JA 2 is the BOSS of the genre!
JA2 Is one such game. I've played it through probably 5 or 6 times just because it's such an open-ended game with so many different characters, side-quests, weapons, secrets and choices... I played it for MONTHS!
Graphics:
Ok, even by 2002's standard the graphics were not amazing or anything. Just simple isometric 2d graphics with simple animations...
Sound:
In terms of action it was nothing spectacular either... Gun-noise and Explosion-noises + the music is pretty simple.
The voice-acting on the other hand is superb IMO! The voice-actors must have had a really good time making all the stupid and funny comments that this game contains. They're just all so unique and great that this is most likely one of the highlights of this game. It makes every person under your command feel believable as individuals and really makes you grow fond of them. BIG + for sound score.
Gameplay:
YES! JA2's greatest achievment for sure! The game starts beutifully with an intro where you recieve a large amount of cash for undertaking mercenary operations in a small country called Arulco. Arulco is governed by an evil female dictator called Deidranna. So your task is clear, remove the ****
But the beuty of this game is how you're then free to accomplish this task precisely as you see fit! The game is composed of 2 layers, the map of Arulco for moving large distances, and the battle-maps where you're free to move each of your mercenaries and interact with it's citizens and objects!
You also have a laptop where you keep track of money, e-mails, online-shopping (weapons, flowers?) recruitment, insurances... the list goes on.
As you progress through the game, take over towns, SAM-sites and complete side-quests you'll get access to vehicles (Jeeps, helicopters... Icecream trucks?) , weapon upgrades, gadgets and more.
There are day and night cycles so you can do covert night-ops, you train militia in towns (that gains experience), the RPG element let's you train your mercenaries in what ever you'd like them to improve on.
Phew! There's just so much going for this games gameplay that I find it really hard to explain it all. JA 2's strenght lies in all the details and incredible free decisions. You really feel like you're waging guerilla warfare with kick-ass mercenaries, and doing it YOUR way!
Value:
This is THE best RPG/TACTICS game ever made in my honest opinion. So if you like the genre I recommend it with all my gamer-heart! Even now, so many years since release, I still recommend it.
JA2's an excellent example of how games dont need great graphics or sound to be GREAT!
If you've by chance missed out on this great title... Then maybe there's still time for you to repent your sin. Check all the dusty shelves in your nearest game-store, get your copy of JA2 and prepare yourself for the coolest bunch of mercenaries ever! IVAN RULEZ!