Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The gameplay on PLAY!ING AL!VE Vol. 2: The Role Playing Games is a compelling anthology of three distinct experiences, each with its own tactical flavor. Jagged Alliance 2 offers deep turn-based combat where positioning, cover mechanics, and mercenary personalities all play pivotal roles. From sniper perches on isolated rooftops to tense close-quarters firefights, every skirmish can end in triumph or disaster based on your planning and resource management.

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Gorky 17 shifts the tone toward a dark sci-fi/horror atmosphere with a real-time-with-pause system reminiscent of classic isometric RPGs. You’ll command a small squad of specialists exploring an abandoned Polish town riddled with mutations. The balance between exploration, limited ammunition, and pacing of enemy encounters creates a constant sense of dread—forcing you to think carefully before plunging into the next fog-shrouded alley.

In contrast, Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator returns to traditional turn-based combat, but spices it up with an ability grid that lets you craft combos and chain spells across multiple characters. The node-based map encourages exploration and side-quests, giving you room to tailor your party to your preferred style: brute force, elemental mastery, or supportive tactics. Its puzzle-like dungeon layouts provide a nice break from constant combat, rewarding clever use of character skills.

Across all three titles, the learning curve varies. Jagged Alliance 2 demands patience as you master action points and morale; Gorky 17 tests your risk assessment under pressure; and Septerra Core invites experimentation with its customization mechanics. While interfaces feel dated by modern standards, each game’s core mechanics remain solid and absorbingly complex, making this compilation a treasure trove for fans of tactical depth.

Graphics

Released between the late ’90s and early 2000s, the visuals on PLAY!ING AL!VE Vol. 2 wear their age with nostalgic charm. Jagged Alliance 2’s hand-painted environments and character sprites convey gritty mercenary life in a low-res but atmospheric package. You’ll often find yourself squinting to distinguish foes in dim warehouses, yet the color palettes and tile sets still hold up thanks to their cohesive art direction.

Gorky 17 leans into a darker, more industrial aesthetic. Its isometric levels are drenched in muted grays and sickly greens, punctuated by bursts of bio-organic horror. Character models are blocky by today’s standards, but the moody lighting and particle effects—such as flickering fluorescence or oozing alien substances—help evoke genuine tension.

Septerra Core stands out with its more vibrant palette and anime-inspired character portraits. The world map is stylized with bold color contrasts, while indoor areas feature detailed murals and techno-organic motifs. Spell animations and ability effects have a certain retro flair, though they lack the polish of contemporary RPGs. Still, the sense of wonder when a powerful Ultimate skill unfolds remains intact.

Story

Jagged Alliance 2 offers an emergent narrative driven by mercenary personalities and shifting allegiances rather than a linear plot. The “story” you experience depends heavily on who you recruit, how you handle local factions, and whether you prioritize rescue missions or sabotage. This sandbox approach rewards player agency and gives each playthrough its own memorable moments—like watching two squabbling mercs try (and often fail) to cooperate under fire.

Gorky 17 presents a more traditional sci-fi thriller. You lead Operation Vostok into a quarantined zone to investigate sinister biological experiments. Dialogue is often stilted and character development can feel shallow, but the pacing and unveiling of the monstrous conspiracy behind a downed satellite launch keep you invested. The interplay between tactical missions and cutscene revelations recreates the feel of classic survival-horror RPG hybrids.

Septerra Core shines with an original high-fantasy setting split across seven elemental worlds. You follow Maya, an orphaned scavenger who gradually assembles a diverse party of heroes and anti-heroes, each carrying their own grudges and ambitions. While some voice acting is dated, the game’s themes of salvation, betrayal, and the balance of power resonate. NPC interactions and side-quests flesh out the lore, making the world feel lived-in despite occasional pacing hiccups.

Overall Experience

PLAY!ING AL!VE Vol. 2: The Role Playing Games delivers an impressive value proposition for anyone craving tactical and story-driven RPGs from the turn of the millennium. With well over one hundred hours of gameplay across its three titles, this compilation offers variety: merc-management thrills, horror-tinted squad tactics, and sprawling fantasy epics. Despite dated controls and occasional UI frustrations, each game’s strengths shine through.

Installation is straightforward, and modern compatibility patches help alleviate many technical headaches. Achievements, resolutions up to 4K (in fan mods), and quality-of-life tweaks like auto-saving ensure that you can focus on strategy rather than workarounds. Whether you’re a newcomer curious about RPG history or a veteran seeking a nostalgia trip, you’ll find hours of engrossing content here.

Ultimately, if you appreciate thoughtful combat systems, emergent narratives, and the charm of classic graphical styles, PLAY!ING AL!VE Vol. 2 is well worth exploring. Each title brings something unique to the table, and together they form a robust anthology for any tactical RPG enthusiast. Prepare to lose yourself in mercenary back-alley firefights, biohazard dungeons, and elemental realms—this collection has it all.

Retro Replay Score

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