Deathground

Deathground is a 1999 video game from US developer Freeverse.

In Deathground, players step into the role of mob bosses vying for control over New York City's boroughs, each neighborhood a battleground in a stylized turf war. The game involves gritty urban domination with tommy gun-toting gangsters vying over districts. Up to six players—human or AI—take turns at the keyboard, since network play is not supported. The core strategy is straightforward: expand your territory, reinforce your strongholds, and overwhelm adjacent enemies. Success hinges on tactical troop placement, calculated assaults, and end-of-turn fortifications. Bonuses are awarded based on territorial size, encouraging aggressive expansion while defending key access points to your criminal empire. The game includes several strategic components: occupying zones with police stations or hospitals yields special perks, and seizing areas marked "Deathground" can trigger chaotic, game-changing events. The aerial map offers a broad view of contested zones. Deathground offers a "Demand Surrender" option to shorten drawn-out campaigns, voiceover gunfight commentary, and an intuitive interface.²

The game was showcased at the 2000 Macworld Expo.³

MacAddict said "Deathground is a slick little strategy game that will interest teenagers and adults alike, but only when players are competing against human opponents"²

The game was awarded best traditional game in MacWorld's 1999 Game Hall of Fame.⁵⁶