometimes cringeworthy elements, drawing heavily from 80s and 90s action movie tropes. While many players appreciate the quirky banter and character interactions that evoke fond memories of the original games, some find the humor hit-or-miss, with certain jokes feeling forced or outdated. Overall, the game's comedic tone adds to its charm, making it enjoyable for fans of light-hearted tactical gameplay.

    • “The characters are fun and varied, the voice acting is good and the lines are funny and well written.”
    • “The humor is sharp and reminiscent of the classic, while the gameplay remains close enough with thrilling combat.”
    • “The game has an awesome 2000s American action movie style, humor, non-linearity, and lots of other great features.”
    • “I'll admit that not all of it is that funny (not offensive to me, but just unfunny), but it's all keeping in tone of the series.”
    • “Sure, some of the humor is cringey, and some of the models and UI elements could be a little better.”
    • “Some of the humor is cringey, and while it has its moments, it doesn't always hit the mark.”
  • graphics742 mentions

    The graphics in Jagged Alliance 3 have received significant praise for their modernized aesthetic, which retains the charm of the original games while enhancing visual fidelity. Many players appreciate the detailed environments, character models, and atmospheric effects, although some note that the graphics can be demanding on hardware and may require optimization. Overall, the visuals are seen as a strong point of the game, contributing to an engaging and immersive experience, despite some criticisms regarding performance and minor graphical glitches.

    • “The graphics and locations are excellently done, varied, and each has its own features that directly impact the combat.”
    • “Visually, ja3 delivers with well-crafted graphics that complement its immersive environments and narrative.”
    • “The graphics have received a significant upgrade, and the attention to detail in character models, environments, and weapons is remarkable.”
    • “Sorry, but only refurbishing graphics is not enough if you can't beat a 25-year-old game.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • music288 mentions

    The music in "Jagged Alliance 3" has received a mixed reception, with many praising its robust and nostalgic soundtrack that evokes memories of earlier installments, particularly "JA2." While some players find the music to be engaging and well-crafted, enhancing the game's atmosphere, others feel it lacks memorability and can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its quality and variety, with specific highlights for its orchestral elements and cultural influences, though some players still prefer the iconic compositions of the original games.

    • “And ah, the music - they really made an effort here.”
    • “The music, especially, is magnificent, sometimes drawing on previous themes (combining an orchestra with slide guitar), then bringing new flavours and feels, all of which add to and complement the atmosphere perfectly.”
    • “A big shout out to George Strezov and everybody involved with creating the soundtrack for this game, it's mind-blowingly great.”
    • “The music is forgettable.”
    • “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.”
    • “Sound quality is very poor -- the sound effects and music are highly compressed and sound bad.”
  • optimization202 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing performance issues such as frame rate drops, stuttering, and crashes, particularly on higher settings or with numerous enemies on screen. While some users report smooth gameplay on mid to high-end PCs, others highlight significant overheating concerns and a lack of polish that detracts from the experience. Developers are encouraged to address these optimization problems in future updates to enhance stability and performance.

    • “It's also damn good on the visual side, almost without any performance issues.”
    • “Performance: I'm using a high-end gaming PC, game runs perfect with no issues.”
    • “Overall satisfying, and in my case, sudden drop of FPS out of nowhere seems a case of lack of optimization from developers (144 FPS to 30 FPS????).”
    • “However, it's worth noting that during my playthrough (at the release), the performance of the game left much to be desired.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability183 mentions

    The game boasts significant replayability, largely due to its diverse cast of mercenaries, varied mission designs, and the potential for different strategies and outcomes. Players appreciate the modding support, which further enhances replay value by allowing for unique gameplay experiences. While some reviewers note limitations in complexity compared to predecessors, the overall consensus is that the game offers ample opportunities for repeated playthroughs with fresh experiences.

    • “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.”
    • “What really gives this a ton of replayability (in addition to the mod workshop) is the variety of mercs, each of which have their own special trait or ability.”
    • “In the end, I don't see a lot of replayability.”
    • “This is terrible, again for replayability, and for serving multiple play styles.”
    • “Because all in all it's just a crappy bugged game with little to no replayability, only consisting in grinding the same forces armed with the same weapons all the time.”
  • atmosphere152 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its vibrant and engaging qualities, successfully capturing the charm and humor of the original Jagged Alliance series while incorporating modern elements. Players appreciate the detailed environments, character interactions, and a compelling musical score that enhance the overall experience, although some feel it lacks the gritty depth of its predecessors. Despite a few criticisms regarding certain gameplay aspects, the game's atmosphere is generally considered a strong point, making it enjoyable for fans of tactical RPGs.

    • “Some not so successful attempts have been made over the years, but this one pretty much nails the atmosphere and charm of the old game.”
    • “The lush environments, detailed character models, and atmospheric effects further enhance the gaming experience.”
    • “The game really stands on its own two feet and provides an incredible sandbox atmosphere with environmental storytelling, tons of side missions, a great UI, and everything just feels good.”
    • “What I really disliked, though, is the atmosphere.”
    • “On the atmosphere of deadly games, which, unfortunately, isn't present here.”
    • “That music really created a great action-movie atmosphere which I feel is somewhat lacking in ja3.”
  • grinding119 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages where inventory management, contract renewals, and combat become monotonous. While some enjoy the tactical elements and humor, many express frustration with the micromanagement required, leading to a sense of boredom and a lack of engagement as the game progresses. Overall, the experience can feel overly grindy, detracting from the enjoyment of the core gameplay.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The battle squads are brain dead though, so fighting the battles is boring and tedious.”
    • “After getting the first Winchester/G98, it becomes repetitive and tedious relatively fast.”
    • “My overall experience with Jagged Alliance 3 so far is mainly a positive one; however, the game quickly became tedious after around 2-3 weeks of playing it semi-regularly, once the cracks started to show.”
  • stability112 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report it runs well with few major bugs, there are frequent mentions of glitches, freezes, and unpolished areas that can disrupt gameplay. Some users have experienced significant issues, particularly on certain platforms like the Steam Deck, while others praise its smooth performance and artistic visuals. Despite the occasional technical hiccup, many appreciate the game's relative stability compared to other recent releases.

    • “Mostly bug free and complete from day one, that alone deserves some kind of award these days.”
    • “The game seems to be also bug free, which is quite an amazing accomplishment in today's games.”
    • “Great game, no bugs and runs great on Steam Deck!”
    • “The game itself seems quite fun and good, but constant freezes make it almost unplayable.”
    • “Game freezes up every few minutes.”
    • “A buggy mess, especially on Steam Deck.”
  • emotional40 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting the impact of well-developed characters and meaningful interactions that evoke nostalgia and heartfelt responses. The stakes of losing characters during gameplay amplify the emotional weight, making victories and losses feel significant. Overall, the game fosters a sense of community and warmth, enhancing the emotional experience through custom dialogue and shared memories.

    • “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.”
    • “There are serious missions and serious moments in the game, which makes for an overall emotional experience as you get so much custom dialogue depending on who is in your squad.”
  • character development32 mentions

    Character development in Jagged Alliance 3 receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the unique interactions, rich dialogues, and character design reminiscent of 80s and 90s action movies, others find the overall progression and depth lacking and uninspired. The game features a perk system and customization options, but some players express disappointment if they were expecting a strong plot or character growth. Overall, the character development is seen as a highlight for some, but a letdown for others, particularly those familiar with the series.

    • “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.”
    • “For people who've never played the series before: think X-COM with character development & hard as nails.”
    • “The bad: if you are playing this for plot or character development, you will be disappointed.”
    • “Not many games manage to pull that sort of characterization off, especially when there's little to no actual character development.”
    • “Character development and progression have always been key elements of the Jagged Alliance series, but in Jagged Alliance 3, they feel lacking and uninspired.”
  • monetization30 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. While some express concerns about it feeling like a cash grab due to its nostalgic elements, the overall sentiment is that it successfully honors the original series without resorting to exploitative practices. Fans appreciate the game's dedication to quality and authenticity, distinguishing it from many modern sequels that often disappoint.

    • “One commendable aspect is the absence of microtransactions, a welcome rarity in modern gaming.”
    • “There are no in-game purchases.”
    • “One commendable aspect is the absence of microtransactions, a welcome rarity in modern gaming.”
    • “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.”
    • “Played the JA series from the very first game (yep, I'm old) and was cautiously pessimistic about this one, since many sequels nowadays are pure disappointment and cash grab milking nostalgia.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

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Play time

40hMedian play time
186hAverage play time
10-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 104 analyzed playthroughs

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