Is it really as bad as it sounds?

[TomOfFinland]

I was thinking of getting this game, but from the pre release videos I had seen, I was not expecting much from it.
Now people are saying that it's not as open as previous titles but mission areas are way more linear with less options for approach. No pause button, scramble turns for enemies like in XCOM2, badly optimized etc.

Is it one of those games that are riding with the IP but fail miserably to deliver the original experience with modern assets?

[TheLuckyAce]

Depends on who you ask.

For me the game runs smoth. Feels like JA. There are things I like and things I dislike.
Maps are feeling great with different strats possible... the "Fort" you need to attack early in the game had several options. I slipped into it, repaired an MG and wrecked half of the defenders before they even noticed that I'm there... while I watched others go in from the front or the back etc.

[B.I.E.R. Fab555]

It is not exactly the same game as JA2 but it is definetly a JA game. And a good JA game. It does some things different from the old games. Some things were better in the old games some are better in JA3, but overall in my oppinion it has the full right to wear the JA name.

[Dr Where]

I wouldn't say its bad. It's different, yes, and hard in strange ways. Like JA things that was a vital part of JA, but I can't find. Maybe it's just me not understanding the game or maybe it's not there. I like it so far, but.. I save and load a lot. And try to get along with the loot system.

[['w']]

I like it, too long to describe it what I like and even longer to describe what I don't like about it but it feels like a good game and will maybe become a stellar one over the years

[Stoibs]

Originally posted by TomOfFinland:

Is it one of those games that are riding with the IP but fail miserably to deliver the original experience with modern assets?

Fail miserably is rather harsh.

I'd say it's a 'fine' tactical turnbased strategy RPG thing with plenty of references and nods to the previous games, including returning characters and canonical continuation for their stories etc.

It's just that a lot of the gameplay mechanics have been streamlined and reigned way back (Stuff like no interuptions, healing is kind of dumb and semi-instant now, enemies get an Xcom-style free turn at the start of combat, far less immersive sim-style tactical engagement within the environment etc.) and it's just a little disappointing that a game from 24 years ago still has more mechanical depth and raw systems at play than a new release in 2023.

No comment on the optimization, I have a system way too ridiculous for an isometric game like this and it's fine for me, but yeah a lot of people on these forums are having issues so it may be a good idea to read up on some of that or wait for patches.

[JagarKlato]

Dunno, what people were expecting, but game is good actually. And yeah, it helps a lot to run in on good computer, up to date. I play with 3060 GPU and all good, not sure, how some people have 100% GPU usage and ♥♥♥♥ like that. I guess people love to ♥♥♥♥♥ about everything nowadays, while they can hardly wipe their own ass

[['w']]

Originally posted by Stoibs:

Originally posted by TomOfFinland:

Is it one of those games that are riding with the IP but fail miserably to deliver the original experience with modern assets?

Fail miserably is rather harsh.

I'd say it's a 'fine' tactical turnbased strategy RPG thing with plenty of references and nods to the previous games, including returning characters and canonical continuation for their stories etc.

It's just that a lot of the gameplay mechanics have been streamlined and reigned way back (Stuff like no interuptions, healing is kind of dumb and semi-instant now, enemies get an Xcom-style free turn at the start of combat, far less immersive sim-style tactical engagement within the environment etc.) and it's just a little disappointing that a game from 24 years ago still has more mechanical depth and raw systems at play than a new release in 2023.

No comment on the optimization, I have a system way too ridiculous for an isometric game like this and it's fine for me, but yeah a lot of people on these forums are having issues so it may be a good idea to read up on some of that or wait for patches.

well I can interrupt enemies and get interrupted, there are even perks for it, rest is ofc true, even selfhealed nearly half my hp one time with fox, wonder if this was a bug?

[telamiina]

Its really good.

[FieserMoep]

There is a perk that some mercs (such as fox) have that prevent the initial scramble to some extend.

[Rampage]

Depends on what you are looking for?

A decent mid priced tactical merc based game? Its not bad for that.

You want a jagged alliance game? This isnt it

[Stoibs]

Originally posted by |wilb|:

well I can interrupt enemies and get interrupted, there are even perks for it, rest is ofc true, even selfhealed nearly half my hp one time with fox, wonder if this was a bug?

I haven't looked at all the perks, interesting if it's actually something you need to learn on a level up now... Hmm I'll have to look into it.

Healing is sort of half-n-half. You can get the 'wounded' debuff from taking too much damage that lowers your maximum HP, but for everything else and general damage you just patch yourself with a first aid kit and your actual HP instantly returns, which is a massive departure from the realism seen in JA2.

Even removing the 'Wounds' in strategy mode only takes about 12hrs now instead of the days/weeks of bedrest it used to. Can get blown up from mines and shot in the face with a rifle and be back up on your feet within 24hrs now

[EliteForceQc]

Well, Ja3 is what Xcom ennemy unknown is to Xcom UFO

Ja3 a Bad game ? Hell no! .. Ja3 is Ja2? hell no!

Trust me plp .. you dont want a Ja2 vanilla with only bettter graphic. plp dont remember how Ja2 was clumsy and cheezy.

[Killswitch]

My game crashes on the tutorial mid combat within the first 5 minutes so couldn't tell you, Tried every fix under the sun and same result unfortunately i'd hold off if you were considering getting for the time being, It's not an isolated incident with frequent crashes.

[Pheace]

Enjoying it a lot and no crashes so far

[Ankel.Ssj]

from the first 2 hours, I can tell you that is pretty fun. Unfortunately is not JA2.. but more like an XCOM with a current days setting, which is stil a great thing.