Tactical style games with strategic element (like X-Com)

[lozina]

I have a really big craving for a game like X-Com but I don't necessarily need the whole alien element. I remember there was a game just like X-Com but it was based on mercenaries. It basically was you were in charge of a squad of mercenaries and you get contract offers which you can review and decide to accept or not. You hire your mercenaries, buy them equipment and then get taken to a tactical map just like X-Com in modern cityscapes and tasked with killing targets ot accomplishing certain objectives while minimizing collateral damage.

This game was tons of fun and I am really hoping there is some modern version if it. Anyone know of one??

It's a big deal for me if the game allows you to hire/fire your squad members, develop their skills and equip them with whatever you want... i.e. open-ended and random instead of some linear story line that 'unlocks' things as you advance

 

[AmberClad]

Might want to look into Jagged Alliance 2.

Edit: Actually JA2 sounds like the "mercenaries" game you described. There is another one called Hired Guns: Jagged Edge, and I think it's supposed to be based on Jagged Alliance. Not sure about reviews of it though.

 

[lozina]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
Might want to look into Jagged Alliance 2.

Edit: Actually JA2 sounds like the "mercenaries" game you described. There is another one called Hired Guns: Jagged Edge, and I think it's supposed to be based on Jagged Alliance. Not sure about reviews of it though.

Yeah JA2 looks a lot like the game I was describing but it's actually not the same game. The game I was describing might be a little older actually. I could swear the game I described was called something like M.E.R.C.S. but when I searched I found a totally different game under that name so I don't know...

But JA2 looks promising I will definitely try it especially since it's bargain bin prices now

Thanks!

Any other games like this?

 

[palad]

I haven't played it, but Laser Squad Nemesis is supposed to be the modern successor to the XCom games.

 

[Sam25]

Jagged Alliance 2 is a brilliant tactical/strategy title, strongly recommended. Haven't played Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge but judging from the review here it seems it's pretty good.

Btw, searching for M.E.R.C.S leads to a game from Capcom, don't think that's the one your looking for. The other game that comes to mind is Silent Storm but that's set in WWII.

 

[Via]

There's always the Commandos series I guess.

 

[Sam25]

Originally posted by: Via
There's always the Commandos series I guess.

Oh man...Commandos 2: Men of Courage is my absolute favorite strategy game of all time.

 

[Via]

I didn't get very far with Commandos when I tried it; I'm not smart that way.

I have the Commandos 2&3 boxes. I picked them up over the years at Big Lots.

Maybe I should try them.

 

[lozina]

Is Commandos open ended or is it more linear storyline style?

 

[Via]

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/str...ag=summary;read-review

That gives a good idea.

 

[Sam25]

Originally posted by: Via
I didn't get very far with Commandos when I tried it; I'm not smart that way.

I have the Commandos 2&3 boxes. I picked them up over the years at Big Lots.

Maybe I should try them.

I have completed Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines and Commandos 2. Haven't played 3 though. I would say you should definitely try Commandos 2.

 

[nanobreath]

oooo commandoes was an interesting game. Quite difficult, but very satisfying once you complete a mission. Nothing like X-com though, just a great strategy game.