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Forge of Freedom

	Author: Craig Handler Article Type: PC Game Review Publication Date: 5/4/2007 Developer: Western Civilization Software Publisher: Matrix Games Related Categories: American Civil War, Turn-based, Real-time, North America, Operational, Tactical

IN FIRING HIS GUN, JOHN BROWN HAS MERELY TOLD WHAT TIME OF DAY IT IS. IT IS HIGH NOON

It feels like four score and seven years ago since a new game based upon the American Civil War has been brought forth, conceived in strategy and dedicated to the proposition that all wargames are not created equal. Now, Western Civilization Software together with Matrix Games, have engaged us in a great civil war, testing whether their wargame, or any wargame, so conceived and so dedicated can long endure on our hard drives.

Following on the heels of their Napoleonic strategy saga, Crown of Glory; Forge of Freedom is Western Civilization Software’s entry into the violent age of 19th Century combat, American style. Set during the turbulent times of the American Civil War (1861-1865), Forge of Freedom brings players a unique blend of strategic and tactical conflict. In Forge of Freedom, players take to the field battling over the very future of the United States of America. Halt the succession of the fledgling Confederate States of America as the leader of forces loyal to the Union, or join the Rebels in gray (or butternut) and stand firm against an oppressive federal government that has ignored the will of the Southern States.

Forge of Freedom is a complex blend of brutal 19th century strategic and tactical warfare, involving a conflict where brother will fight brother and the fate of the United States hangs in the balance.

SUCCESS AND GLORY ARE IN THE ADVANCE, DISASTER AND SHAME LURK IN THE REAR

Copies of Forge of Freedom may not be found on the shelves of your local game store, but obtaining a copy of the game is still mercifully simple with Matrix’s digital download feature. Always at the forefront of the latest trends in getting software into our hands, Matrix offers customers the option to purchase a hardcopy for an additional $10.00 But those with a high-speed internet connection may choose to download the 750 MB setup file. Download and installation for me was quick and painless, and Matrix offers the option to buy the physical copy but immediately download the digital one at no additional cost.

Shortly after commercial release, Forge of Freedom was updated with a version 1.2.3 patch, optimizing performance and addressing several known issues, including a number of bugs that some described as “show stopping”. Western Civilization Software is currently in the final testing phase of its latest patch that should be available to players shortly. This patch is being hailed as massive and is expected to reward players and fans for their patience by not only fixing remaining bugs, but by promising to add a wealth of new enhancements and features, including but not limited to the economy, generals, siege and naval warfare, and detailed battle mechanics. Players eager for the patch can try out the public beta and keep on the lookout for updates at the Forge of Freedom forum.

Forge of Freedom generally runs smoothly, and other than some relatively long loading times after start-up and difficulty moving between the game and desktop, few technical glitches were experienced during testing.