Forge of Freedom Has Gone Gold

Matrix Games and Western Civilization Software have announced that "Forge of Freedom" has gone gold and will be available soon.

"Based on the robust and versatile Crown of Glory engine, Forge of Freedom allows players to refight the American Civil War from either side in this grand strategy wargame. By combining area movement on the grand scale with optional hex based tactical battles when they occur, Forge of Freedom provides something for every strategy gamer. However, Forge of Freedom is not limited solely to military action, you can also control economic policy with governors and use diplomatic tact to win the support of foreign nations during what was to be the bloodiest battle in US history.

The diplomatic and economic systems have been streamlined and improved since Crown of Glory to be more user-friendly and also suited to the period.  Rather than multiple minor nations, each state has its own Governor and they will make demands on you and shift their attitudes according to events.  In addition, you will have to manage diplomacy with the European powers to try to sway them towards or against intervention.  Over 1,000 historical generals are included along with an option to know their abilities ahead of time or have to find out the hard way, as happened historically.  Railroads, rivers and cities all play important roles, as do elections which occur at both state and national levels.  Every effort has been made to bring you as thorough a simulation of the American Civil War as is possible, from 1860 to 1865, from the skirmishes and raids in the West to the pitched battles in the East and the Naval blockade.

Forge of Freedom will provide both experienced Crown of Glory players and newcomers alike adequate challenges without the hassle of a complicated interface or steep learning curve. Thanks to Forge of Freedom's turn-based design, the game moves at whatever pace the player decides.  The new engine and methods used for diplomatic, economic and social strategies make running a country fast and easy.  While your armies march across a regional movement map, battles will allow you to play at a smaller scale as we saw in Crown of Glory.  In the detailed battlefield map, each side is trying to capture and achieve objectives, making forts and defensive outposts more critical and important."