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One lesson that Liberty teaches is that only suicidal revolutionaries will pit ill-trained troops and fragile militia against experienced regulars. The Americans must do what George Washington did; build up, train, and preserve his main army, and strike only when the circumstances are favorable. For their part, the British know they can win battles, and sea power gives them strategic mobility. But there aren’t that enough Redcoats and their Loyalist allies to occupy towns, chase the Americans, and protect supply lines.

Perhaps the most important lesson is the importance of morale. Each side has a “Zeal” level that rises and falls depending on battles lost and won. Thus even a series of small victories, especially by the Americans, can have a cumulative effect. In a revolutionary war, even a skirmish can be a “shot heard around the world.”

The two sides line up for battle	Forts are cosy places to hole up in during the winter months

Graphics

Liberty has the drab but functional artwork that you would expect from a niche wargame. The map, which extends from Maine to Florida and west to the Great Lakes, is mostly forest dotted with towns and farmland along the Atlantic coast. Military units are represented by toy-like images of little blue and red figures with muskets on their shoulders.

Sound

The background music is classical, a soothing blend that suits the period.

Documentation and Technical

The PDF manual is fairly comprehensive and, unlike some games, gives you the numbers and formulae you need. But the ancien regime script on parchment-colored color is a bit of an eyesore.

More annoying is the choppy performance. It takes forever to Alt-Tab in and out of the game. Liberty is not for multitasking.

Armchair General rating 82%

50/60 — Gameplay
15/20 — Graphics
08/10 — Sound
09/10 — Documentation

Pros: A solid game that covers revolutionary wars on two continents. Straightforward gameplay that will be familiar to experienced strategy gamers. A wealth of historical detail.

Cons: Unrealistic tactical combat system that doesn’t convey the flavor of Eighteenth Century warfare. Slow performance when Alt-Tabbing during multitasking.

Bottom line: There aren’t many strategic games on the American Revolution. A must-have for anyone interested in the conflict or in counterinsurgency warfare. A solid if not memorable experience for everyone else.

Screenshots from www.battlefront.com

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