Posted December 25, 2008
Yes the graphics are dated, yes it crashes to desktop every few hours, yes the formulas are dodgy.
Has there been been a similar game I've enjoyed as thoroughly in the past ~10 years? Surprisingly enough, the answer is no. (Fallout Tactics does deserve an honorable mention though.)
Why?
The world is sandbox-y enough for replayability, yet straightforward enough to enact a true plan. The MANY characters are unforgettably hilarious and have unique interactions with each other, all very well voiced acted. RPG style character and inventory building create clever logistic opportunites... hit the objective now or wait for your sniper get out of the hospital in 48 hours (with your mail order ak-47 in 72 hours) but face enemy reinforcements?
PS There's a very active mod community out there that has fixed many of the ills and limitations of JA2 out there. You owe it to yourself to check them out.
Has there been been a similar game I've enjoyed as thoroughly in the past ~10 years? Surprisingly enough, the answer is no. (Fallout Tactics does deserve an honorable mention though.)
Why?
The world is sandbox-y enough for replayability, yet straightforward enough to enact a true plan. The MANY characters are unforgettably hilarious and have unique interactions with each other, all very well voiced acted. RPG style character and inventory building create clever logistic opportunites... hit the objective now or wait for your sniper get out of the hospital in 48 hours (with your mail order ak-47 in 72 hours) but face enemy reinforcements?
PS There's a very active mod community out there that has fixed many of the ills and limitations of JA2 out there. You owe it to yourself to check them out.