Since all other versions of Jagged Alliance 2 currently available as digital downloads are from the "Gold Pack" retail version of the game, I kindly ask the GOG team to replace their version of JA2 with Jagged Alliance 2 Gold version.
All classic computer and video games deserve to be played in their ultimate form, and since JA2 Gold is the final original release of this fantastic game, it would seem only prudent that this version would be sold on this site.
The JA2 Gold version together with the JA2 expansion can be bought for just 14 USD from the Strategy First site. The combined purchase of JA2 and JA2:UB from Gog.com for 16 USD, therefore costs more.
Additional reasons why JA2 Gold is better than plain JA2 are:
-It is the most stable release of the game (e.g. has the least crashes).
-It contains all the improvements from JA2:UB like enhanced enemy AI, extra selectable difficulty, additional weapons and easier character creation.
-It provides the ultimate JA2 experience.
Fellow community members who wish to play the gold JA2 version, please show your support by posting your comments.

The sheer list of weapons and attachments available in 1.13 is also impressive.

Before I reply to your post, I must stress that I do not wish to insult any fans or the makers of the JA2 1.13 mod or start a flame war.
Now, strange as it may seem, many gamers never bother to play mods.
Secondly, I didn`t like the many changes of 1.13 to the core JA2 gameplay.
Some reasons for that are:
-It toys a lot with weapons stats.
-It slows down skill progression too much.
-It adds way to many enemies in all difficulty settings.
-It is not user-friendly (e.g. too many weapons and calibers, gadgets, different ammo types, confusing new inventory system etc.)
-All the forementioned flaws break the flow of the game....
...and the list goes on.
Now, since Jagged Alliance games are all strategy RPGs, meaning that they incorporate features from two genres, where superb unit/weapon balance and steady skill progression are top priorities, these flaws cannot be overlooked.
The 1.13 mod is in my opinion a total conversion in terms of changes to game mechanics, and I just want to play the final original release of the game, which in our case, is Jagged Alliance 2 Gold.
The 1.13 mod is great for people who wish to experience a more realistic JA2, but not so great for those, who liked the original look and feel of the game.

After much digging around on the internet I found out that the current release of JA2 on GOG.com is, in fact, the gold version of Jagged Alliance 2.

regarding your list, weapon stats are modified to reflect real guns (and original data was sometimes really weird)
I haven't noticed any skill progress speed change yet
UI looks to me more user friendly then old system,and new inventory system is optional, you can choose it when starting new game, same as ton of games when normal is same as JA:UB with tons of guns. And too many ammo types ? JA had three ammo types, and you can use them still quite successfully, you do not need to use cold or match or tracer rounds.
And regarding too many enemies - I am playing expert dificulty solo (one mercenary, others are just training militia, if attacked, they retreat).....
And lastly, i must disagree that many gamers never bother to play mods, i have another experience, personaly I do not know anyone who IS NOT using mods.
But if you want to import your mercs to JA2:UB you need original JA2 save, not 1.13 :)

Not a problem at all, Jager. 1.13 is a nice alternative for someone looking for something a little further up in the reailsm department, but it isn't for everybody. And JA2's Vanilla gameplay is not exactly a bad thing, anyway. :)
May I still recommend a couple of mods that don't alter the game too much. The improved interface REALLY cleans up a lot of the images in the game. Also, the NIV (which is a new inventory system) alters that to something much better (no more carrying 4 mortars...it also added leg pockets and vest pockets, and clip pouches that can't hold anything else).

I will definitely try the suggested mods, probably even some more of 1.13, as soon as I complete the original campaign.
I must say, I have nothing against realism. I served in the army, so I like some realism in my shooters and action games.
Too be honest, the main reason I was put off by the 1.13 mod is the sheer volume of new features. It was just too much for someone who hasn`t played JA2 in a couple of years. So now I must first learn how to walk, before I can learn how to run.:)
What I have experienced of 1.13 so far was a wild ride. I remember a few gun fights of my single IMP merc against more than 20 soldiers with extremely agressive AI. 1.13 on Insane difficulty is not for the faint of heart - at least until you get your hands on some decent firearms.

I totally agree with you. If you aren't already an experienced JA player, leaping right in to 1.13 is probably not a great idea simply because the sheer number of options and weapons is probably going to overwhelm you.

Jager,if you think that gamers dont bother playing mods,man,then are VERY wrong,lol,almost all the players of here of JA2 have played the 1.13
PD:MY COUSIN JUST RUINED THE FINAL ASSAULT AT MEDUNA,I WANT TO CUT MYSELFFFFF,I CANT BELIEVE ITTT!!!,JUST ONE MORE CITY AND THE GAME IS OVERRRR,NOW i have to restart it all... :/

I don't think this is true. Unless I'm mistaken (which happens frequently), the download is the normal JA2 game, but the downloadable manual from GOG is the gold manual.
I generally will play mods, but not after I run through the original game as it was released. That is, of course, unless it was a rushed release with a lot of problems that mods have since cleaned up.

Well you know one now =D
I only played some UB maps, Urban Chaos and WildFire, i didn't actually know about 1.13 until today *tryes it now*
Seems promising, can't find the option to make it 1024x800 yet tho =/

Hi comunity