Jagged Alliance: Crossfire

About Jagged Alliance: Crossfire

Jagged Alliance: Crossfire is a tactical RPG and strategy game set in a war-torn fictional country. Developed as a standalone expansion to Back in Action, it adds new mercenaries, weapons, and environments, like frozen mountains, to the series’ signature turn-based combat. Released in 2012 by THQ Nordic, it’s a PC-only single-player title mixing humor with gritty realism. You lead a squad of mercenaries to rescue Khanpaa from occupation, balancing resource management, team-building, and tactical positioning. The game leans into micromanagement for those who enjoy slow, calculated battles over fast action. Fans of classic squad-based strategy will recognize its roots in the Jagged Alliance legacy.

Gameplay

Each mission in Crossfire unfolds on a hex-grid map where you command 1-12 mercenaries. Turn-based combat hinges on sightlines, elevation, and cover, with mechanics like ammunition conservation and inventory limits. Mercenaries level up through combat, gaining skills like medical aid or lockpicking. You recruit from a roster of 40+, each with distinct roles and weaknesses. Missions range 30 minutes to 3 hours, demanding patience: pausing to plan shots, heal injuries, or reroute paths is standard. Weapons degrade over time, and failing a mission often means losing cash and equipment. The interface feels cluttered by modern standards, but the deep tactical layer rewards players who master positioning and squad synergy.

What Players Think

Crossfire holds a 7.2 on PlayPile, slightly above average but with 25% completion rate overall. Community reviews highlight the 12-hour average playtime, with 40% calling it “boring” and 30% “challenging.” Metacritic’s 63/100 aligns with complaints about outdated mechanics and a steep learning curve. Players note 22 achievements, with half requiring 4.5 hours. Review snippets praise “strategic depth” but critique the “fussy interface.” The 10% “confused” rating reflects unclear tutorials, while 20% are satisfied for hitting “series’ best moments.” Most agree it’s niche, requiring patience for slow, methodical gameplay over action-driven titles.

PlayPile's Take

Crossfire is a budget-friendly pick for strategy purists who relish micromanagement. At its peak, it offers satisfyingly complex tactics, but the dated presentation and punishing difficulty might frustrate newcomers. With 22 achievements and a 25% completion rate, it’s clear the game demands commitment. Best for fans who’ve mastered the Jagged Alliance series or those who enjoy retro-style turn-based planning. Not a must-play for casual gamers, but a solid, if grueling, test of tactical endurance.

Storyline

Job well done, soldier! The island of Arulco is free; however, there are other countries under the shadow of war that are ignored by the rest of the world. Khanpaa, a peaceful and tranquil nation, is being held in the terrifying iron grip of a group of paid mercenaries… yet the United Nations looks the other way. UN ambassador Behnam Atiqullah tries to help his home country, but there is not much he can do. Military intervention from a major world power seems not to be an option and Khanpaa appears all alone… That’s where YOU come in! As the strategic genius behind your own personal Private Military Corporation, you’ve offed to help by bringing in your team of skilled mercenaries to retake the tormented nation of Khanpaa! Help the oppressed people by hiring a team of hardened guns-for-hire and prepare for battle in treacherously frozen mountain badlands. Along the way, discover why Khanpaa has been turned into a bloody battlefield and who aims to truly profit.