Stronghold: Definitive Edition
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Strategy, economic, RTS, the middle ages, war strategy, remaster/remake, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A remastered version of an iconic BAFTA-nominated RTS, and the beginning of a legendary series. Stronghold: Definitive Edition updates the 2001 original and adds some entirely new content.
Stronghold: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of an iconic real-strategy game, which spawned a BAFTA-nominated series. Just like the rest of the series, Stronghold: Definitive Edition was designed by FireFlyStudios. The game both remasters the original and introduces some entirely new content.
Plot
The game is set in medieval Europe. It includes three campaigns: two classic ones and an entirely new one, designed by Firefly Studios' co-founders - Simon Bradbury and Eric Ouelette. The new campaign, exclusive to the Definitive Edition, tasks players with venturing into the devastated English lands to find and rescue Sir Longarm's kidnapped niece.
Mechanics
Just like the original, the game is a cross between a military/economic strategy and a city builder. The gameplay tasks us with designing and buildings keeps and settlements, erecting mighty strongholds, managing our finances, resources and developing a mighty army to keep our people safe.
The most spectacular part of the game are fierce battles against enemy forces. These often involve sieges, requiring serious tactical thinking. In order to repel enemy attacks, we need a diverse army and strong defenses on the walls.
Stronghold: Definitive Edition brings back two classic campaigns consisting of 26 missions and introduces an entirely new one, consisting of 14 missions.
Game modes
The game supports singleplayer and multiplayer. The former are the campaigns, while the latter are online PvP battles. There is also the Castle Trail, a series of ten siege scenarios inspired by real history.
Technical aspects
Just like the original game, Stronghold: Definitive Edition makes use of isometric 2D visuals. The remastered Stronghold introduces revamped graphics and animations, created from scratch by the same artists responsible for the original game. The soundtrack by Robert L. Euvino was also remastered, while the voice acting was re-recorded, some voice actors from the original returning to their roles.
Videos and Screens
[2:06] Stronghold: Definitive Edition launch trailer
[1:30] Stronghold: Definitive Edition trailer #2
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgia Factor: Many players appreciate the nostalgic experience, feeling transported back to their childhood while playing.
- Enhanced Graphics: The game features improved graphics that make it visually appealing on modern monitors.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Users noted that some quality of life changes and UI updates made the game easier to navigate.
- Engaging Campaigns: The new campaign content received praise for being enjoyable and engaging.
- City Building and Strategy: Players enjoy the blend of city-building mechanics, resource management, and medieval warfare, highlighting the game's complexity and depth.
The main cons of the game
- Lack of Skirmish Mode: A significant disappointment for many users is the absence of skirmish mode, which limits gameplay freedom and replayability.
- Multiplayer Issues: Users reported frequent crashes, connection issues, and a lack of AI opponents in multiplayer settings, making it less enjoyable.
- Limited Map Size: The maximum map size is considered too small for engaging multiplayer battles.
- Pathfinding and Unit Control Issues: Players expressed frustration with the pathfinding AI and unit responsiveness, leading to gameplay challenges.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Custom Battles and Skirmishes: The absence of custom battle options and skirmishes against AI was repeatedly mentioned as a major drawback.
- New Random Events: Users noted that the game lacks new random events that could enhance gameplay variety.
- Improved AI Features: There are calls for better AI behavior and the ability to play against AI in free modes.
- Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: Some players wished for additional mechanics, such as more flexible building placement and improved resource management options.
- Multiplayer Options: The inability to play cooperative skirmishes against AI and the removal of LAN play were also highlighted as missing features.
Summary
- In summary, while Stronghold: Definitive Edition has successfully updated the classic game with improved graphics and some quality of life changes, many users feel let down by the lack of key features that were present in earlier titles, particularly the absence of skirmish mode and multiplayer issues.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 132 votes. 43 players anticipated the game.
18
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: Definitive Edition Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Firefly Studios
Publisher: Firefly Studios
Age restrictions: 12+
Stronghold: Definitive Edition System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: (1080p) Intel Core i3-3220 3.3 GHz, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 660 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit
Recommended: (1440p) Intel Core i3-3220 3.3 GHz, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 1060 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit
Ultra: (4K) Intel Core i3-3220 3.3 GHz, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 980 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit
![First Patch for Stronghold Remaster [Update: Great Sales]](https://cdn.gracza.pl/i_gp/h/16/437384033.jpg)
First Patch for Stronghold Remaster [Update: Great Sales]
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