Ah, there's nothing better than a nice trip abroad this summer to relax and meet new people. Unless there's a military coup going on, of course. Just make sure you pack your hand grenades, eh?
Ben Morris

The nation of Arulco is in a state of turmoil. Long-time ruler Enrico Chilvaldori has been cruelly removed from office by an evil dictator, who now rules the country with an iron fist under a military regime. The people are crying out for aid and Enrico hires a professional mercenary to come to their assistance and return him to power. With a budget of just $40,000 you must hire an insertion team and liberate Arulco.

Fortunately, finding people willing to join you is simple. You're provided with a laptop computer and, as everyone knows, you can get anything on the Internet for a price. The Association of International Mercenaries has its very own web page through which you can hire an initial team, although over time other sources will reveal themselves.

Equipment is also vital; it's not much good having an elite team of mercenaries who have run out of ammunition, so careful budgeting is required. The first problem is obviously that of cash flow. As luck would have it, Arulco's economy is based around a number of mining operations, so liberating the mines is therefore your main priority.

The action in Arulco takes place in isometric 3D, a la X-Com, and operates in much the same way. While nothing is happening, your team is free to wander around, talking to civilians and collecting information, but as soon as the bullets start flying the game switches to a turn-based system. Each mercenary gets a number of action points based on various stats, and these are used to shoot, move, bandage wounds and so on.