8Bit/Digi

Several days before its 17th anniversary, IO Interactive makes Freedom Fighters available on digital stores for the first time.

The PC version of Freedom Fighters is now available on Steam and GOG while coming to the Epic Game Store later in the week. In honor of this moment, both digital stores are selling the game for 34% off ($9.89 USD). It should be noted that the PC version does not have controller or trophy support.

Freedom Fighters was released for the PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox and PC back in 2003. The story is set in an alternative universe were the Soviet Union won the Cold War. This results in them launching an invasion of America. Players take on the role of Chris Stone as he works to build a resistance army and liberate New York City.

To have an idea of the game, check out my playthrough of the PlayStation 2 version of the game:

Freedom Fighters set the ground work for other guerilla warfare themed games. Titles like Far Cry 4 and Red Faction: Guerilla would use the game as template. The game also introduced Red Dawn to an new generation and influenced other such games. It’s also notable for breaking the post-9/11 taboo of depicting New York City under attack.

No sequel was ever made and no reboot / remake has been announced yet. However IO Interactive have been dropping nods to the game in Hitman and Hitman 2. Gamers could expect news about the series sometime after the launch of Hitman 3.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that highlights the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.