Liberty or Death

aka: Dokuritsu Sensō
Moby ID: 1931
DOS Specs
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Description

STORY

The European Wars against Spain and France have been costly to the British Empire. In order to gain additional funds for the war effort, the Crown raise taxes from the New World colonies without representation. This act compels the New World colonies to protest and boycott against British rule. By 1775, the Crown alarmed by the protests, boycotts and politically instability in the New World sends troops to subdue any rebellious efforts by the New World colonists. This threatening approach provokes the Thirteen Colonies to revolt. Thus starts the War for Independence in the New World (American Revolutionary War).

GAMEPLAY

Choosing Sides

In Liberty or Death, you partake in the American Revolutionary War, either as the "rebels" - the American Continental Army or as the "Crown" - the British Royal Army.

Choosing either one of the nations will prompt you to choose the leading Commander-in-Chief:

  • The Continental Army: Charles Lee, Artemas Ward or George Washington.
  • The British Royal Army: Henry Clinton, Thomas Gage or William Howe.

Revolutionary Politics

Each turn you will have to balance your treasury for the war effort. Money is provided by each state. The more states that support your cause, the more money will flow in your coffers. Money is spent in paying wages, strengthening the fleet and recruiting new regiments.

Here, if you have a sufficient fleet, you can also command your Navy officer to "control the seas" which is conducting a blockade and privateering against enemy ships. This may result in seized goods that will be added to your treasury.

The American Revolutionary War in Liberty or Death included everyone except the American Indians: [1] Revolutionary Militia: American supporters but not yet fully supportive of Continental Army (not under your full control) [2] Loyalist Militia: Militia supportive to the Crown [3] French Army: The French will support the American cause after a formal alliance is held. [4] Spanish Army: The Spaniards will support the American cause after a formal alliance is held.

Revolutionary Combat

The top-down turn-based combat introduces units available in the Revolutionary War: Infantry, Guerrilla, Cavalry and Artillery (Engineers). Combat near shores may also be joined by Naval units: Fleet and Fires Ships.

Spellings

  • 独立戦争 - Japanese spelling

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Screenshots

Promos

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 65% (based on 9 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.6 out of 5 (based on 12 ratings with 1 reviews)

A game that brilliantly describes the historically poor odds of the American Rebels against the British Empire

The Good
Well this game itself has some history with me. One day my computer got struck with a Mardi Bros virus, effecting the conventional memory, and it that time this was the only game that I could play...twas a couple of weeks before I could fix it, but 'till then, I became a master of Liberty of Death...hahaha

Anyway, at first this game can be quite frustrating...specifically if you play the American side. This would be one game that clearly defines the attempt of challenging the mighty British Empire - trying to win a lost cause...but through determination and political will, it wasn't a lost cause after all.

You can play 2 sides in this game. Either the Brits or the Rebels (Americans). In addition to that, you can choose your Commander-in-Chief of either side. Funny to know that the "Clinton" was the Commander-in-Chief of the Brits, not the Americans. There isn't much contest on which CC you should choose. If its the Americans, you might as well pick Washington. If its the British, the ancestor of Bill Clinton (that is if they're related).

It's easier to play the Brits. You're basically squashing the rebel forces like bugs as they are initially weak and disorganized. However, the 'full game' itself is playing the American rebels. Dodging the Brits is one thing, getting the provinces to support your cause is another. The American side is a combination of a standard war-game and politics. Basically in this game it tries describes that without external intervention and cooperation of the French, Dutch, Spanish and other European forces. Bye-bye American Independence.

The Bad
A little to heavy on the American side. There are more features and challenges if you play the Americans, contrary to playing the British which is basically brute force. So, if you want to experience full force of the game, it would be better to play the American side.

This game could've be much better in concept and features. Wonder why they didn't create a sequel.

The Bottom Line
Overall a superb game. Clearly defines the balance of brute force and cunning diplomacy in the fight for liberty!

DOS · by Indra was here (20755) · 2003

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Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 1931
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Verk.

Genesis, SNES added by PCGamer77. PC-98 added by Игги Друге.

Additional contributors: chirinea, Exodia85.

Game added July 14, 2000. Last modified September 29, 2023.