America's 250th year of independence presents an opportunity for celebration, and gamers can partake in the festivities with a curated selection of titles. While games directly focused on the nation's founding are relatively scarce, several games capture the spirit of independence, conflict, and even alternate histories.
Liberty or Death (1993)
Before the popular Dynasty Warriors series, Koei established itself as a prominent strategy game developer. Liberty or Death, developed by Koei's North American subsidiary, plunges players into the American Revolutionary War. Players can choose to lead as either George Washington or Thomas Gage, strategizing to secure the thirteen colonies. The gameplay emphasizes both the political and military facets of the conflict, demanding careful management of numerous in-game statistics. The game supports local multiplayer, allowing two players to compete, though it requires a shared controller and a significant time commitment. To experience Liberty or Death today, players will need to emulate it or find original copies for systems like the SNES, Genesis, or MS-DOS. It also saw a Japan-exclusive release on the PC-98.
Assassin's Creed 3 (2012)
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed 3 marked a significant geographical expansion for the franchise, moving the action to colonial America. Players step into the role of Connor, an Assassin of mixed heritage born in the Colonies, who opposes the Templar Order's influence in the New World. The game features expansive environments, including the American frontier with its diverse wildlife and settlements, and introduces naval combat. Players can explore historical settings like Boston and New York City, experiencing pivotal moments of the Revolutionary War era. An expansion, "The Tyranny of King Washington," offers an alternate history where George Washington becomes a tyrannical king, presenting a fictional challenge for Connor to overcome.
Empire: Total War (2009)
Developed by Creative Assembly, Empire: Total War, now known as Total War: Empire, allows players to command armies across the globe during the 18th century, featuring both land and sea battles. A dedicated campaign focuses on the Americas and the American Revolutionary War, including key engagements like the Battle of Brandywine Creek. Beyond combat, the turn-based strategy layer involves diplomacy, espionage, and economic management. The game is available in a definitive edition on Steam, with an expansion, "The Elite Units of America," adding new units for the American, British, and French factions.
Saints Row 4 (2013)
Saints Row 4 offers a more unconventional take on celebrating independence by imagining a scenario where aliens invade Earth and the President of the United States leads the resistance. This action-packed title is known for its over-the-top satire and absurdity. The game features intense violence and strong language, reflecting its mature themes. An updated version, Saints Row 4: Re-Elected, is available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Fireworks Mania (2020)
For a less conventional, yet undeniably explosive, celebration, Fireworks Mania provides a simulator experience centered on creating pyrotechnic displays. The game features a physics-based system that allows for unpredictable outcomes, where players can aim for elaborate shows or accidentally cause widespread destruction. It also includes community-created content such as maps and custom fireworks. This title offers a lighthearted way to enjoy simulated explosions without real-world consequences, fitting for a festive occasion.
