Freedom! (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Freedom! is a board game that was released in 2020, designed by Bartek Jędrzejewski. It falls under the category of Post-Napoleonic Wargame and is designed for 2 players. The game is set in the 18th century, during the time of the American Revolutionary War. Players take on the roles of either the British or American forces, battling it out for control and independence.

Game Components of Freedom!

1 mounted Game Board

2 Player Aid Charts

100 cards (50 Period A, 50 Period B)

103 wooden cubes (40 Imperial Extraordinary Units, 20 Imperial Allied Units, 20 Insurgent Units, 23 Civilians)

21 wooden triangular prisms (20 Cannons, one Bombard Cannon)

96 cardboard tokens (20 Supply markers, 10 Destruction markers, 20 Money markers, 30 Support markers, one Round marker, 2 Morale markers, one Population marker, 2 Plea for Aid markers, 2 Preparation markers)

8 Area tiles

2 six-sided dice, and 3 eight-sided dice

16-page Rulebook.

How To Setup Freedom!

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board, which features two maps: one for the city of Messolonghi and another for the surrounding areas. The Imperial player begins with 30 units, cannons, money, and supplies, while the Insurgent player starts with 10 units, a few cannons, 8 civilians, and 8 supplies. Each player receives a hand of cards, with the first three rounds using Period A cards and subsequent rounds using Period B cards. The game also involves placing various tokens and markers according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetrical Play: The game features different goals and capabilities for each player.

Card-Driven: Player actions are driven by cards highlighting actual events and personalities of the time.

Dice-Driven Combat: Combat is resolved through dice rolling.

Phases: Each round is divided into five phases: Administration, Opening, Actions, Cannons, and Replenishment.

Administration: Players refill their hand to 8 cards.

Opening: Movement phase where the Ottoman player moves tokens forward and the Greek player rearranges units.

Actions: Players play seven out of their eight cards to perform various actions like regrouping, attacking, and preparing support.

Cannons: Players fire cannons, with the Ottoman player going first, followed by the Greek player.

Replenishment: Players gain supplies, units, and cannons based on the areas they control.

Objective:
– The Imperial player aims to capture the city or drop the Insurgent morale to zero.
– The Insurgent player strives to withstand the siege and protect the city until the Imperial forces abandon their attempt or have their morale dropped to zero.

Player Experience

**Freedom** offers a deep and engaging experience, particularly for those interested in historical and tactical gameplay. The asymmetrical design ensures that both players have unique challenges and strategies, adding a layer of complexity and replayability. The game’s thematic integration, using historical events and personalities, enhances the immersion and educational value.

Pros

Thematic Depth: Strong historical context and thematic integration.

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Different goals and abilities for each player add variety.

Strategic Complexity: Multiple phases and card-driven actions require thoughtful planning.

Educational Value: Players learn about the siege of Messolonghi and the Greek War of Independence.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a complex ruleset, which can be daunting for new players.

Playtime: Games can last up to 2 hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Component Management: Managing the numerous tokens, cards, and dice can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Freedom!

**Freedom** is ideal for players who enjoy tactical and strategic gameplay, particularly those with an interest in historical conflicts. It is a great choice for experienced board game enthusiasts looking for a challenging and immersive experience. However, due to its complexity and playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players. If you’re ready for a deep dive into the siege of Messolonghi and the intricacies of wargaming, **Freedom** is an excellent addition to your board game collection.

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