Freedom Force

Freedom Force

Freedom Force is an RPG which focuses on story-heavy, mission based super hero combat. The games plot focuses on the origin stories of a group of accidental super heroes led by Minute Man.

Overview

Freedom Force chronicles the exploits of a group of super heroes in a strategy / RPG hybrid game. The unique aspect that distinguishes Freedom Force is the over the top humor and art style that pays homage to the Silver Age of Comic Books. The game was developed by Irrational Games and released in 2002.

Development

Ken Levine & Irrational initially pitched the game as"Justice Squad", a tactical turn-based RPG (like X-Com) that was even closer to the Silver Age of comics. But early on in development, they noticed the waning popularity of the tactical RPG genre and switched to a hybrid real-time combat. Ken noted the Baldur's Gate series as a major inspiration for the hybrid "pause and play" combat in the final game that encouraged liberal use of the pause-in-combat feature.

Gameplay

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Freedom Force plays as a strategy / RPG game were you get to control up to 4 members of Freedom Force on several missions. Each of the heroes has various moves and superpowers that can be used in the game. As you gain more experience points from completing missions, you can unlock new powers for the characters. Unlike an action RPG game like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Freedom Force plays more like a tactical RPG, where you get to pause the action, plan your next move, and act accordingly.

Hero Creation

The hero creation feature allowed players to create their own heroes by mixing and matching many stock powers. Players could also give these heroes their own origin stories, allowing people to role play as their own creation. Years after the release, this proved be one of the most popular features of the game.

Plot

Minute Man & Mentor
Minute Man & Mentor

Lord Dominion is an alien bent on world domination, and the only thing standing between him and achieving his goal is earth. He devises a diabolical scheme of endowing the criminals of earth with a super human power inducing substance known as energy X, and watching earth crumble from within. Before he can execute his plan, one of the alien citizens from his planet (known as Mentor) steals the canisters of energy X and heads to earth in the hope of giving the power to some good citizens who can stand against Lord Dominion's oppression. On his way to earth, Mentor's ship is shot down by Lord Dominion's forces and the canisters of energy X are dispersed all throughout Patriot City.

Various people -some good and some evil- are exposed to the radiations of energy X and endowed with super human powers. The good ones join forces with Mentor and decide to form a group to fight the forces of evil, and defend Patriot City from all dangers. Each one of the heroes is granted a power that matches his or her personality. For example, Frank Stiles' patriotism translates to Minute Man, the righteous hero who fights for justice, and El-Diablo is a hot headed Latino whose fiery powers match his fiery personality. Together, this group of heroes is known as the Freedom Force.

Powers

Hero powers are either offensive or defensive, with each group then dividing itself into sub-categories.

Offensive Powers

Offensive Powers can be divided into:

  • Area Powers
  • Beam Powers
  • Direct Powers
  • Melee Powers
  • Projective Powers
  • Special Powers

AREA POWERS

NameDescription
AnnihilationA massive explosion that destroys the attacker and damages all targets
AloftPropel objects straight upwards with great strenght
Area EnergizeGeneric area attack
BellowA primordial bellow with a ranged effect that causes Panic
Bind TrapGeneric binding power
Call of ConfusionAn echoing cry that causes Confusion in those that hear it
Cortical SupressionCauses Mental Blank on all enemies within the area of effect
Disrupt ObjectGeneric disrupt object attack
Electrical ExplosionGeneric electrical explosion
Electrical FieldA powerful attack that damages all targets within a radius
Energy LeechDraws energy points out of a target
ExplosionGeneric explosion
Fire ExplosionGeneric fire explosion
Fire Explosion LargeGeneric large fire explosion
Ice ExplosionGeneric ice explosion
Ignite ExplosionGeneric explosive ignition attack
Lethes SongHypnotizes within a radius
Molecular ExplosionExplosion that accompanies molecular excitation
Order In the CourtCauses Fear in anyone caught in range
Portal ExplosionExplosion that accompanies dimensional ruptures
QuakeArea attack that deals heavy damage to any objects on the ground
Rally the TroopsTemporarily gives nearby heroes mental resistance and cures Panic
ReleaseAn attack that damages everything in a wide radius
Roaring DoomInduces Panic within a radius
Schoolyard TauntEnrages enemies and provokes them into attacking
ScreechCauses Panic within a radius
ShockwaveGeneric shockwave
SnowstormConfuses opponents
Space-Time RiftA very powerful attack; it has a long foreshadowing time, however
Turret ExplosionGeneric turret explosion
Ultrasonic SquealStuns everyone, either friend or foe, within a radius
Unstable EnergyGeneric unstable energy attack
Vine TrapEntangles the enemy and places them in Stasis
WhirlpoolStrikes all in reach; similar effect to Water Jet

BEAM POWERS

NameDescription
Chronal ElectricityBeam that deals electrical damage
Chronal EnergyBeam that deals energy damage
Chronal RadiationBeam that deals radiation damage
Cold Fusion RayA focused beam of oscillating energy
Density MaxA ranged attack that increases the density of the target
DisruptionCauses inanimate objects to explode
Electron BeamA ranged attack with moderate damage
Energy X-RayA powerful, medium range energy beam
Flame CannonA fiery ranged attack
Flame GunA fiery short-ranged attack
FocusA standard ranged attack
Freeze RayCauses targets to Freeze
Icicle BlastAn icy ranged attack
IrradiateCauses the target to become radioactive, taking progressive damage
MeltdownRanged beam attack that passes straight through to the target
Microwave BeamA long range attack
Modulating BeamA penetrating beam attack
Rad PistolA powerful ranged radiation attack
Reminder RayA low-damage, short-range attack
Sacred BoltRanged electrical attack
Seeking BeamBeam attack that ignores obstacles, dealing cold damage
Sonic ShriekPenetrating beam attack with a good chance of stunning opponents
Storm BoltA ranged projectile with moderate damage
Tongues of FlameEffective ranged beam attack
TransferTransfers the user's own energy points to a target (useful to help allies)
Water JetLow-damage, high Stun and Knockback attack

DIRECT POWERS

NameDescription
AlterationRandomly inflicts primary states and removes secondary states
BalancePools hit points of user and target, then divides them equally
Binding VinesParalyzing attack that binds the target with vines
Cerebral BalanceCure an ally of any special mental state
Chrono CrushA ranged attack that causes its target to become slow or paralyzed
Commuted SentenceRemoves secondary states like Blindness or Irradiated
Darkness PowerPowerful ranged explosive attack
Direct 01Generic direct attack
EnergizeAccelerate other character's energy regeneration, but with chance of stun
Energize OtherIncreases the target's energy regeneration, but causes unstable energy
Entangling VinesEntangle foes with vines
Genetic DamageAlter the resistances of a target
IgnitionSet fire to objects, causing them to explode in a fireball
Instinct DominanceCauses Rage in a single target, either enemy or ally
MercyTransfer health points to other characters
Molecular ExcitationTurns any inanimate object it affects into a bomb
Power NullRemoves a randomly selected power from an enemy target
PurgatoryTemporarily banish an enemy from this plane of existence
RepulsionBatters an enemy against an object or removes them from melee range
Swarm of LeavesSwarm of leaves appears to Blind the enemy
Throw VoiceForces an enemy to use taunt, making his allies go berserk
Vengeance CurseA curse from the goddess to vex the unworthy

MELEE POWERS

NameDescription
BiffA hefty punch
Blinding ScratchCauses blindness
Cloven KickA standard melee attack
ClubA standard melee attack
Commie ClobberA standard melee attack
CondemnationSpinning attack that strikes all within a short radius
Double UppercutTwo quick strikes
Electric ArcPowerful attack that hits everything within a short arc
Fist FlurryThree strikes in quick succession
Fist FusilladeDelivers six average punches in quick succession
Flaming FistStrong, fiery melee attack
Flaming SpearDeals heat damage
Flip-KickPowerful attack that delivers good damage and knockback
Frost PunchA standard melee attack
GoreAttack using jagged horns
Hammer CarnageA series of reasonably fast, very damaging attacks
Hammer CrushA slow, yet very damaging attack
HaymakerMelee attack that affects an area, knocking opponents up and away
HeadbuttMove quickly to a target and slam it with damage
Icicle SlashAttack using razor-sharp icicles
InterferenceAttack with a semi-materialized hand, causing severe damage
JabAttack that pierces through an opponent's defenses
KickA standard melee attack
Mandible AssaultA triple attack that strikes everything in a short forward-facing arc
Mandible BiteA powerful melee attack
Mecha SmashUse this to smash any architectural ignoramus
Mecha StompStomp on the inferior structures
Nature's KissAn attack that can cause hypnosis
One-Shot PunchHigh velocity jab
Patriot Whirl360ยบ spin that strikes everyhing in its arc
Piercing PeckA basic melee attack
Pincer PunchA quick double attack
Poison SpearVery potent attack that causes acid burn
Pressure PunchDelivers moderate damage and knockback
Psyche-SlashDelivers multiple strokes, but has a slow lead up time
PunchA standard melee attack
PunishmentShort, sharp whack with the hammer of punishment
RendA standard melee attack
RiptideAn attack that strikes three times in quick succession
ScratchA standard melee attack
ShoveA high knockback that causes no damage
SlamDelivers a blast of crushing damage to an area
SlapLow-damage attack
SlashAttack with a wide arc, but lower damage
SmashA slow but powerful melee attack
Smite the WickedShort, sharp slap for the unworthy
Snap KickA very fast, low damage kick
SpearA short-range melee attack
Strike for FreedomAn attack with the staff of patriotism
Swift PunchA fast punch
The Ol' One-TwoQuick attack that strikes twice for low-damage
Thorax PunchA simple, fast jab
ThrustAn attack that delivers some good damage
TrouncingDelivers three strong attacks in quick succession
VanquishA quick double attack
WallopA standard punching attack
WhamSolid melee attack
Wrecking BallPowerful attack, good for smashing objects... and people

PROJECTILE POWERS

NameDescription
Acid ArrowCauses progressive acid damage
Acid BombAcid grenade that causes acid burn to a small radius
Acid SprayAttack that causes acid burn
Ant SwarmHoming attack that causes Blind in the target
Arcane BoltA small bolt of mystic energy
ArrowLow-damage, but accurate long-range attack
Ball LightningHard to target, but attacks large groups of enemies randomly
Bermuda TriangleEntangling projectile attack
Bubble GumA bomb that puts Stasis on the target
Bubble SwarmFires several weak projectiles that home in on the target
Darkness BombAn area effect bomb attack that causes Blind
Energy BulletPowerful ranged projectile
Energy GrenadeSolid ranged explosive attack
Flame BurstAn attack that does heat damage
GrenadeA low-power explosive grenade with an area effect
HellfireA mighty explosion that releases other smaller explosions
Ice BulletA short-range burst of medium-damage ice bullets
InfernoPowerful explosive projectile
Living ArrowHomes in on its target
Mafioso Tommy GunRanged burst from the tommy gun
Minute MissileA medium-damage projectile attack that strikes all those in range
Pistol ShotLow-damage ranged attack
Plasma RocketExplosive rockets; bad at short-range, but good over long distances
Projectile 1Generic projectile attack
Projectile 2Generic projectile attack
Proximity GrenadeA bouncing bomb that will remain dormant until an enemy gets close
Rad BoltsA projectile that spawns new copies of itself in flight
Shadow ShurikenLow-damage ranged attack
Sonic WingProjectile that releases a powerful concussive blast when it strikes
Stun GrenadeBouncing bomb that causes no damage, but inflicts Stun
Sukhov's ShotStandard pistol attack
Sunday PunchThrows out a shockwave of damage to stun an opponent
Swarm of ArrowsSplits into multiple arrows that seek out and strike random enemies
WhirlwindCarries opponents in the air before stunning and dropping them

SPECIAL POWERS

NameDescription
300-PercenterCauses the next melee attack to do triple damage
Blind JusticeAllows you to go Berserk at will, and adds a bonus to strenght; anyone within range will be attacked, though
Cloak of ShadowsSlip into the shadows, becoming invisible
Clone SelfCreates a duplicate of the user
Deja DuplicationCreates a duplicate deja-vu, with half hit points
Displace ImageUser becomes temporarily invulnerable, but cannot attack
ElectrifyProvides a burst of electricity to the user
EmpathyAn active defense which causes enemies to share the damage they inflict
Speeding BulletKnocks back enemies at the end of a sprinting run
SprintAllows you to move to a chosen spot nearly instantly
Teleport SelfMove to any point within visual range
UncloakBecome visible again

Defensive Powers

Defensive Powers can be divided into:

  • Active Defense Powers
  • Passive Defense Powers

ACTIVE DEFENSE

NameDescription
Arms of the GoddessProtection against a variety of projectile and beam attacks
Bubble ShellA good defense that will absorb all attacks, but that has limited HP
Energy ShieldProvides protection from all attack types
Fire it UpA powerful defense that burns enemy attacks before they can strike
HarmonyPrevents damage being taken from elemental forces
Hyper SpinActive defense, but the character cannot move or attack while in use
Ice ShellA sturdy defense against all attacks
Iron JawActive defense that gives extra protection against mundane damage
Kinetic BarrierProtects against all physical attacks
Magnetic HarborA defense useful against projectiles, energy and electricity
National GuardAn energy shield that redirects projectile attacks at a nearby enemy
Proton ShieldShield the user from pesky projectiles

PASSIVE DEFENSE

NameDescription
Absorb HeatGain Energy Points from incoming heat damage
Blessed AegisCompletely protect against mystical attacks
Charge RedirectionAutomatically redirects electricity attacks onto the nearest enemy
Contain EnergyTurn damage from energy attacks into extra energy points
Current BounceAutomatically redirects electricity attacks onto the nearest enemy
Density ControlAbsorbs all attacks
Eternal VigilanceGives a 50% chance to deflect projectiles
Fancy FootworkDefense against Crushing and Piercing attacks
Fluttering FeathersYou confound the enemy, making you harder to hit
Heat SiphonGain energy points from incoming fire damage
JusticeShields the user from many melee attacks
Kraken's ScalesDefense against crushing, piercing and energy attacks
Mental BarrierProtects against all mental attacks
MetabolizeAbsorb acid and radiation damage from ranged attacks
Scram AbsorbTurn radiation into Energy Points, but releases rads periodically
Shrug OffDefense that protects against energy, fire and cold damage

Attributes

There's a wide range of attributes for the player to choose from, but not all of them are good-- afterall, all heros should have a weakness :)

These "bad attributes" are not just for fun, though, as they can be selected to buy back some "credits" in order to be able to buy more good ones. Choose carefully!

Displayed in alphabetical order.

NameDescription
ArmoredResistant to piercing. Speed reduced by 1
BeautifulEnemies attempting melee attacks on character must make a successful resistance check against hypnosis
BedeviledVulnerable to mystical damage
Berserker10% chance of becoming enraged after taking damage
BlindLowers accuracy on ranged attacks. Adds a penalty to the swiftness of melee attacks and dodge chances
BlitzkriegAdds 3 to the swiftness of all melee attacks, and extra damage
ChargedResistant to electricity. All melee attacks do 5 points of electrical damage
ClawsAdds 10 points of piercing damage to all melee attacks
ClumsyCan't pick up or wield objects
Cold-BloodedIt makes you more vulnerable to cold damage
Cosmic ChumpIt makes you vulnerable to energy attacks
Crack ShotIncreases accuracy
Cybernetic BrainResistant to: hypnosis, enrage, panic, mental blank. Increases accuracy
Danger SenseAdds 1 speed bonus to dodge attempts
Density ControlImmune to knock-back. Jumping abilities similar to Jumper attribute
DisciplinedResistant to all mental attacks: hypnosis, mental blank, rage, panic
EnergeticYour energy recharges twice as fast, but you only have half the normal maximum energy
Extra HeroicYour character receives an extra hero point
Fast HealingYour character will continously recover HP whenever they are damaged, up to a maximum of 100 HP
FlierYou can... fly
FluctuationYou are dangerously unpredictable; random damage of 0% to 300% of base damage amount
FocusAttack area range is halved, damage is doubled
Glass BonesYou're more vulnerable to crushing damage. Plus, you make rattling noises when you walk!
Grim ResolveMore resistant to stun damage
GroundedYou're more vulnerable to electrical damage
Heat SensitiveYou're more vulnerable to heat attacks
Heavy HitterThe damage of all wielded attacks is doubled
Heavy LifterAdds strenght value to lifting and throwing
HeroicGives one more hero point
HirsuteGreater resistance to cold damage
Hot TemperedRandomly uses higher intensity powers
InvertebrateYou're more resistant to radiation
JumperScales you effective jumping ability
Level HeadedYou're resistant to mystical and mental damage
LevitateYou fly with half the normal movement speed and doubles the EP cost
Light SpeedThe damage of all beam attacks is increased and it adds 3 to swiftness
MyopicDecreases accuracy
NeutralizeYou're more resistant to acid damage
NimbleCharacter gets 3 to agility, but has -10% HP
PonderousCharacter can't dodge and gets a -2 penalty to the swiftness of melee attacks
RadioactiveHighly resistant to radiation
Rapid MetabolismVulnerable to acid and radiation
Shake it OffThe duration of all prolonged damage states is halved
Slow MovingCharacter has a -3 penalty speed to dodge attempts, but gets 10% more HP
Solid SkeletonResistant to crushing damage
Strange VisitorYou're more resistant to energy damage
Temperature ControlResistant to heat and cold
Thin SkinnedMore vulnerable to piercing damage
Timid5% chance of becoming panicked after taking damage
Tough GuyAll resistances are increased by 50%
UnbelieverMore resistant to all forms of mystical attack
UnheroicYour character receives one less hero point
Unstable EnergyRandomly triggers energy release area attack when character takes damage
Unstable MoleculesYour material type is randomly selected at the beginning of every mission, for the duration of that mission
VolcanicResistant to heat damage
Wall ClimbingYou can... climb walls.
Weak MindedYour resistance to mental damage is halved

Fan Community

Freedom Force has an active fan community at http://www.freedomfans.com/ that produces many mods and custom heroes on a regular basis.

Steam Release

Both the Freedom Force games were re-released on Steam on May 29, 2009 as part of "Freedom Pack".

PC System Requirements

MinimumRecommended
  • OS: Windows XP/ME/2000/98 (95 and NT are not supported)
  • Processor: 300 MHz Intel Pentium II or AMD K6-2
  • RAM Memory: 96 MB RAM
  • Graphics Card: 16 MB supported Direct3D capable video card with DirectX 8.1 compatible driver
  • Hard Drive Space: 31 MB, not including saved games
  • Sound Card: DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
  • OS: Windows XP/Vista
  • Processor: 600 MHz or faster Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon processor
  • RAM Memory: 128 MB or more
  • Graphics Card: 32 MB or greater supported Direct3D capable video card with DirectX 8.1 compatible driver
  • Hard Drive Space: 570 MB or more free hard disk space plus space for saved games
  • Sound Card: Environmental Audio capable sound card