Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Brigade E5: New Jagged Union rounds out its gameplay with a hybrid Smart Pause Mode (SPM) that elegantly blends real-time action and turn-based tactics. Rather than relying on traditional action points, each command takes a certain amount of in-game time to execute. This allows you to micromanage every shot, reload, or movement with the precision of a tactical sim while keeping the adrenaline high as events unfold in real time.

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The mercenary management loop is deep and engaging. You begin by hiring a squad of up to a dozen specialists—snipers, medics, demolition experts—and equipping them with over 100 accurately modeled firearms. Each weapon comes in multiple ammunition types, forcing you to consider penetration, range, and recoil. Balancing weight, morale, and fatigue becomes critical when trekking through jungle trails or storming fortified compounds.

Dynamic environmental factors further enrich the field of battle. Visibility through thick foliage, elevation bonuses on hills, and destructible cover all feed into a high-stakes decision-making process. Every firefight can turn on a single grenade lobbed into an enemy stronghold or a well-placed suppressive fire to pin down reinforcements.

On top of its single-player depth, New Jagged Union offers LAN and TCP/IP multiplayer with Capture the Flag, Deathmatch, and Fortress modes. Here, you can pit your finely tuned load-outs and strategies against human opponents. The same SPM rules apply—so you’ll still need to master timing and positioning if you hope to outwit another squad leader.

Graphics

Released in the mid-2000s, Brigade E5 uses an isometric engine that mixes 2D sprites with 3D terrain. While textures are decidedly dated compared to modern titles, the world remains surprisingly readable and functional. Vegetation, buildings, and terrain elevations are clearly distinguished—vital for planning ambushes or avoiding sniper lines of fire.

Character models may lack high-poly polish, but animations for shooting, reloading, and taking cover are smooth enough to convey combat tension. Muzzle flashes, smoke plumes, and bullet tracers add life to firefights, even if they feel a bit simplistic by today’s standards. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay without much distraction.

The tropical island of Palinero is portrayed through lush green jungles, dusty villages, and makeshift rebel camps. Lighting effects—such as the harsh midday sun or flickering fires at night—help establish mood, though there are few dynamic weather systems to speak of. Rain and mist remain static overlays rather than true environmental dynamics.

Map design leans toward functional variety rather than visual splendor. Rocky outcrops, river crossings, and dense palm groves offer tactical choices, but you won’t find sprawling vistas or cinematic set pieces. Fans of modular, grid-based arenas will appreciate the clear lines of sight, while those seeking photorealism might find the aesthetic lacking.

Story

Set in the fictitious republic of Palinero, Brigade E5 plunges you into a fast-escalating civil war. As a mercenary commander, your allegiances can shift between competing factions vying for control of the island’s resources and political future. The stakes feel personal as villages burn and life-or-death decisions unfold around each mission.

Screenwriter Shaun Lyng—known for his work on the Jagged Alliance series—delivers crisp, sometimes darkly humorous dialogue. Conversations with warlords and rival merc captains reveal backstory and uncover hidden loyalties. Branching choices during negotiations can earn you intel, supplies, or unexpected betrayals, giving the campaign a sandbox feel.

While the overarching narrative is straightforward—help your employer seize power—the micro-stories behind each squad member add depth. Medic Anna’s guilt over civilian casualties, sniper Yuri’s thirst for vengeance, and demolition expert Carl’s hidden past all come out in optional side assignments. These human moments help remind you that this war has real consequences for everyone involved.

However, pacing can sometimes drag between major objectives, as jungle traversal and base hopping require time-consuming logistics. Map transitions may feel repetitive, though they also give you opportunities to explore hidden loot caches, rescue imprisoned rebels, or establish forward operating posts that pay dividends later.

Overall Experience

Brigade E5: New Jagged Union is unabashedly a tactical sim at heart, aimed squarely at players who relish meticulous planning over run-and-gun action. The learning curve is steep—expect to reload saves frequently while you master cover mechanics, time-based actions, and merc morale. But for those who persevere, the game offers a uniquely satisfying level of control.

Technical rough edges remain part of the package: occasional pathfinding quirks, UI clutter, and sparse tutorial support can test your patience. Community patches and fan-made guides address many issues, but newcomers may still feel overwhelmed without outside help.

Replayability is strong thanks to multiple factions, merc combinations, and randomized loot spawns. Want to assault a rebel fortress head-on with heavy armor, or stalk the high ground with three snipers and a smoke-launcher team? Both approaches are viable, leading to memorable skirmishes and strategic gambits each time you start a new campaign.

In summary, if you’re a veteran of the Jagged Alliance lineage or a hardcore tactics enthusiast craving a mercenary sandbox on a tropical battlefield, Brigade E5: New Jagged Union delivers an engrossing—if imperfect—experience. For casual gamers or those seeking polished presentation, the game’s dated visuals and steep learning curve may prove a barrier. But for tacticians willing to dive in, the depth and freedom on offer remain compelling even years after release.

Retro Replay Score

5.3/10