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Jagged Alliance - Back in Action

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2012

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Quick resume

A contemporary remake of the much-loved series of turn-based mercenary-themed strategy games.

Global score

73/100

Genres

Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep tactical combat with pause and plan system
    • High replayability with merc customization and team building
    • Large variety of weapons and equipment
    • Engaging strategic map and squad management
    • Active modding community improving gameplay

    Cons

    • Bugs and technical issues reported
    • Ai sometimes erratic or unintelligent
    • Lack of character creation and reduced story depth
    • Tedious inventory and logistics micromanagement
    • Some balance issues and repetitive late-game combat

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Cooperation, Violence. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to plan strategies, issue detailed orders in pause mode, and choose mercenaries and equipment, showing high control over actions."

    • Competence
      4

      "Game requires skillful management of squads, tactical planning, and micromanagement; players experience challenge and feedback on performance."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on single-player experience with no mention of ranked or multiplayer competition; emphasis on personal strategy and progression."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Many players report hundreds of hours played, high replayability with different merc combinations and strategies."

    • Cooperation
      2

      "Players manage multiple mercs in squads, coordinating their actions, but mostly single-player without multiplayer teamwork."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players customize mercs’ equipment, skills, and tactics; some modding community enhances creativity."

    • Domination
      -2

      "Interactions are balanced squad management rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Players engage in immersive tactical combat and strategic management, providing distraction and stress relief."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indications of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players try different merc combinations, tactics, and modded gameplay, exploring mechanics and strategies."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Game features an open map with multiple locations to liberate and explore, though some areas are revisited."

    • Expression
      3

      "Players customize mercs’ gear and appearance; some personalization but limited character creation."

    • Fantasy
      -2

      "Game is grounded in realistic military tactics and mercenary combat, with plausible scenarios."

    • Fellowship
      -3

      "Primarily single-player with limited social interaction; community exists for mods but gameplay is individual."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop mercenaries’ skills and abilities, learn game mechanics, and improve strategies."

    • Health
      -4

      "Game involves sedentary play with no physical activity; some frustration reported but no physical engagement."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and micromanagement; not suitable for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited emotional connection beyond mercenary personalities; no close social relationships formed."

    • Leadership
      4

      "Players lead squads of mercenaries, managing their equipment, skills, and combat orders."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate weapons, gear, and upgrades; mercenaries level up and improve over time."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Some players find tactical planning relaxing, but micromanagement and difficulty can cause tension."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Combat effects, sounds, and animations provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

    • Status
      -3

      "Achievements and recognition are minimal; focus is on individual gameplay rather than social status."

    • Story
      2

      "Game follows a narrative of liberating Arulco with familiar characters, though story depth is reduced."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Core gameplay revolves around tactical planning, squad management, and strategic decision making."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Combat involves suspense and tension, especially in close quarters and difficult battles."

    • Value
      3

      "Players report many hours of gameplay for reasonable price, especially with mods improving experience."

    • Violence
      4

      "Game centers on combat, shooting, explosions, and tactical elimination of enemies."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must manage resources, avoid death, and strategically defend and attack to survive."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026