Jagged Alliance Online announced [closed beta key]

Jagged Alliance 3 would finally be released, as early as 2010. It looks like plans have changed, and the company is switching to something they know they can make money from: Jagged Alliance Online, a browser-based MMORPG. Perhaps if the studio pulls in enough dough from this venture, they can get back to a full-on PC game. The game will launch globally in 2011. If you like, you can register now in hopes of receiving a closed beta key, and play their apparently good multiplayer mod.

In an era where everyone is taking things to "the next level" it can be hard for a traditional turn-based strategy game to really stand out. However, this hasn't stopped Akella from developing a sequel to the classic and beloved Jagged Alliance franchise. Jagged Alliance 3 takes place in a fictional country located between the Middle East and Africa, called Severna. Severna is not a very nice place. It has a tyrannical government and a neighboring country just itching to take it over for its natural resources. You play as a private military contractor, and the role you pick will have a huge effect on Severna's future.

Like in the previous "Jagged Alliance" games, you'll take control of a small squad of private military contractors, or mercenaries if you prefer the term, on a variety of missions for cash. What really makes these games stand out, other than the fantastic turn-based combat, is the personality of all the characters. Every merc has his or her own price, persona, and skill set. Some mercs won't work with other mercs while others are old buddies. You'll get old pros like Shadow or newbies who are really little more than cheap cannon fodder.

This time out you'll get to choose from contracts offered by four different factions. The first is the government of Severna, the second is a force of freedom fighters who oppose this government. Don't mistake these guys for good guys, many of them are just outright gangsters. The third faction is a collection of corporations who are intent on grabbing parts of Severna to milk its natural resources. The final faction is a neighboring country intent on taking over Severna. As you can see, there are no real good guys here. Akella is trying to push the fact that in a game about mercenaries, your actions are "all business." It's amorality run amok.

In Jagged Alliance 3 you'll have up to six mercs in your squad at a time. We got a chance to play an early level with Shadow, Scope and Malice. The game sports a new 3D engine which is sharp and a definite step up from the previous games which were never really all that pretty to begin with. JA3 won't win any awards for looks, but it is easily the best-looking game of the franchise. The interface is definitely improved, and we found commanding our squad to be easier than ever. The large strategic country map is back, only this time rather than having the land divided up in a grid the land will be broken up into more natural-looking territories. Also returning is the Action Point system from the previous games, so JA vets will feel right at home.

Akella has the publishing rights for Jagged Alliance 3 in both Europe and Russia while Strategy First will be handling its release here in the States. The Russian release is scheduled for the second quarter of 2008 while no official date has been confirmed yet for the US.