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The sequel to the classic medieval tactical strategy game Stronghold Crusader

The sequel to the classic medieval tactical strategy game Stronghold Crusader

Vote: (124 votes)

Program license: Paid

Developer: Firefly Studios

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(124 votes)

Paid

Developer

Firefly Studios

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Well-balanced combat
  • Multiple game types
  • Excellent unit animations

Cons

  • Glitchy AI
  • Unattractive interface
  • Very little unit variety

Stronghold Crusader II is an engaging real-time strategy game that puts you in charge of massive armies that are struggling to take control of the Holy Land.

There are hundreds of real-time strategy games on the market, and it often feels as if many of those titles blur together. Even some of the most popular RTS franchises are constantly releasing new games that are almost exactly alike, and that has resulted in some frustrated fans. If you are looking for a little something different in your next RTS, then you might want to try Stronghold Crusader II. This unique title has many different unique features that help it stand out from the pack.

During Stronghold Crusader II, you are going to play as either King Richard or Saladin during the crusades. Even though each faction has its own unique units and bonuses, the armies are very similar. During a battle, most of your attention will initially be given to your stronghold. That castle is where many of your units are going to be produced, and you must continue to upgrade it if you want to keep up with the competition.

The stronghold will also dictate how large of a population you can control, and your residents must be kept in good spirits if you want that number to grow. As the game progresses, you will need to keep a close eye on your income and the happiness of your people. If the residents become unhappy because of high taxes, then your population growth is going to stagnate. Unfortunately, your coffers are going to shrink if you drop your taxes too low, and balancing those two factors is very important.

While Crusader II is relatively similar to its predecessor, the development team has included a few unique features. In addition to the basic campaign, there are also some additional game types that you might enjoy. That includes quick skirmishes, themed battles, competitive online gameplay, and co-op matches. When you play against other humans, the game feels much different, and many of the glitches that impact the campaign are going to disappear. In online matches, you will quickly find yourself battling huge forces as you struggle to gain control of your economy.

The city building aspect of this game is another great feature that is going to turn many casual players into lifelong fans. Those who enjoy city building games could easily spend hours constructing huge fortresses that are both secure and eye-catching. There is quite a bit of freedom when it comes to building your infrastructure, and that is one feature that truly sets this game apart from the competition.

Stronghold Crusader II also has well-balanced battles that rarely feel as if they are lopsided due to unusual mechanics. Even though there are some units that are extremely strong, they can still be countered with the appropriate opponents. That rock-paper-scissors style of combat is very intuitive, and it won’t take you very long to figure out which units are going to work in which situations. If your enemy is focusing on siege units and archers, then you might want to counter with cavalry or other quick units. You can also switch over to pikeman or heavy infantry if your enemy has a large cavalry.

The overall look of the game is one of its biggest drawbacks, and the menus and unit icons seem poorly rendered. The two factions also feel very similar, and that limits the game's replayability. That being said, Stronghold Crusader still has some major strengths, and it is a solid RTS that many people are going to enjoy.

Pros

  • Well-balanced combat
  • Multiple game types
  • Excellent unit animations

Cons

  • Glitchy AI
  • Unattractive interface
  • Very little unit variety