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Key Details of Stronghold Crusader

  • Return to crusade the desert sands
  • Last updated on
  • There have been 3 updates

Enlarged image for Stronghold Crusader
Stronghold Crusader 0/1

Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition breathes new life into a beloved real-time strategy classic, transporting players back to the epic Crusades. This expanded edition not only rekindles the nostalgia of the original but significantly enhances the experience with a wealth of new gameplay content and upgraded visuals.

Moreover, this game is faithfully reforged using the source artwork, music, returning voice talent, and veteran developers of the original Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition. Veterans and newcomers alike will find themselves immersed in desert skirmishes, building grand citadels, and commanding their own diverse armies.

Expanded content and enhanced gameplay await

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition truly shines with its expanded content. Players can now command eight new Bedouin units with unique attributes, adding strategic depth to battles. The inclusion of four fresh AI lords, each boasting distinct castles and tactics, ensures varied and challenging skirmish encounters. The program also delivers on player-requested features, including larger map sizes and custom options, significantly improving the skirmish mode experience.

Beyond skirmishes, the Definitive Edition offers substantial new campaign content. Two new historical campaigns and four 'Sands of Time' skirmish trails provide ample single-player challenges. For those who prefer to share the experience, an all-new co-op trail allows friends to team up against the AI, adding a welcome layer of cooperative gameplay. The updated visuals and remastered soundtrack, courtesy of Robert L. Euvino, further enhance the immersion.

The commitment to quality of life improvements is evident throughout the game. With features like workshop support for custom scenarios and new multiplayer maps, the Definitive Edition caters to both casual and competitive players. While the visual upgrades are certainly noticeable and appealing, they remain true to the game's original isometric style, ensuring it feels like an enhanced version of the classic rather than a complete overhaul.

  • Pros

    • Expanded content with new units, AI lords, and campaigns
    • Faithful remastering with original artwork, music, and voice talent
    • Improved quality of life features like larger maps and custom options
    • New co-op and multiplayer options for varied gameplay
  • Cons

    • Visual upgrades, while good, are enhancements rather than a complete overhaul
    • Limited innovation on the fundamental RTS mechanics of the original

Bottom Line

A definitive return to a beloved classic

In conclusion, the Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition successfully reclaims its position as a real-time strategy classic. Its commitment to preserving the original's charm while injecting substantial new content and quality-of-life improvements makes it a must-play for fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. The expanded unit roster, new AI lords, and diverse campaign options offer countless hours of strategic enjoyment.

What’s new in version demo

  • Added speech for Bedouin troops when hired
  • Updates to localization languages of Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian
  • Bug fixes


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
demo
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 98 SE
  • Windows ME
  • Windows 98
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows NT
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
1,879
Downloads Last Week
5

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