The game play is much like the original Jagged Alliance and the earlier X-COM games from Microprose. You control the action from an overhead, isometric angle and move your troops about in real time until an enemy is spotted. At that point, the game shifts into a turn-based mode, where everyone moves and fires their weapons by spending action points. Though the pace is slower and more deliberate than real-time strategy games, the turn-based mode also allows for more tactical planning, and works exceedingly well in this game.

You move through the game by clearing the bad guys from each individual sector of Arulco. As you do, the support of the people grows and you can then recruit and train militia to support your cause. Combined with the need to find a source of income to finance replacement mercs and additional equipment, your to-do list for Jagged Alliance 2 becomes quite full.

With a solid story, a great array of entertaining mercenaries, addictive game play, and enormous depth, Jagged Alliance 2 is an excellent all-around package. It can be extraordinarily difficult as you near the end of the campaign, but aside from that, it's tough to find fault in this game. --Michael E. Ryan

Pros:

• The unique personalities of the mercenaries
• Addictive blend of strategy and role-playing
• Nonlinear game with lots of depth

• Graphics could use improvement
• No multiplayer support
• Extremely difficult toward the end