The topic of American independence and patriotism has been the focus of many media – from literature to film, and even video games. Many titles allowed the player to take part in the American Revolutionary War, joining the Colonists in their fight for independence.
Others presented a different version of reality, where the United States was under attack or occupation, putting the player in the shoes of the freedom fighter. This is our list of the best patriotic games to play on the 4th of July.
Total War: EMPIRE
| Release: | 2009-03-03 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Feral Interactive (Linux) |
Conquer the 18th-century world in an excellent strategy game from the creators of Rome: Total War. In Empire: TW, the player is put in control of one of several factions, based on the nations who played a significant role in 18th-century politics.
The player can choose the nation they want to lead, which influences the story they will experience the expansion of European empires, the rise of American nations, or the colonial and trade conflicts in the East. Certain events can only occur if specific conditions are met: for example, thanks to the players’ management of the British Empire, the American War of Independence may never happen.
Other gameplay mechanics are similar to those in previous installments of Total War series. The player can engage in politics and warfare, making alliances and instigating conflicts with other nations. Several aspects of the gameplay have been changed: the naval combat can now be fought in real-time, and the ground the units can take cover from enemy fire and vault over obstacles, making the battles more energetic and realistic.
Empire: Total War came out to an enormously positive reception, with the reviewers praising the improved gameplay elements and accurate representation of the politics and goals of the nations available in the game.
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Saints Row IV
| Release: | 2013-08-22 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Deep Silver Volition |
Fourth installment of Volition’s series continues the tradition of over-the-top action and humor.
The 3rd Street Saints are back to the vert top of the food chain – the Boss is the President of the United States of America, with Keith David acting as their closest adviser.
If you’re still reading, then you’ve probably played the previous installment of the Saints Row series and know exactly what you’re in for. The gameplay hasn’t changed much since the last time: the player controls the Boss/President in an open world environment carrying out a variety of missions and side-quests.
The missions differ from one to another not only in thematic style but also in gameplay mechanics, from side-scrolling brawlers to race games. The series trademark devil-may-care and raunchy humor abound in the fourth game, making it a treat for the fans and all those who always wanted to be the President but never got the chance. Saints Row IV’s humor and character customization options were the top reasons why the critics gave the game generally positive reviews.
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Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
| Release: | 2017-10-27 |
| Genre: | Action & Shooter |
| Developer: | Machine Games |
Continuing the plot of the previous installment, The New Colossus brings high-octane FPS gameplay and some pointed political commentary. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus continues the story of the previous game in the rebooted Wolfenstein series.
The game is set mostly in the Nazi-occupied United States of America, where the protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz continues his mission to take down the evil regime. TNC fully uses its setting, presenting an alternate version of America that isn’t too far detached from the current state of the country. Suffice to say that in one particular scene, a couple of Ku-Klux-Klan members are commended by a Nazi soldier for their dedication to the new regime.
The New Colossus retains most of the mechanics of the previous game, improving on the mand adding new ones as well. The gameplay is still concentrated on fast-paced shooting, with the player able to use a variety of weapons, from pistols to assault rifles and shotguns, to even experimental microwave cannons. Many of these weapons can be dual-wielded for extra damage.
The player can also use melee attacks to dispose of the enemies stealthily. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus was praised by the critics for its gameplay and themes, and won several awards including Best Action Game at THE Game Awards 2017.
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Assassin’s Creed III
| Release: | 2012-11-21 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Ubisoft Montreal |
Join the Revolutionary War as a young Assassin Connor and stop the Templars from gaining control of the emerging nation. Assassin’s Creed III allows the player to be a direct participant of the events that led to and occurred during the American War of Independence.
Ratonhnhaké:ton, later named Connor, is a young Mohawk warrior who joins the ranks of the Assassins to avenge the massacre of his village carried out by Templar agents. His quest will lead him through the battles that shaped the American nation and to encounters with prominent figures of the Revolutionary War, including George Washington himself.
Assassin’s Creed III was a complete gamechanger for the series. New gameplay mechanics included expanded parkour, which allowed the player running up the trees and leaping from branch to branch, dual-wielding melee weapons and firearms, and the most significant change of all – naval combat. During specific segments, the player could take control of Connor’s ship, the Aquila, and face other vessels on the open sea.
The map of the game at the time of release the largest in the series, with two major cities – New York and Boston – and expansive woodlands of the frontier. Assassin’s Creed III received positive reviews from the critics and was nominated to multiple awards, winning D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in animation and Inside Gaming’s Gamer’s Choice Award.
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Freedom Fighters
| Release: | 2003-09-26 |
| Genre: | third-person shooter |
| Developer: | IO Interactive, EA Games |
Freedom Fighters shows that even the invasion of freeing powers will not break the American spirit. Freedom Fighters is set in an alternate version of the 20th century, where the Soviet Union singlehandedly wins World War II by nuking Berlin.
Soviets begin their global expansion, occupying countries and turning them into Soviet Republics. Only the US, while occupied by the Ruskies, remain unbroken, still fighting against the usurpers. Freedom Fighters gameplay is based around TPS action with elements of team tactics. In the game, the player controls the leader of a team, made of up to 12 members.
The player can give commands to their teammates, ordering them to take cover, provide support, etc. Throughout the gameplay, the player will be able to acquire charisma points through capturing enemy bases, and other heroic deeds. The points can be spent on upgrading and expanding the squad. Freedom Fighters received solid reception, with particular praise given to the tactical aspects of the gameplay.
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Celebrate 4th July the American Way!
The 4th of July is an important date in the history of the United States. On that day, over 300 years ago, the British colonies in North America signed the Declaration of Independence, separating themselves from the rule of King George III. Independence Day is one of the most important holidays celebrated by festivities across the country. Now, you can celebrate it also by playing patriotic video games, dealing with de subject of the Revolutionary War in one way or the other. Our list presents only a fraction of the games that raise the American spirits high, but in our opinion, they are the best ones to accompany the annual fireworks display and family barbecue.