Stronghold Crusader II focuses specifically on The Crusades-Era, allowing the player to assume the role of King Richard, or Saladin should you so choose. The objective is simple: to overtake your opponents’ stronghold. This won’t be new to veterans of the series, but does the sequel they bring anything different to the table?
Sadly, stronghold Crusader 2 is just more of the same, it seems. While this isn't entirely a bad thing, it's disappointing to see Firefly not try and take a risk with something innovative.
There are a number of positives though, with the creation of a bustling stronghold always being enjoyable.
There are a variety of troops that you can construct as well, from archers to War-Wagons, Ballistae, and Slave drivers. The types of units can vary between the two factions, with Europe and Arabia gaining special units that can provide an edge in their own way. I found that the Arab unique units were a lot more fun, as I gained access to Assassins who scale walls like shadowy wraiths, and Pot Thrower, a ranged unit who hurls flammable jars at enemies; however, the best units you can construct are the siege weapons. They’re a core element of the gameplay and have various options, such as loading your catapults up with flaming debris, or even diseased livestock that will spread disease within the walls, allowing you to embrace your inner Genghis Khan.
The single player “campaign” is really just in place to get the player familiar with the game’s mechanics, with the meat of the game being the multiplayer and skirmish modes.
The maps can be tweaked to your liking and there is a diverse selection to pick from, each with their own certain strategies to pay heed to. The tutorials across the stages of the single player game are disappointing in that they are confusing and don’t really convey things clearly, as I found myself spending more time than was probably needed to get a feel for the UI and mechanics.
Once I had a firm understanding of the game, I found it was a pretty serviceable RTS game. Firefly certainly knows how to handle throwing endless amounts of troops at one another, and the troop commands take on a Total War feeling where you can arrange them into various formations that can better fit the situation. The city/castle building aspect is also pretty well done overall, with the menus for managing your populace being very accessible. You can attract people to your empire by adjusting taxes, food distribution and even bribing them if you deem it necessary. The troop production is directly related to your population, and you’ll need to keep your city’s needs in mind as your population grows.
Overall, Stronghold Crusaders 2 feels like it’s really meant for fans of the series. Firefly has provided their fans a bit of new content among things they have seen before, and while I've mentioned this isn't a bad thing, the game just doesn't feel modern. I can understand why developers wouldn't stray from a formula that works, but this is becoming a rarity among games, where even the big name titles are afraid to really innovate and try something new.
- Scott Sullivan
The Good:
- Siege units are awesome, provide some fun ways to mess with your enemies
- Some unique units are great, provide interesting ways to play.
- City building is simple, but non-intrusive
The Bad:
- Tutorials are murky and have trouble conveying gameplay.
- Lack of troop interactions and variety among Europe’s units
- Castle building feels like an afterthought in a game centred around them.
