Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jagged Alliance 2 delivers a deep, turn-based tactics experience that challenges players to think strategically on both the macro and micro levels. The game’s political map serves as your war room, where you hire mercenaries, allocate funds, and plot your next move against Queen Deidranna’s forces. Deciding which towns to liberate first, how many reinforcements to send, and when to train local militias all factor into a compelling campaign that unfolds across the rugged terrain of Arulco.

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Once combat is initiated, the action switches to the isometric battlefield, where every square counts. Positioning your squad behind cover, coordinating overlapping fields of fire, and managing action points elevates each firefight into a tense ballet of bullets and tactics. The enemy AI reacts intelligently—flanking weak points, setting ambushes, and retreating when outgunned—so there’s never a dull moment in this deadly chess match.

Beyond pure combat, Jagged Alliance 2 spices up gameplay with resource management and RPG elements. You’ll balance ammo, medical supplies, and weapon upgrades while keeping your mercenaries’ morale high. Each hire brings unique personalities and skill sets, from stealthy snipers to explosives experts, meaning your approach can radically change depending on who you recruit. This synergy creates a highly replayable experience: no two campaigns will ever feel quite the same.

Graphics

Jagged Alliance 2’s graphics may feel dated by modern standards, but its isometric art style still shines through careful tile design and detailed character sprites. Each environment—from dusty desert villages to fortified enemy encampments—has distinct visual cues that help you plan tactical approaches. Shadows, height differences, and destructible terrain all play into gameplay, reinforcing the connection between appearance and function.

The character portraits deserve special mention: each mercenary boasts a memorable face, reflecting both personality and combat readiness. Watching your sharpshooter grimace as she takes a bullet or seeing your bruiser smile after a successful melee takedown adds emotional weight to every engagement. Even in low resolution, these small touches keep you invested in the fates of your team.

While the color palette can lean toward browns and grays due to Arulco’s harsh landscape, the occasional pop of color—be it a vibrant militia uniform or the red flash of a sniper’s laser sight—breaks up the monotony. Animations are functional rather than flashy, but the clarity of movement ensures you always know who’s firing, who’s reloading, and who’s preparing a grenade toss.

Story

At its core, Jagged Alliance 2 presents a classic David-versus-Goliath tale set in the plundered monarchy of Arulco. Queen Deidranna’s ruthless coup and the mysterious fate of rightful heir Enrico Chivaldori establish high stakes from the outset. You step into the boots of the Association of International Mercenaries (A.I.M.) as you coordinate with local resistance leader Miguel Cordoba to liberate towns one by one.

The narrative unfolds through mission briefings, radio chatter, and in-field dialogue that imbue each combat zone with context and urgency. Listening to Cordoba’s reports of civilian suffering or hearing mercenaries bicker over payment and principles adds layers of authenticity. The back-and-forth between your hired guns and the locals reinforces the game’s theme: freedom doesn’t come cheap, and every bullet fired carries moral weight.

Moreover, the story isn’t a straight line—multiple side objectives, random encounters, and optional rescue missions invite you to explore Arulco’s darkest corners. Liberating gold mines to fund your war effort, freeing prisoners from Deidranna’s dungeons, or simply scavenging supplies in abandoned villages all feel narratively significant. The branching possibilities ensure the overarching plot stays fresh across dozens of hours.

Overall Experience

Jagged Alliance 2 remains a benchmark in tactical gaming for its addictive blend of strategic planning, turn-based combat, and resource management. The learning curve can be steep—new players may stumble through supply logistics or underestimate enemy patrols—but the payoff is immense when your meticulously trained militia holds a town against a major counterattack.

The game’s replayability is outstanding. Between diverse mercenary rosters, alternate tech modes (sci-fi versus realistic), and randomized events, each playthrough reveals new tactical puzzles. Friendly AI and enemy behavior patterns keep you on your toes, while the sandbox nature of Arulco allows experienced commanders to craft wildly different strategies.

Despite aging visuals and a few interface quirks, Jagged Alliance 2’s core design still resonates. It demands patience, rewards creativity, and tells a satisfying underdog story through player-driven missions and character interactions. For fans of deep tactical RPGs, it remains an essential purchase that will occupy countless hours with strategic challenges and memorable mercenary moments.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10