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CRITIK

Jagged Alliance 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Jagged Alliance 3
Item: Jagged Alliance 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAction, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 14, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperHaemimont Games

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Jagged Alliance 3 are varied. Some critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Gamepressure, appreciate the story for its solid foundation and engaging plot. They mention that the game revolves around rescuing the kidnapped president of Grand Chien and restoring order to the country, which provides a clear objective for players. Additionally, Gamepressure notes that the story brings a nice breath of fresh air to the franchise. RPG Fan also praises the story for its compelling elements of espionage and intrigue, adding depth to the overall narrative. On the other hand, there are critics who express disappointment with the story of Jagged Alliance 3. COGconnected criticizes the game for its lazy stereotypes and lack of nuance, stating that it doesn't rise to the level of being funny. TRG goes further, highlighting the immature writing, inclusion of slurs, racial stereotyping, and irritating characters, which they deem harmful and lazy. IGN Portugal finds the story to be predictable and lacking imagination, while VideoGamer feels that it is not impressive or inspired, serving more as a backdrop for the gameplay. Overall, the critics' opinions on the story of Jagged Alliance 3 are mixed. While some appreciate its solid foundation, engaging plot, and compelling elements, others criticize it for its lazy stereotypes, lack of nuance, and predictability. The narrative's tone, which ranges from jokey and irreverent to over-the-top, seems to divide opinions among the critics. However, it is worth noting that some critics find the story to be a throwback without feeling dated, suggesting that there are still positive aspects to be found.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story of Jagged Alliance 3. Some praise its engaging plot and compelling elements of espionage, while others criticize its lazy stereotypes and lack of nuance. The narrative's tone ranges from jokey to over-the-top, with some finding it predictable. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some appreciating it as a throwback with positive aspects.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Jagged Alliance 3 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the turn-based combat and tactical elements of the game. COGconnected commends the game for its unique gameplay, which includes asymmetrical firefights, positioning behind cover, and managing a company with RPG elements. Checkpoint Gaming also highlights the engaging mechanics that cater to different playstyles, while GameStar appreciates the exciting battles and unique characters with strengths and weaknesses. The Games Machine mentions the interlocking systems and the need to manage the economy and hire mercenaries to complete missions. These positive opinions indicate that the gameplay of Jagged Alliance 3 offers an enjoyable and strategic experience. However, there are a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. GameGrin mentions that the accuracy display and consequences of missed shots can be frustrating. Gamepressure points out issues with targeting mechanics and AI-controlled characters seeming invincible. IGN Portugal criticizes the outdated and confusing user interface. Slant Magazine highlights the focus on squad and inventory management, which may not appeal to all players. While these criticisms are worth noting, they do not seem to significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Jagged Alliance 3 is very good. The majority of the critics express their enjoyment of the turn-based combat, strategic elements, and engaging mechanics. IGN praises the deep and approachable tactical combat, while RPG Fan appreciates the highly detailed tactical RPG gameplay. The Games Machine emphasizes the rewarding forward thinking and strategic use of mercenaries and equipment. The positive opinions of the critics, combined with the few mentioned criticisms, indicate that Jagged Alliance 3 offers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Jagged Alliance 3's gameplay, praising its turn-based combat, tactical elements, and engaging mechanics like asymmetrical firefights and RPG elements. Some minor criticisms include frustrating accuracy displays and outdated UI, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's strategic depth and enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the positives, the majority of critics praised the level design and visual variety in Jagged Alliance 3. COGconnected commends the bespoke level generation and Checkpoint Gaming describes the visuals as visually stunning with varied indoor and outdoor locations. Gameblog.fr also highlights the high quality of the level design, offering a variety of environments with distinct gameplay. IGN specifically praises the attractive and readable maps, with great use of color and lighting. The Games Machine mentions the 3D isometric visual design with RPG elements, which adds depth to the game's visuals. Overall, the game's level design and visual variety received positive feedback from critics. On the negative side, a few critics had some reservations about the graphics and visual design of Jagged Alliance 3. GGRecon mentions that the deliberately outdated look and feel of the game, reminiscent of 90s PC Games, may not appeal to everyone. PC Gamer points out that while the battlefields are detailed and gorgeously lit, character animations can be stiff and gore effects look cheap. RPG Fan also notes that while the environments are vast and gorgeous, individual character visuals lack detail. These criticisms suggest that while the overall visual design is commendable, there are some areas that could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Jagged Alliance 3 has positive graphics and visual design elements. Critics like GamingBolt, God is a Geek, and Player 2 find the graphics acceptable and fitting for the genre, with well-designed scenery and maps. RPG Site and Siliconera appreciate the game's deliberate emulation of computer programs and websites from the late 90s and early 2000s, which adds a unique charm to the visuals. The Games Machine praises the 3D isometric XCOM-like visual design with RPG elements. While there are some minor criticisms regarding animations, gore effects, and character visuals, the overall sentiment is that the game's graphics and visual design are appealing and well-executed.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Jagged Alliance 3 for its level design and visual variety, with bespoke level generation, stunning visuals, and attractive maps. Some critics mention reservations about outdated graphics and stiff character animations, but overall, the game's graphics are commended for being fitting for the genre, with well-designed scenery and a unique charm.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Jagged Alliance 3, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the voice acting in the game. PC Gamer, RPG Fan, and VideoGamer all mentioned the excellent voice acting, with PC Gamer specifically noting the impressive performances of both returning and new characters. This adds depth and immersion to the game, as each character has their own personality and engages in banter with friends and rivals. Additionally, RPG Fan appreciated how the voice acting matched the personalities of the characters, further enhancing the overall experience. Another positive aspect mentioned by multiple critics is the music. Impulsegamer describes the music as evoking the setting of a late 90's action movie with African-inspired melodies, adding to the atmosphere of the game. Shacknews also praises the charming music that enhances the gameplay experience. These positive comments indicate that the music in Jagged Alliance 3 successfully contributes to the overall enjoyment of the game. Moving on to the negatives, there are a few criticisms raised by the reviewers. COGconnected mentions that the unit barks in the game become repetitive and old quickly, suggesting that players may find them annoying. Siliconera also points out that the combat barks and general writing can be difficult to ignore, and the humor can become grating due to reliance on pop-culture references and broken English. These criticisms indicate that while the voice acting is generally praised, there are instances where it may not meet the expectations of all players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is generally positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Jagged Alliance 3. Gamereactor UK mentions that there is little to complain about overall, indicating a satisfactory sound design. Additionally, God is a Geek and Worth Playing both highlight the fully voiced mercenaries with their own personalities, adding to the enjoyment and immersion of the game. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive unit barks and writing, the positive aspects of the voice acting and music outweigh the negatives, resulting in an overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of Jagged Alliance 3.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Jagged Alliance 3 for its excellent voice acting and immersive music, enhancing the overall gaming experience. However, some reviewers criticize the repetitive unit barks and writing in the game. Despite these minor flaws, the consensus is mostly positive, with the voice acting and music contributing significantly to the enjoyment and immersion of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Jagged Alliance 3 has received mixed reviews from critics. Several reviewers, such as GGRecon and Gamereactor UK, highlight the positive aspect of each mercenary having their own voice, adding personality and depth to the game. Hey Poor Player and God is a Geek also praise the distinct personalities and humorous dialogue of the mercenaries, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. PC Gamer further commends the well-done voice acting, with impressive performances from both returning and new characters, as well as the banter between friends and rivals. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Jagged Alliance 3. Player 2 criticizes the reliance on tired racial stereotypes and repetitive one-liners, which can detract from the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Siliconera also points out that the voice acting is unconvincing and does not match the serious tone of the story, potentially undermining the overall narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Jagged Alliance 3 is a mixed bag. While there are positive aspects, such as the distinct personalities, humorous dialogue, and impressive performances, there are also negative aspects, such as the reliance on stereotypes and unconvincing delivery. Despite these drawbacks, the voice acting does not significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming. It is important to note that the opinions of the critics vary, with some praising the voice acting and others criticizing certain aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

TLDR: Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Jagged Alliance 3. Positive points include each mercenary having their own voice, adding depth, humor, and personality to the game. However, some criticize the reliance on stereotypes and unconvincing delivery. Overall, while there are both praises and criticisms, the voice acting does not significantly impact the gameplay experience according to some critics.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Jagged Alliance 3 on PC, the majority of critics had positive experiences. Gameblog.fr, Gamepressure, Gamereactor UK, Impulsegamer, Player 2, RPG Site, and The Games Machine all reported smooth gameplay with no glitches or technical issues. Impulsegamer even praised the game for running at an uncapped 120fps without any problems on a high-end PC configuration. Gamepressure specifically mentioned good optimization and smooth performance on older computers. This indicates that the game is well-optimized and can run smoothly on a variety of PC setups, catering to a wide range of players. On the negative side, a few critics did encounter technical issues while playing Jagged Alliance 3 on PC. GameCritics mentioned some technical bugs, such as allies not spawning and a scrolling map screen, but noted that the generous save system allowed for easy workarounds. God is a Geek reported occasional slowdown during combat, which could be a hindrance to the overall experience. Wccftech also mentioned a few bugs and crashes in their review. These issues, while not pervasive, do indicate that there are some technical shortcomings that players may encounter. Overall, the consensus among critics for Jagged Alliance 3 on PC leans towards positive. The game generally runs smoothly and responsively, providing an enjoyable experience for players. The positive feedback from critics like Gameblog.fr, Gamepressure, and The Games Machine, who had no technical issues to report, suggests that the game's technical performance on PC is commendable. While there were a few critics who encountered bugs and technical hiccups, such as GameCritics and Wccftech, these instances appear to be isolated and not widespread. Therefore, players can expect a relatively stable and well-performing game on PC, with the potential for minor technical issues that can be mitigated.

TL;DR

technical performance

Most critics praised Jagged Alliance 3 on PC for its smooth gameplay and good optimization, running well on various setups. A few encountered technical bugs like allies not spawning or occasional slowdowns, but these issues are manageable. Overall, the game offers a positive experience with minor technical hiccups.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Jagged Alliance 3 are largely positive. Many critics highlight the game's extensive gameplay and the variety of options available to players, which contribute to its replayability. COGconnected mentions that players will want to try out different mercenaries and approaches, while Checkpoint Gaming praises the flexibility of mercenary stats and varied level maps. GameGrin mentions the compelling basic systems that drive players for hours, and GameStar emphasizes the potential for players to spend up to 100 hours depending on their playstyle and difficulty level. These positive aspects indicate that Jagged Alliance 3 offers a wealth of content and choices that encourage players to revisit the game multiple times. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics that may impact the replay value of Jagged Alliance 3. Gamepressure points out issues with targeting mechanics and AI-controlled characters, which may discourage casual gamers. TRG also mentions the game's faults, which may make players think twice about recommending it. While these criticisms do highlight potential drawbacks, they are outweighed by the positive aspects mentioned by other critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Jagged Alliance 3 offers significant replay value. The game's depth, complexity, and strategic layers are praised by multiple critics, including Gamereactor UK, God is a Geek, and PC Gamer. The variety of mercenaries, customization options, and different outcomes mentioned by Hey Poor Player, IGN, and RPG Site also contribute to the game's replayability. The critics' opinions collectively indicate that Jagged Alliance 3 provides a compelling and engaging experience that will keep players coming back for more.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Jagged Alliance 3 for its extensive gameplay, diverse options, and replay value, with some noting the game's flaws like targeting issues and AI problems. Despite criticisms, the game's wealth of content, choices, and strategic depth make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Jagged Alliance 3, it is evident that the game has received a mix of positive and negative feedback. The positive aspects highlighted by the critics include engaging combat mechanics, addictive gameplay, visually stunning environments, and a compelling story. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Fan praise the game for its strategic gameplay and enjoyable world structure, while GameCritics and RPG Site commend the game for its great cast of characters and tongue-in-cheek dialogue. Additionally, critics like GameStar and The Games Machine appreciate the addition of new elements and the ability to discover new things even in remote sectors. These positive aspects contribute to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the players. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. The game is criticized for annoying repeated lines, a lackluster story, and a lack of polish. COGconnected highlights the annoyance caused by repeated lines, while Player 2 mentions attempts at humor that hinder the overall experience. Critics such as GameGrin and Slant Magazine express their concerns about the overbearing systems and the game's failure to work in concert for something greater. TRG also points out the harmful and lazy writing, including slurs and racial stereotyping, which is a significant drawback. These negative aspects can detract from the overall enjoyment and immersion of the players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Jagged Alliance 3 is a worthy successor to the franchise and offers an enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of turn-based strategy games. Critics like GGRecon, Gameblog.fr, and Worth Playing highly recommend the game, praising its refreshing gameplay, rewarding adventure, and modern execution. IGN and Siliconera highlight the game's solid tactical RPG elements and good replay value. However, it is important to note that some critics, such as GameGrin and TRG, have reservations about certain aspects of the game that may hinder the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the majority of the critics appreciate the game's strengths and consider it a solid addition to the genre.

TL;DR

Jagged Alliance 3 has received mixed reviews from critics. Positives include engaging combat, addictive gameplay, and compelling story. Critics praise strategic gameplay, great characters, and new elements. However, negatives like repetitive lines, lackluster story, and lazy writing have been criticized. Overall, the game is seen as a worthy successor with enjoyable gameplay for turn-based strategy fans, though some reservations exist.

CRITIK

Reviews

80 reviews found

Hooked Gamers

Jul 17, 2023