Developer Cliffhanger Productions and publisher gamigo AG released today new information on the new multiplayer options for their upcoming browser-based strategy game Jagged Alliance Online, based off of the cult-hit Jagged Alliance. The new multiplayer options were released in the closed beta, which before only allowed players to face off against the AI.

The new multiplayer modes come with six arenas designed specifically for the new modes. These arenas are unlocked as honor levels are gained in combat, with each arena having its own lobby and rankings. An internal ranking system has been created for matchmaking to allow a fair and balanced duel between two players.

The new modes in the update are:

• Deathmatch: Mercenary versus mercenary. Last one standing is the winner.
• Bounty Hunter: Players must sneak around the target's guards or take them down to eliminate the NPC at the end, first one to do so wins.
• Search and Destroy: Both players have three objects that they must protect while trying to destroy their enemy's objects.

The new arenas added are:

• Deathmatch #1: North Africa - A warehouse with narrow alleys means fast-paced action on the battlefield.
• Deathmatch #2: Long corridors and narrow passages provide plenty of tactical diversity in this Central American missile base.
• Bounty Hunter #1: Who will be the first to find the drug baron in the South American favela?
• Bounty Hunter #2: Italian blood is being spilled here. Who will be the one to claim the bounty for the general?
• Search and Destroy #1: Morocco - A windy canyon with a bridge in the middle is quite a challenge for both teams.
• Search and Destroy #2: Two abandoned military camps in the midwestern United States that are both under attack from rival mercenary teams.

Like in the classic Jagged Alliance, Jagged Alliance Online is turn-based, forcing players to plan their moves ahead in a tactical manner. The length of time a player takes in their turn is also important, as those who finish their round quickly will receive a percentage bonus on their mercenaries' action points in the next round.

Currently Jagged Alliance Online is still under closed beta. A release date has not been set in stone aside from being launched sometime this year.

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