Over time JA:BIA grows into a keeper!
My first impressions of this game were not good, the graphics did not look up to scratch for a game of this century and the interface was not very standard, i.e. you can't scroll around the map just by moving the mouse to the edges. Whilst the tutorial does provide some guidance, it doesn't cover how to get around the world map, only the area map.
However, once I got into the swing of things and overcome the unknowns I quickly became a massive addicted fan. What's great about this game? I'm glad you ask!
The characters have their own levelling system and whilst it took me a while to realise this, once I did I realised my lowly starting characters could be levelled up to efficient killing machines. I started with a squad of three and fought my way through the lower level area maps with side arms and small weapons, such as sub machine guns. As I progressed I figured out how to buy rifles and long range weapons, instantly increasing my effectiveness against all enemies, on many occasions I took the bad guys out from such a distance their doomed colleagues wandered around confused until their number was also up.
The weapons are ultra realistic and as you move through the maps you can pick up weapons from downed baddies. You can buy and sell whatever you find and kit out your mercs with better gear for better protection.
The AI isn't great but in my opinion this actually adds a tactical edge to the game. For example, if you clamber onto a roof and run around like a drunk turkey the baddies will start to climb up the ladder to take you out, it doesn't occur to the bad guys heading your way that their chums are being blasted off the ladder as they get to the top so they haplessly follow and make easy pickings. For large maps with 20 or so bad guys this can really tilt the battle in your favour, it's always my first strategy, clear the ladders and then get on the roof, use stealth if you can. This is not 100%, some bad guys will never leave their position until your ultra close.
The different area maps/enemy positions get harder as you move further along the world map. I'm not entirely sure how the payment/earning system works but I think you earn more money the more areas you take and liberate. Either way, I went from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars a day after about 6 battles. I kitted my boys and girls out with rifles and snipers.
Above all I think this game has re-playability value, in terms of actually coming back and playing more then once, I'm looking forward to getting home and getting my newest squad member into action, if the wife lets me!
If your looking for something that has mileage then I would recommend this game. If your looking for fast five minute action, spend your money somewhere else.