Stronghold 2

Release Date: April 19, 2005

Strategy, economic, RTS, the middle ages, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN

89%

Steam

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The second installment in the series of strategy games which was started in 2001 by Firefly studio. The developers decided not to experiment with gameplay mechanics and instead only expanded the best features of the original. The player can once again choose from two separate campaigns which focus on either the economic or the military aspects of the gameplay.

Mechanics
Technical aspects

A full-fledged sequel of Stronghold – a game released in 2001 which proved to be a great middle ages strategy. Similarly to the original game, in Stronghold 2 for PC the main focus of the gameplay is to build, and defend powerful fortresses and castles. Much like in the original, the player can select from two singleplayer campaigns. The first one focuses on military aspect of the game while the second one focuses on economy. The missions are very similar to those from the previous game – players must complete tasks appointed by the AI, for example gather enough resources in limited time, defend the castle from a few waves of attacks etc. In addition to the campaign mode, the game also contains sandbox mode and multiplayer.

Mechanics

The developers greatly expanded battle options. In this installment, breaking through castle walls is impossible for units not equipped with siege machines, towers or at least ladders. Similarly, it is impossible to destroy walls without having catapults. Armies can move in a few typical formations like V shaped cavalry. It is worth adding that in Stronghold 2 for PC there are around 24 unit types, including weakly armored infantry, archers and heavy armored knights.

The economical aspect of the game was improved as well. There are almost 140 buildings and constructions available in the game (including a forgery, a mill, a bakery, a quarry, castle parts etc.) and about 20 different production chains which allow creating basic resources (like wood, stone, iron, and grain) and weapons or food. Stronghold 2 introduces a completely new feature, the cleanliness of the stronghold. It is important because ignoring the hygiene can lead to an epidemic or plague outbreak.

Technical aspects

What noticeably makes Stronghold 2 for PC different from the first game are graphics. This time the game uses fully three-dimensional graphics engine (with a top-down perspective) thanks to which players can watch each part of the life of a middle age city. The player can see people walking through open space and working in closed rooms, houses or workshops. The new engine allows an increased the size of battles and sieges – it allows up to 1000 units to be displayed on the screen simultaneously. The combat now takes place inside various fortifications or towers as well.

Last updated on July 9, 2016

Videos and Screens

89%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (4,374)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Nostalgia and Enjoyment: Many users fondly recall playing the game during their childhood, highlighting its nostalgic value.
Gameplay Variety: Players appreciate the mix of siege mechanics, free building, and management elements, making it an enjoyable RTS experience.
Map Creation: The ability to create custom maps is praised as a brilliant feature, enhancing replayability.
Long Playtime: Several users report having invested hundreds of hours into the game, indicating its engaging nature.
Visual and Audio Improvements: The transition to 3D graphics is noted positively, along with the enjoyable soundtrack that enhances the gaming experience.
Community and Recommendations: Many users recommend the game to others, emphasizing its fun factor and overall quality.

The main cons of the game

Technical Issues: Users report frequent crashes, particularly when saving or loading games, which significantly hampers gameplay.
Comparison to Previous Versions: Some players feel that the Steam Edition is inferior to earlier versions, particularly Stronghold Definitive Edition, citing issues with map loading and overall interface design.
Complexity and Management: The addition of new management systems (like crime and punishment) is viewed by some as overly complicated and not intuitive, detracting from the enjoyment.
Difficulty with Resource Management: Players express frustration with resource management mechanics, particularly with storage limitations and the inability to expand storage.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Improved Interface: Users desire a more user-friendly interface for managing the happiness and needs of the population.
Loading Custom Maps: The inability to load custom maps created in previous versions is a significant drawback for some players.
Bots in Multiplayer Mode: A request for the ability to add bots in multiplayer mode has been highlighted as a desirable feature.
Localization Issues: Some players mention the lack of proper translations and support for languages other than English, affecting accessibility for non-English speakers.
Simpler Mechanics: There is a call for a return to simpler and more intuitive gameplay mechanics, as some users feel the new systems complicate the experience unnecessarily.

Summary

Overall, while Stronghold 2: Steam Edition retains its charm and engaging gameplay for many fans, it faces criticism regarding technical issues, interface design, and the introduction of complex mechanics that some players find off-putting.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024

8.5

GAMERS Score

Average score from 4589 votes.

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GAMES

in Stronghold Game Series

Game Series

Stronghold Series

A series of real-time strategy (RTS) in the medieval reality. The brand was created by the development team FireFly, which also oversees its development.

18 video games

Stronghold Game Series