Stronghold: Crusader HD

Release Date: November 1, 2012

Strategy, economic, RTS, the middle ages, remaster/remake, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN

98%

Steam

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An improved edition of a popular RTS game created by FireFly Studios and originally released back in 2002. The HD edition increases the maximum resolution supported and adds zooming in and out in the isometric view. The game offers the entire content of the original release, supplemented with additional units, scenarios and tactical options introduced in the Stronghold Warchest and Stronghold Crusader Extreme editions.

Mechanics
Technical aspects

Stronghold Crusader HD for PC is an improved edition of a popular RTS game created by FireFly. This edition increased the maximum resolution supported to 2560x1600 and added the possibility of zooming the camera in and out. In terms of the mechanics, the HD edition does not introduce any changes, offering the entire content of the original 2002 release, along with additional units, scenarios and tactical options brought first by the Stronghold Warchest and Stronghold Crusader Extreme editions.

Mechanics

Again, the player takes on the role of a castle's supervisor, but instead of the action being set in Europe, the player is taken to the Middle East and takes part in events taking place during the first three crusades, during which the Europeans were supposed to seize control over the Holy Land. Throughout the several singleplayer campaigns, the player completes a series of story missions acquainting them with successive mechanics.

As befits an RTS game, balancing between prosperous economy and powerful army appropriately is the core mechanic here. Thus the player has to launch a chain of production allowing to feed the inhabitants, give them clothing and tools necessary to craft weapons and armors.

Apart from standard campaigns, Stronghold Crusader HD for PC offers a series of individual scenarios focusing on developing the economy or performing sieges. In the latter case, the player decides whether they want to be given control over the assilants or the defenders. Depending on the choice made, the player uses mainly fire arrows, wolf pits, battering rams, catapults, ladders, etc.

Up to ten thousand units can face another such massive group at a time here, including both regular knights and archers, as well as cavalry riders and assasins. Introducing view scaling to the game allowed to capture a larger part of the battlefield. The game brings a set of additional, tactical options which can affect the course of the battle to a large degree.

For those who prefer a multiplayer experience, scenarios that can be completed by up to eight players in one session were added.

Technical aspects

Apart from the improvements in terms of resolution and camera work, Stronghold Crusader HD for PC does not introduce any changes related to the audiovisuals present in the original release. Thus archaisms are visible in contrast to modern-day real-time strategies.

Last updated on September 6, 2016

Videos and Screens

[0:54] Stronghold: Crusader HD trailer

98%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (16,097)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Nostalgia and Timelessness: Many users express a deep fondness for the game, highlighting its nostalgic value and timeless gameplay, often revisiting it over the years.
Classic RTS Experience: Players appreciate the classic real-time strategy elements, including castle building, resource management, and army battles, which are seen as engaging and rewarding.
Simplicity and Accessibility: The gameplay is described as straightforward, making it easy for newcomers to pick up and enjoy.
Historical Context: The game immerses players in historical battles and sieges from the Crusades, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Community and Recommendations: Many reviewers recommend the game highly, stating it is a must-try for both new and returning players.

The main cons of the game

Graphics and Technical Issues: Several users mention the outdated graphics, given that the game was released in 2002. Additionally, some players report experiencing bugs and glitches during gameplay.
AI Limitations: There are complaints about the predictability and limitations of the game's AI, making certain strategies easier to exploit.
Resource Imbalance: Some users note that the AI often starts with more resources, making the early game challenging, though it becomes easier once players adapt.
Lack of Modern Features: Players express a desire for quality-of-life improvements, such as better stability when running in the background and more intuitive unit management.

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

Cooperative Gameplay: A common request is for the ability to play Trail missions in cooperative mode with friends, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
Quality of Life Improvements: Users suggest improvements like allowing engineers to automatically continue constructing siege equipment and better handling of background applications.
Remaster or Updates: Some players hope for a remastered version of the game that would update the graphics and fix existing bugs while maintaining the original charm.

Summary

Overall, Stronghold Crusader HD is celebrated as a classic RTS game with a rich history, but it could benefit from modern enhancements and features that align with current gaming standards.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024

9.0

GAMERS Score

Average score from 382 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