Welcome back, sire, to Stronghold Crusader. In the golden age of gaming, also known as the early 2000s, we got our hands on the original Stronghold and Stronghold Crusader. For the uninitiated, the Stronghold games are an RTS/City Builder game akin to the legendary Age of Empire franchise. In 2023 we got a definitive edition of the original Stronghold which gave us updated visuals, multiplayer for Steam users, and a new campaign. And now Stronghold Crusader is getting the same love with Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition!
The Graphics
For the graphics in Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition, take a look at the graphical improvements to the other Definitive Edition. Animations are tweaked and made smoother and it looks like some textures and models have received some love too. Comparing the graphics to Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Age of Empires has an almost uncanny look to it. With the textures being very bright and HD and the animations having an erie smoothness to them. Subject opinion of course, but it highlights the appeal of Stronghold’s style of a tasteful touchup.
The Gameplay
For the gameplay, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is more the less the same as the classic version minus some “modernization” tweaks. To spice things up, however, there will be eight new units to play with. The units that were in the demo were: The “Bedouin Skirmisher,” the “Camel Lancer,” the “Heavy Camel,” and the “Demolisher.” If you’ve played previous Stronghold titles or even Age of Empires, you’ll understand how this game works. You start with a manor house (town center) and some starting peasants that can be assigned to gather resources. Gather enough food to keep the population sustained, wood for buildings, and stone for fortifications.
Keep the peasants happy through satisfying needs or building special amenities and you’ll be able to start gathering taxes for gold. Gold is used to pay for training and equipping soldiers as well as special buildings that grant bonuses. In one of the missions provided in this demo, you are free to build up your Stronghold and must prepare to fend off attack waves of increasing size. A lot of emphasis is placed on siege battles, where catapults and ballistae are employed against walls manned by defenders. As a beginner, it can be incredibly daunting to get into, but, it’s important to try things. See what works and what does not. Returning players to the franchise will be right at home in this Definitive Edition.
The Soundtrack
The soundtrack accompanying Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is pretty unique. The game is set in the holy land in the middle of the Crusades, so expect a lot of the “Arabian Nights” sort of vibe. A heavy emphasis on the Oud, Riq, and Flute. It’s very thematic and helps immerse you as you play. I don’t recognize the music that was playing throughout the demo. And currently, there is no information if the full soundtrack will contain classic tracks mixed with new tracks, or simply the old soundtrack ported over. Regardless, it does its job of being pleasant to the ears as well as appropriate to the setting.
My Thoughts
The Demo provided to us contains two campaign missions and a tutorial. I enjoy the Stronghold franchise but I wouldn’t call myself a superfan. I’ve played enough Age of Empires in my youth to instantly recognize how the game functions with resource management and strategic thinking. As I said, I think this will be a no-brainer for both returning veterans and beginners.
Something I’m looking forward to when the game is fully released is the Skirmish mode. Skirmish mode is strictly battling against AI or other players as opposed to scripted campaign missions. In Age of Empires, I would go into their equivalent and try different factions and unit compositions. I can see myself doing the same thing in Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition, trying to see which pairing of units is strongest.
No two Strongholds are ever going to look alike and getting to smash the AI’s walls was pretty satisfying. For full transparency, I’ve not played the original Stronghold Crusader. But with the time I had in the demo, it was very clear to me that this Definitive Edition is faithful to the original and a way to bring an older game back to the spotlight. With all that being said, I’d recommend checking the game out. You’ll be able to get the game on Steam but as of the time of writing a price has not been announced.
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