Software:Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games

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Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games
JA Deadly Games Cover.jpg
Developer(s)Sir-Tech
Publisher(s)
  • NA: Sir-Tech
  • EU: Virgin Interactive
Producer(s)Ian Currie
Designer(s)Ian Currie
Linda Currie
Shaun Lyng
Alex Meduna
Programmer(s)Ian Currie
Alex Meduna
Artist(s)Jennifer Hamilton
Writer(s)Shaun Lyng
Composer(s)Guido Henkel
Steve Wener
SeriesJagged Alliance
Platform(s)DOS
ReleaseSeptember 12, 1996[1]
Genre(s)Tactical role-playing,
turn-based tactics
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games is a 1996 tactical role-playing game developed and published by Sir-Tech and a sequel to Jagged Alliance.

Gameplay

In Deadly Games, the player takes a group of mercenaries through a series of missions. The missions are linked chronologically, removing the need for micro-management on a strategic map. The scenario branches somewhat depending on the player's successes and failures. There are multiple terrain types, the mercenaries are hired and fired between missions, and Micky, the first equipment trader of the series, offers his services; for example, he may occasionally sell the player junk equipment, thereby prompting the mercs to voice their displeasure with the deal. The game features the same engine and top-down perspective as the original game. The scenario missions place the player under orders of soldier of fortune Gus Tarballs. Initially, they do not appear connected, however, the ultimate objective is to annihilate the DfK, an organisation attempting to launch satellites in space for destructive use. Non-scenario missions are also under the orders of Tarballs.

The most innovative aspects of Deadly Games include a wide variety of special ops mission types like hostage rescues, demolition and infiltration missions. It featured turn limits and a boosted artificial intelligence (AI) as well as networked multiplayer capabilities. The integrated scenario and campaign editors allow for the creation of custom strategic scenarios, adding to the replay value. Mercenary weapons can be modified by adding scopes, Suppressors and barrel extenders. Heavier equipment such as Grenade launchers and mortars are available as well.

Development

In July 1996, Sir-Tech announced that Deadly Games would appear on the Total Entertainment Network multiplayer service.[2]

GOG.com released an emulated version for Microsoft Windows in 2008.[3]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGW4/5 stars[4]
PC Zone79/100[5]
PC Magazine4/5 stars[6]
Computer Games Strategy Plus4/5 stars[7]
PC GamesB+[8]

Like its predecessor, Deadly Games was a commercial success. William R. Trotter of PC Gamer US wrote that it "sold very well", while Jagged Alliance designer Ian Currie called it "hugely successful".[9]

Deadly Games was a runner-up for Computer Game Entertainment's 1996 "Best Strategy Game" prize, which ultimately went to Civilization II. The editors called Deadly Games "an excellent expansion pack".[10]

References

  1. "Online Gaming Review". 1997-02-27. http://www.ogr.com/news/news0996.html. 
  2. Staff (July 30, 1996). "TEN snags another one". Computer Games Strategy Plus. http://www.cdmag.com:80/news/0730961.html. 
  3. "New release: Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games". CD Projekt. November 11, 2008. https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_jagged_alliance_deadly_games. 
  4. Case, Loyd (December 1996). "Jagged Alliance, Part Deux". Computer Gaming World (149): 396, 398. 
  5. Brooker, Charlie (February 1997). "Pick n Mix; Jagged Alliance II: Deadly Games". PC Zone (47): 85. 
  6. Mooney, Shane (December 3, 1996). "After Hours; The Mercs Are Back". PC Magazine 15 (21): 506. 
  7. Mayer, Robert (1996). "Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games". Computer Games Strategy Plus. http://www.cdmag.com:80/articles/005/114/deadly_games_review.html. Retrieved January 29, 2020. 
  8. Olafson, Peter. "Deadly Games". PC Games. http://www.pcgames.com:80/reviews/strategy/deadly.html. 
  9. Trotter, William R. (November 1997). "SCOOP!; Jagged Alliance 2: Feeding Grounds". PC Gamer US 4 (11): 56–58. 
  10. Staff (July 1997). "The Computer Game Entertainment Awards 1996". Computer Game Entertainment (1): 54–58. 

External links