Battle Cry of Freedom

Battle Cry of Freedom is a multiplayer action game with simulation and tactical elements. Game was developed by independent studio Flying Squirrel Entertainment, known for a well-received add-on to Mount & Blade: Warband entitled Napoleonic Wars.

Plot

The action of Battle Cry of Freedom is set during the Civil War, fought in the years 1861-1865 in North America by the United States of America (North) and the Confederate States of America (South). We stand on one of the sides of the conflict and fight to win.

Game mechanics

In Battle Cry of Freedom we observe the action from a first (FPP) or third (TPP) person perspective. We participate in large battles, in which up to 500 players take part at the same time. Clashes take place on vast maps. Among them we can find both hand-created locations inspired by real battlefields and randomly generated arenas. In addition, the game received a complex map creator, which allows you to create your own levels and share them with the community. Skirmishes are varied by changing weather conditions and violent phenomena such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, dense fog and gusty winds.

Depending on our preferences and needs, we can perform various roles on the battlefield. While regular infantrymen are on the front line, sharpshooters provide support from a safe distance, musicians (drummer, piper or trumpeter) help pass on orders and boost the morale of soldiers, artillerymen fire heavy cannons, engineers build fortifications, create pontoon bridges, blow up strategically important buildings or supply allies with ammunition, and surgeons treat wounded allies.

The game provides us with an extensive arsenal, and among more than 120 weapons we' ll find smoothbore rifles, carbines, pistols and even sabers, knives and axes. This is complemented by 20 types of artillery, which can be loaded with a variety of ammunition (from cannonballs, through cartridges with a timer fuse, to cluster bombs). The exchange of fire and hand-to-hand combat have been developed with realism in mind. This applies especially to the firing, which is supervised by an advanced physics engine, and the behavior of projectiles is affected by factors such as wind, humidity and temperature, among others. The game also allows us to customize the appearance of our soldier. We can choose from a wide range of shoes, hats and coats (which can be worn in different ways).

Game modes

In Battle Cry of Freedom we can play only in multiplayer mode. Apart from classic battles, in which individual units carry out their assigned tasks, there are so called commanders' battles, in which we take control over the bot company and showing off our tactical sense, we lead it to fight for victory. Apart from that, the game offers the possibility to sign up to a regiment (clan) and take part in so-called line battles, which recreate historical events. Noteworthy is the fact that the game includes extensive server administration capabilities.

Technical aspects

From a technical point of view, graphics of Battle Cry of Freedom look very good. Additionally, the environment here undergoes advanced destruction. The whole thing was developed with attention to historical detail, which applies to the appearance of both uniforms and weaponry of soldiers, as well as locations where battles take place and animations (created on the basis of historical drill manuals). The same can be said about the soundtrack, featuring songs played by the 2nd South Carolina String Band and classical music performed by the United States Military Band.

Last updated on August 14, 2015