Jagged Alliance: Flashback
A turn-based tactics game set during a 1980s Caribbean revolt.
Jagged Alliance: Flashback is a turn-based tactics game in the Jagged Alliance series, released in October 2014 for Windows, Linux, and OS X. It was both developed and published by Full Control. Set during a 1980s revolt on the fictional Caribbean island of San Hermanos, players lead a team of mercenaries against the forces of the island's king, known as "The Prince." Players can design their own mercenary using a character creator. The game plays in real time until enemies are spotted, at which point it switches to turn-based combat. Action points govern movement and shooting, and guns can be aimed at specific body parts.
Full Control, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, announced on April 11, 2013, that it had signed with bitComposer to develop the next Jagged Alliance title. On April 23, 2013, the studio launched a Kickstarter campaign for the game, now called Jagged Alliance: Flashback, which was funded on May 23, 2013. A closed alpha version went to Kickstarter backers in April 2014, and the game entered Steam Early Access on May 16, 2014. The full version launched on October 21, 2014.
Reception was mixed or average, according to Metacritic. Eurogamer's Davide Pessach called it a poor series entry unlikely to be saved by modders due to deep-rooted problems. 4Players' Marcel Kleffmann criticized streamlined elements but noted the combat worked well, recommending Wasteland 2 instead. Gry-Online's Grzegorz Bobrek said the game had not improved from its poor prerelease version and demanded fixes. Pelaaja's Miikka Lehtonen wrote it was not worth its price, advising players to get Jagged Alliance 2 instead. Softpedia named it the "Biggest Disappointment of 2014."
Quick Facts
- Title
- Jagged Alliance: Flashback
- Developer
- Full Control
- Engine
- Unity
- Series
- Jagged Alliance
- Platforms
- Linux, OS X, Windows
- Released
- October 21, 2014
- Genre
- Turn-based tactics
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Jagged Alliance: Flashback was developed by Full Control, a studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The game was announced on April 11, 2013, when Full Control signed with bitComposer to develop the next installment in the Jagged Alliance series. A Kickstarter campaign launched on April 23, 2013, and was funded on May 23, 2013. A closed alpha version was released for Kickstarter backers in April 2014, followed by a Steam early access release on May 16, 2014. The full version was released on October 21, 2014.
Gameplay combines real-time exploration with turn-based combat. The player can design their mercenary in a character creator. Action points are used for movement and shooting, and guns can be aimed at different body parts. The game switches to turn-based mode when an enemy is sighted.
Reader's Guide
Jagged Alliance: Flashback received mixed or average reviews according to Metacritic. Critics were largely disappointed. Davide Pessach of Eurogamer described it as a poor series entry unlikely to be saved by modders due to deeply rooted problems. Marcel Kleffmann of 4Players criticized streamlined elements but noted the combat worked well, recommending Wasteland 2 instead. Grzegorz Bobrek of Gry-Online stated the game did not improve from the poor prerelease version and demanded fixes. Miikka Lehtonen of Pelaaja wrote the game was not worth its price tag and advised getting Jagged Alliance 2 instead. Softpedia awarded the game the 'Biggest Disappointment of 2014'. The game's legacy is that of a failed revival of a classic series, with many reviewers pointing players to earlier entries in the franchise.
Did You Know?
- The game was funded via Kickstarter on May 23, 2013.
- It was released on Steam early access on May 16, 2014.
- Softpedia awarded it the 'Biggest Disappointment of 2014'.
- The game is set on the fictional Caribbean island San Hermanos in the 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jagged Alliance: Flashback?
It is a turn-based tactics game developed and published by Full Control, launched in October 2014 for Windows, Linux, and OS X. Players command a mercenary squad battling the authoritarian ruler of the fictional Caribbean island of San Hermanos during a 1980s uprising.
How does combat work in Jagged Alliance: Flashback?
The game runs in real time until an enemy spots your team, at which point it locks into a turn-based mode. During those turns, a pool of action points determines how far a merc can move and whether they have enough to fire a weapon.
Who is the main villain in Jagged Alliance: Flashback?
The antagonist is a character called The Prince, the king of San Hermanos whose oppressive regime triggers the island-wide revolt that forms the backdrop for the campaign.
How was Jagged Alliance: Flashback funded?
Full Control raised development money through a Kickstarter campaign that went live on May 23, 2013. The studio handled both development and publishing after the successful crowdfunding push.
Can you build your own mercenary in Jagged Alliance: Flashback?
Yes, the game ships with a character creator that lets you design a custom mercenary to lead your squad. This self-built operative fights alongside the pre-made roster throughout the campaign.
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