If you have fond memories of the classic Sid Meier's Colonization, then we recommend the free and open-source version created by a group of friends with some free time. After years of development, they have not only managed to create a clone of the game but also improve its graphics, sound, interface, and add an excellent multiplayer mode. It is true that Firaxis developed a remake in 2008, which is very good, but if you want to play this gem in an instant, there is no better option than FreeCol.
Just like FreeCiv, the free version of Civilization that is as good and addictive as the original 1991 game, FreeCol manages to maintain that charm. It's true: the Firaxis remake, called Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, is very well made and very faithful to the original. But if you want something that resembles even more what the 1994 title was, this free version works wonders. Because in addition to being free, it is an independent and open-source game that you can download and play in just a few moments. And since the goal of the development team was, from start to finish, to make a clone of the original, the experience of playing FreeCol will feel very familiar.
Gameplay and Objectives
In FreeCol, just like in the game it's based on, the goal is to reach the New World, colonize the land, and eventually declare the independence of your home country. All while competing against other colonizing powers and coexisting with the natives. You can choose from different countries, such as English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, and Russian (each with its own characteristics), which immediately creates tensions between the different factions.
But, as could not be otherwise in a Sid Meier game, you will have absolute freedom to deal with your enemies, either diplomatically or militarily. At the same time, you must manage every last detail of your colony, exploiting resources, assigning inhabitants to different tasks, trading with other colonies, with the natives, and also with your own Mother Country. The game ends when the first colony manages to break away from the Crown, something that requires a lot of prior work (and a good navy to defend against invading forces).
All FreeCol games are different, because the map is randomly generated with each new start and because turn by turn your enemies will make different decisions that will force you to improvise your moves. There is no single way to play it and that is what makes it so popular. In addition, there are all kinds of resources, your land will only have some of them, so you will definitely have to trade, build fortresses and try to produce money from them through industry. Things like extracting tobacco and producing cigars or refining sugar into rum will be commonplace in all your games.
Improvements and Download
Although both versions are practically identical, FreeCol's creators took the trouble to improve the original's graphics, almost to the level of the remake, and also add new sound effects. As for the interface, it was also greatly improved compared to the original 1994 version, and there are also options to automatically create maps with custom specifications. For the most detail-oriented, there is even a complete map editor that lets you create scenarios with all the details you want. The project has been in development for years and remains active to this day.
It is clear that technically it is not better than the remake made by Firaxis, but if you want an excellent free version of Colonization that you can download in just a few moments, you can't go wrong with FreeCol, since the developers have done a splendid job out of love for the series. FreeCol is available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux and you can download it here.
Want more free and open-source games? Try FreeSynd, the Syndicate clone; OTTD, the Transport Tycoon clone and/or OpenRA, the Command & Conquer clone. Enjoy!
FreeCol
