GODSPEED

Where to start? Humm.. I think I would have to clarify the context within my comment (that I am against EA in this case). I do support many Early Access projects! I do think this is a great avenue for companies that are not that well established or need help with capital ($) to build a project over a length of time, who may lack the library of other games that support them financially. I do, however, feel like the bigger companies who have learned to walk on their own two feet should do so. Baldur's Gate 3 Rant ==================== I will not elaborate too much on Baldur's Gate 3, but I will say that while I am still an immensely devoted fan of Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 (currently actually playing through Baldur's Gate 1), I don't really appreciate that Larian has taken the name of a classic - who's story was finalized in Throne of Bhaal - to create a new game (the 3rd in the series, ring any bells?) for what purpose? To capitalize on old fans? Make it seem as though they have deep lineage within the d&d community? They butchered the gameplay that made Baldur's Gate 1&2 standout, they are nowhere near the level of storytelling/writing and characters. Instead, they simply (and understandably) simply brought their own turn-based mechanics and created a story within the Forgotten Realms, slapped on BALDUR'S GATE and called it a day. Don't get me wrong, the turn-based mechanics they've built since Divinity Original Sin is incredibly good for computerized version of pen & paper D&D. But, to be honest, BG3 has no ressemblance to BG1&2 other than being set in the Forgotten Realms module. The writing, story, theme and maturity of the old games is quite a level above what Larian are writing. At some point, they should have acquired enough experience and confidence to be able to write their own stories, create their own worlds without needing input from the community. Haemimont & Early Access ======================== To be honest, I have for more respect for Haemimont Games to be working on the game without asking our opinions. It indicates a certain level of confidence in their abilities to come up with something that will be good. Just in these forums, the amount of variety in what we want JA3 to be like is astouding. Some want a copy/paste of old, some want fresh, some don't mind new mechanics, so hate new mechanics. Regardless what HG create, I will respect it because they will have carved their own path and hopefully will provide a finished game when they release without resorting to the "we want to know what you want 'tactic' to make money" before ever even completing project. Baldur's Gate 3 Rant Rant ========================= I apologize for the length of my Baldur's Gate 3 rant. Baldur's Gate (1 & 2) is, to me, like Jagged Alliance. It's very precious. In short, I view video games with less of an interactive challenge and more as a certain work of art in a way. So much planning, decisions and style are taken.. and just like any actual artist (painter, storyteller, etc..) you get a signature feel and style by doing things with your own mentality, not with input from everyone else and trying to do what others want from you. I realize I am strongly opiniated, I appreciate you guys patience and I don't think my opinions are be-all end-all.. just opinions. 😉

Also easily one of my favorites! I "enjoy" the way she makes snobish remarks and her overall attitude. Just like you said, for her cost vs. versatility, she stays incredibly useful throughout the game. I rarely go through a game without Buns.

Absolutely not! Was a pleasure to read actually. It gave me quite a few things to think about. And yes, a toque is a strange name, even in English, not used that commonly. The one I commonly wear is also called a beanie: https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-alpaca-beanie/62147 With this, I agree 100%. I often take a look/order from Varusteleka because they have a good selection of surplus and outdoors clothing. I always appreciated some benefits of the low cost of surplus (that you can often get brand new) compared to a comparable quality "civilian" clothing that will cost 2-3x more. While my outdoors experiences are somewhat different from yours and I can't say I've experienced much in terms of comparing many different layers and their specifics, I appreciate the attention to detail that you bring towards the clothing you wear for the specific occasions. I understand this attention to detail! It also makes a lot of sense considering the things you like doing and the weather in Sweden. I will expand on my own experiences in a bit. For myself, back when my focus for outdoor clothing was ruggedness due to the nature of the airsoft sport, I appreciated the upgrade in terms of protection from the elements from your typical general clothing store choice. When playing, it offered the ruggedness at the seams for stretchiong and movement (and the freedom), while offering a decent protection if I had to crawl or lay under a tree for any short period of time. Naturally, the speed of the game, even in large outdoors woods/forest, means you would rarely sit or crawl or stay in the same area for any length of time. On the other hand, I would guess hunting is a 'game' of patience (depending on your hunting style I guess) and clothing that lets you stay dry because of damp ground or bushes would help way more than in a sport where you'll brush right though in a few seconds and not stay put very much. Now that you mention ponchos, I think back at my Airsoft years (and this is making me think of Stalker Shadow of Chernobyl...), I remember a few situations we played in the woods in full heavy rain, and I wasn't yet properly equipped; a poncho would have been so good! About clothing I spent a good amount of time going through different clothing back then, because of details like how some material would "swoosh" as you walked (not good when trying to stay stealthy right?), some sets were too baggy, some too heavy.. etc.. My favorite set was when I was using a russian mountain gorka, closer to a canvas material (for the colder days naturally); it was extremely breathable, and for my needs with a light spray of wetness protection, it was good enough to keep me dry for hours of play. Very good fit, not too baggy, lots of integrated elastics to keep the material nice and fitted, pretty quiet. Not only that, but those gorka pant/parka sets are pretty cheap even from the good brands. Ideal for a sport that required high abrasion resistance, stretching and weather protection while staying relatively light and very easy on the budget. I also went through some big brand name military clothing with the ripstop material. While it had natural resistance to rain and becoming wet, it was a stiff material, too "swoowshy" and wasn't always comfortable around the waist when in high movement. Naturally, like anything else, what was good for me was also what I could afford. Airsoft was an extremely expensive sport (because of my own "Requirements" in quality). For someone with a thicker wallet, there is way more advanced system of layering and outdoor clothing quality than even the decent/good surplus stuff you usually see. I've been out of airsoft for a few years now, sold off most of the things I used, but I miss the gorka suit. Need to get another one simply for the outdoors stuff. One of my favorite pieces of outdoor clothing is a set of undergament base layer I managed to get from Varusteleka about 5 years ago or more. They had a short supply of brand new Belgian winter base-layer set. Wow does that thing perform well! It's made of a 100% Polypropylene and from what I had read, it's a material used mostly by alpine skiers. It works really well because I can wear it from really cold days to even warm winter days and it never feels "hot", it seems to protect from cold really well, but I don't overheat with it. I also really appreciate merino wool and anything made of wool, even in everyday things, I tend to want to stay away from cotton because it has horrible thermal properties and captures moisture too easy. On the subject of weather/region The Scandinavian region is among the areas I would like to travel to the most, given the opportunity. Our weather here in Quebec, Canada is pretty similar. While I dislike the extreme highs in summer and extreme lows in winter, I like winter and couldn't go without it! Not only do you harbour many music bands I enjoy very much 😁, but I have always enjoyed a northern climate over the southern heat. I feel most comfortable between -15C to 18C. I also heat up very quickly with little movement needed, which makes our summers (long periods of 30C and over) very difficult for myself. I tend to prefer being outdoors in winter than in summer. One of the best documentaries I have watched was a wildlife photographer who followed different animals across the different landscapes in Sweden, Norway and Finland; from the tundra to the mountains and to the fjords! It's breathtaking not only in variety of landscape, but I find the quiet remote loneliness extremely attractive! Not at all.. you actually come out as someone who cares about detail and what they do accurately. Nice quality! Well, unless you actually mention it, it would be impossible to know you aren't English or that English isn't part of your mother tongue. I myself speak 50/50 French and Enlgish, so my mind tends to always find words in the language I am not currently using.. so when typing English, I keep finding the right French word, but vice-versa as well. It also fools around with the grammar and the way my sentences come out. I often have to read through it at least once and correct things. Anyways, sorry if my text breaks into different topics.. I had to write between things and thinking about one thing leads to another. I think I will probably mention a few things in a later post.

Maybe I should look into some hunting clothing for outdoor stuff. To be honest, I was always attracted to military equipment because of durability.. and I always figured hunting gear was "civilian/urban" gear that has fancy camouflage. I should have made my thought on "comfort" a little more clear though. So let me try to clarify! Based on the more active experiences I have outdoors; like playing airsoft in the woods/forest/abandonned buildings, or wild forest 'hiking', between a pair of jogging pants or a pair of real military pants, I would find the military pants more comfortable for myself. But how do I explain this? If I wear jogging pants at home, that is really comfortable.. but I am not moving much. But when I need a better range of movements (like stretching legs to cross something, or crawl, or kneel), I find a pair of baggy military pants will offer absolute freedom of movement without even feeling any pressure on the pants or restraint from the way most pants are made. And this is not a hard rule towards ALL military equipment though.. I have had the best experiences playing airsoft in dense woods/forest with some cheap russian gorka suit or british and german army trousers. Normal pants feel like a mix of too restraining for stretched movements and when I do stretch, I think a seam will eventually break. Another example of what I mean for comfort when I compare my own experience is in jackets. My all-time favorite all-weather/winter jacket is my german flecktarn parka. Unlike many camouflages, I can sometimes actually pull it off in a everyday setting (I am not a fan of wearing military clothing to go buy food 😅). Whenever I need to wear a jacket, I always want to wear it because unlike my casual and clean clothing, it does not have any pressure points or snag points when I stretch, bend or move around. I have easy access to my pockets for cell, keys, wallet, sunglasses, toque, etc... If I wear my clean jackets, or even my casual jackets, I have limited pockets; when I stretch one arm around to get my wallet in my breatpocket, I feel the seams under my armpits create pressure.. anyways, I think you get what I mean. At home, a pair of jogging pants are the ultimate comfort.. and I'll wear nicer fitting pants for any casual activity, like shopping, driving, etc.. but as soon as I need to do extra movements, I always felt like the military clothing I would buy provided me with the comfort of full movement without worrying about damaging, tears or snagging. Or pressure in areas, like under arms. So, if you tell me that real hunting clothing is even more comfortable than that - I understand quality levels of clothing is important - then I will certainly take a look at some the next time I need to shop for some outdoors clothing. Oh, and I also hope you understand that when I talk about my airsoft experiences, I do not see that as any kind of "hardcore" experience. I know it is nothing like military experience, not even close. It is a sport one does for the social aspect with friends and in my case, some cosplay and fascination with firearm replicas I could never own in their real form. I enjoy mechanical things, I was the one that would take the gearboxes apart to fix my friends problems, or tune the gears.. so it was also a hobby. When I talk about military clothing, it is also with that fascination from the perspective of a civilian. In any case, I appreciate your time sharing in these conversations... not like this is the type of thing I will ever talk about with most ppl! 🙄 🍻

Makes for an interesting read! 🙂 In my limited experience, well, let's be honest here; as an ARMCHAIR GENERAL - that's better - I would tend to think it helps with keeping a more natural posture of your head. Less bending/twisting. Does it make that much of a difference? Naturally, this was also developed long before the weaver-mount and the picatinny rails.. and given how populer the pic rails have become across the globe, I think any other system just gets replaced, regardless the advantages offered. It's cheaper to simply attach rails and be able to use all the availalbe mounted accessories than create a new rifle with offset mounts that requires more engineering to get new scope/sight accessories right. In short, I think your GRS stock grip made me think of that as well in a way. I think it made me think of how various firearms have a varying degree of naturaly pointability. For some reason, one firearm will aim from the hip more accurately than another, simply by the way it grips, the way it feels in hand. That stock, changes the axis of your grip, so introduces a new "algorithm" in your head to compensate, slowing the aiming process.. but at the advantage of comfort and maybe even a more accurate shot (finger/hand tension, due to grip angle/method). In your case, I would be guessing that accuracy is THE primary concern... ...I mean, unless you need the best reflexes to fight off the tide of deer trying to take you down. 🙂 I'm not certain what your experience is, and I remember you said you served in the military, so please take my opinion as if it was a box of salt (not just a grain); I've often heard that COMFORT is pretty high on the rank of "modern" military equipment (ergonomics, clothing, equipment) requirements. Military clothing is extremely comfortable, comes in way more sizes and has great adjustability (I keep a few parkas), and I had figured that the offsets on many pre-picatinny-rail-firearms to be a conscious design choice for ease of use and 'comfort'. But it is conjecture from my part. I sometimes tend to over-analyze ridiculous things.. and come up with these funny ideas. 😏

You are most likely 100% correct... Although, for some reason, some rifles, like the Dragunov, have an offset scope. But that has many disvantages...

Great article! The first game in the list - Project Haven - caught my eye some time ago.. but I forgot about it. One thing that I really like about the gameplay is that it mixes Pheonix Points aiming system (that I really liked) with Jagged Alliances method of AP/Aim. Not certain how much I would like the rest of the game, but those are interesting ways to modernize the older style Action Point games.

Sure I'm anxious for the game, but I'm more interested in something well done. So, I'm very patient. Nonetheless, it seems really odd to have dropped a trailer showcasing some cutscene animation, with some basic gameplay out of absolutely NOWHERE and then dead silence, back to NOWHERE. Then an official forum... and no one working on the game around the forums. Miscommunication between publisher/developer/marketing team?

That is pretty darn cool! It probably isn't the same thing at all, but this kind of makes me think of some soviet rifles that slightly offset the scopes. I've always figured that this would be a little more comfortable and help keep your head a little straighter. But I've never tested this or even handled a rifle with an offset scope, so this is just a theory I made up.

I would really hope so.. it is a little bit too bad that community here has really almost "died" away.. Hopefully 2022 can rectify this and bring us a little more news!

Anyone here watch LONE SURVIVOR with Mark Wahlberg? I really like that movie, kinda gave me more of that "realism" feel, like Black Hawk Down.

Only mod I've ever done, because modding stocks and barrels has way too many laws here, is buy another wooden stock for my SKS and I sanded it down, bleached it and gave it the dark red look. I would have had to put a clearcoat on it, but I don't like how the wood stock feels in hand. My SKS has the plywood stock, which are way sturdier and don't crack like wood, but it also has a slimmer grip, which to be honest is still a little "crap" compared to amy modern rifle. I was never a fan of the way you hold hunting rifles, I do prefer a pistol grip or something slim I can wrap most of my average size hand around.

Haha! 🤣 Similar experience, but the guy blew up a few of his buddies, fear turned to absolute joy!

I would just like to add - because, too late to edit post - that while my comment MIGHT sound a little too "restrictive", or old -schooler, as if I can't appreciate new ideas or change. Not the case, I usually enjoy new and fresh ideas, I've always been at the forefront of computer tech, operating systems, etc.. Since Windows XP, I've always gotten my hands on Windows ever before it was publicly released, by at peast a year. I've already neen running Windows 11 as my OS sonce the late dev build, and I enjoy learning new things. Thing is, maybe if this was Jagged Alliance 3 back when we first heard of JA3 by Strategy First, Akella and all that, I might be a little more open-minded. ..unfortunately, for me, there has been absolutely NO worthy successor since 1.13. My "patience" with the attempts, failures, lacking features has made me not even want to HEAR about any "new" twists on this title; which is also why I am so against any kind of similarities with an xcom-like modern interpretation. While I will give it a fair try, regardless the changes, I will absolutely NOT tolerate a chrap attempt. The minute I sense this lacks the Jagged Alliance charm, it's going for refunds. (I've actually completed Back in Action, Flashback, and I seriously tried hard to play Rage, so I am not just "raging" for the sake of complaining.)

I also have many fond memories of militia/soldier firefights that I was around to assist. That is actually something I NEED to have in JA3; the opportunity to watch militia and soldiers battle it out and have my mercs as the support. It's such a dynamic game with so many layers you know; it's a tough job to even enumerate all the features in one concise text. All these little details really sets Jagged Alliance apart in my opinion. Sure, many games have many good features, but it's just the mix of features, the rpg system and how everything just blends in that makes this stand out compared to the competition.

1.13 imprinted a couple memories to my brain, about 10 or so years ago. It is also one of my favorite parts in the game; the Drassen Counter-Attack! I had a nice little team: Igor, Fox, Dr. Q, Grunty, Buns and myself. We we're decently kitted out for the early stages; Sl8, Mini-14, MP5A4 and the likes. I usually play the Drassen Counter-Attack in a very defensive manner, I like to prone my team on the roof of the 'toilets' (near the bar) and I mainly take care of ennemies coming from the east and some from the south, while militia provide meat shields and slows the ones from the west until east and part of south are done away with. Also, note: I play Ironman Mode on the regular difficulty most of the time. I load a save if my IMP dies. Things we're going pretty well, I was having a good time really, forces from the east we're decimated, nothing comong from my section of the south.. ..decided it was time to advance slowly towards the west to provide a little support to whatever handful militia were left. My agile IMP and Igor we're playing scout when I got THAT unlucky headshot! No more supporting militia, I had to fall back to cover with Igor, while the other mercs were still ALL on the rooftops a few houses away. My IMP was unconscious, bleeding and had 3 turns left of bleeding to death. I wanted to do EVERYTHING not to have to load that 1-2 hour battle again.. I managed to pop a smoke near my IMP, take a few potshots at the soldiers and Fox was able under intense fire, to provide me with a shot of that miracle drug! I was at 1 hit point left, Fox had no more AP to move, most mercs we're behind by about 3/4 a turn... Next turn I advanced everyone to the MAX to spread the chances of being fired on by 6 instead of 3. Most got slightly injured, but it had given my IMP that turn to be able to get back up and be bandaged by a very small amount.. just enough so I could retreat to the next corner. It was just enough so I could run to a corner of the map, regroup and restock, replan and go back of the offensive.. with my IMP as a backline support only. Most intense firefight, "stress" and memorable moment of any game I've ever played. Everything was chaotic and risky to the max. 1.13 set the bar for what I want in a TBS game.

I think it should stick to what it's always been! Team turns with interrupts. Jagged Alliance 1 & 2 are UNIQUE games in the genre, JA3 should focus on keeping it unique and different enough from all the other copy/pasted systems. It worked perfectly before, no reason that needs change!

Yep, the small details like those really brought Jagged Alliance 1 & 2 to a different level altogether. Being a "violent" game, yet not taking itself TOO seriously. I really hope JA3 can at least try to do similar.. without trying TOO HARD.

Huh... What the hell? That's something I gotta go check out! It is something I would probably prefer over the rocket rifle.

All of your notes are pretty inline with mines, and what I think are the basics of most fans. Thank you for all the detail. The point about stealth and martial arts also ties in with wanting to build a "melee" character. The problems with the maps in JA2 os the lack of urban environments. The maps are great for sniping and long-range engagements, espcially mid to late-game. This ties into Submachine guns use as well. I would like to see some dense village/city maps with lots of cover and tight areas that would really make a quick, nimble and agile merc shine. Anyways, great points, ams welcome to the 'club'!

What caliber does the STR shoot? I would take a wild guess that it's something along the lines of .270, .223, .338, But I really dont know

Yeah, don't get me started on the HK21, damnit!!! 🤬 😅 I love watching those ridiculous videos of those Americans (no insult insinuated) that hip-fire those fully auto beasts. I wish my keyboard would sound as good as that when I type! 🥰 I think I enjoy the "battle rifles" in TBS games because of the way most games don't really implement suppression very well. So I end up in more situations where I prefer a single higher damage shot than two weaker shots. Whether it makes sense or not.. ..oh, and also for "sexyness".

"Help! I've FAL-len" has stuck to my head since the first time I picked up that rifle.. I think of that EACH and EVERY single time I watch, read or hear something about the FAL (and it's variants). For these types of games, I'm a big fan of high-powered rifles like the FAL, G3, HK 417... without falling into DMR and Sniper roles. In 1.13, I tend to like using the DSA 58 OSW (the carbine modernized FAL). or the HK G3KA4 (Paratrooper G3). Naturally, the HK G11 is a standout, but It always saw limited use due to the limited ammo. And for some reason, I always felt like the HK CAWS came too late in my game; when I would favor longer range or quiet night assaults. Also, I had started a similar topic a few months ago.. some of the comments are from users who aren't really around here all that much unfortunately.

I hate my question. Too hard to answer. 🤬 I ALWAYS go for Igor, Grunty and Buns in almost every playthrough, simply for the mix of salary vs stats and the fact they "sound" like real mercs and they grow well until the end.

Hell of a nice stock!! As much as I like the wood stock, it is kind of bulky. That stock must feel better in hand, more comfortable. I eventually need to try some out for my sks. 😏