Stronghold Crusader 2

With Stronghold Crusader 2, there’s not so much a plot as opposed to a series of battles you must win which are referred to as ‘Skirmish Tales’ in the game.

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"Stronghold Crusader 2" is a real-time strategy game set in the Middle East during the Crusades. Players can build and manage their own medieval castles, recruiting troops and defending against enemies. The game features a single-player campaign as well as multiplayer modes, with a focus on historical accuracy and detailed castle-building mechanics.

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Reviews

66%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,663 reviews

graphics216 positive mentions

stability169 negative mentions

graphics
793 mentions
27 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Stronghold Crusader II" have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the improved visuals compared to its predecessor, while others criticize them as outdated and lacking detail. Many reviewers note that despite the 3D upgrade, the graphics do not meet modern standards and can suffer from performance issues, leading to a sense of disappointment for fans expecting a more polished experience. Overall, while the graphics are seen as a step up from earlier titles, they are often overshadowed by gameplay concerns and technical shortcomings.
- “The graphics improvement from the previous game of the series is wonderful.”
- “Building and defending your castle feels just as thrilling as it did years ago, and the enhanced graphics make it all the more immersive.”
- “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is exciting and intense, and the storyline is engaging and full of adventure.”
- “The graphics are terrible, even compared to the art style of the original stronghold series.”
- “The graphics are almost on par with Stronghold 2, and that's bad considering that is a very old game.”
- “The graphics look like they're from a decade ago, the portraits from 1990.”
gameplay
572 mentions
24 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Stronghold Crusader 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant decline in depth and complexity compared to its predecessors. While some appreciate the updated graphics and new mechanics, others criticize the game for feeling incomplete, repetitive, and lacking the intricate city management systems that defined earlier titles in the series. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a blend of nostalgia and frustration, with many players recommending the original games for a more satisfying experience.
- “As someone who has fond memories of the original, I’m thrilled to see how this sequel brings that same addictive gameplay into the modern era with a new 3D engine and Havok physics.”
- “The gameplay mechanics were meticulously crafted, offering a perfect blend of castle-building, resource management, and strategic combat.”
- “Overall, 'Stronghold Crusader 2' is a solid continuation of the series, offering classic castle-building and siege warfare gameplay.”
- “The game, unfortunately, feels incomplete, lacking the intricate city and estate management systems, lack of buildings & units that were a hallmark in Stronghold 2 (even Stronghold Crusader 1 had better mechanics).”
- “While the updated graphics and mechanics are appreciated, they don’t quite make up for the nostalgic charm and depth that made its predecessor a timeless classic.”
- “The gameplay feels less polished, and the new mechanics do not add meaningful depth.”
story
327 mentions
14 % positive mentions
76 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many reviewers noting that it feels rushed, generic, or almost non-existent. While there are some missions that attempt to provide a narrative, they often fall short, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes gameplay over storytelling. Overall, players express disappointment in the absence of a robust campaign or compelling storyline, which detracts from the overall experience.
- “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is exciting and intense, and the storyline is engaging and full of adventure.”
- “Having played Stronghold Crusader 2 now, I have that feeling again; after only a few missions, I know this game has captured the essence of the first Stronghold Crusader and done it so well.”
- “I enjoy the story missions, skirmish, and also the extra DLC - got the game when it was fairly heavily reduced and I think it was well worth the money.”
- “There is no campaign or storyline.”
- “The story missions seem to be rushed and not designed well.”
- “The campaign has sadly no real story and it is just skirmish maps.”
stability
176 mentions
4 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among players, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Many users experience frequent crashes, lag, and unresponsive AI, particularly in multiplayer modes, leading to frustration. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, the consensus is that it remains poorly optimized and in need of substantial fixes.
- “Cool game, no glitches to mention.”
- “Graphics are good and the game runs great, even during the most intense battles.”
- “It might lack some of the new ideas like healers or standard bearers, but what it has is well implemented, feels crisp, and is virtually bug free.”
- “The game is buggy and not very well polished.”
- “It's buggy, performance is trash, and somehow looks worse than the first Stronghold Crusader.”
- “This game is a real disappointment, so many bugs and glitches.”
optimization
101 mentions
13 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
49 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting significant performance issues, including long load times, low frame rates, and frequent bugs. Many players express frustration over the game's inability to run smoothly even on high-end hardware, suggesting that it is poorly optimized for its graphical demands. Overall, the consensus is that the game suffers from severe optimization problems that detract from the overall experience.
- “The game is far more optimized, meaning a decent computer could run it at 60 fps (frames per second) while maintaining fair eye-candy.”
- “I am glad that the publishers made a game that feels like the original game and has better performance and visuals.”
- “There aren't too many bugs and the game runs smoothly on either of the systems I've run it on.”
- “The game is very poorly optimized; the frame rate can't be stopped and there is no cap or limit.”
- “Unoptimized piece of garbage that barely runs even on medium settings on a GTX 1080.”
- “This game is so badly optimized that I can get below 10 FPS no matter the graphics options chosen, with an i7, 16GB of RAM, and a GTX 1080!”
music
101 mentions
40 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the nostalgic elements and the incorporation of tracks from the original Stronghold Crusader, which evoke a strong sense of atmosphere. However, some players criticize the lack of variety and originality, noting that much of the soundtrack feels recycled or plagiarized from other games, leading to repetitiveness. Overall, while the soundtrack is often described as enjoyable and fitting for the medieval setting, it falls short of expectations for innovation and diversity.
- “The soundtrack is also top-notch, with hauntingly beautiful music that is sure to transport you to a different time and place.”
- “The soundtrack to this game is a harmonic masterpiece that injects the player with a true sense of the environment and time period.”
- “Fortunately the soundtrack provides some saving grace, providing an enjoyable ambience whilst you go about your medieval business.”
- “The music is a nearly (if not completely) straight rip from World of Warcraft's Barrens music.”
- “There isn't much music to cycle through and it gets repetitive fast.”
- “The music is absolutely stereotypical for both the time period and the game, which would not be bad, if the music weren't so low-quality, and if the music didn't randomly stop playing at times leaving your ears to drown in the abyss that are the original soundbytes of the few other things happening around you.”
humor
57 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in Stronghold Crusader 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players lamenting the removal of iconic funny quotes and characterizations that defined the original game. While some find the game still offers moments of humor through chaotic gameplay and amusing bugs, others feel it lacks the charm and wit of its predecessor, often portraying historical figures in a mocking light. Overall, the humor is seen as diminished, with a nostalgic longing for the quirky elements that made the original Stronghold games memorable.
- “In conclusion, Stronghold Crusader 2 is a chaotic, hilarious, and occasionally frustrating trip into the desert sands where every victory feels hard-earned, and every defeat makes you want to reload the game and try again.”
- “With an array of siege weapons and units at your disposal, you'll be laughing maniacally as you blast your enemies into oblivion.”
- “I looks beautiful, the music's epic and it really is a blast to play plus the banter between enemy lords is hilarious.”
grinding
43 mentions
7 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
70 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and often a chore, with many describing it as requiring "a second life" to endure. The mechanics, such as unit selection and resource gathering, are frequently criticized for being cumbersome and time-consuming, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. While some appreciate the nostalgic elements, the grindy nature of gameplay is a common complaint that overshadows its improvements over previous titles.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Boring, tedious, feels like a chore.”
- “All the annoyances make this game even more grindy and tedious than Crusader 1 ever was.”
- “The building of an army is also tedious with unit caps and having to multitask the castle building every time you start a new match so that you can afford the units in a way that feels like a drudgerous chore.”
atmosphere
26 mentions
46 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the chaotic sound design and medieval visuals, while others lament the loss of the immersive elements found in previous titles, such as engaging unit dialogues and vibrant peasant interactions. While the soundtrack is often praised for enhancing the setting, many feel that the overall atmosphere lacks the depth and uniqueness of earlier games in the series, leading to a less nostalgic experience. Overall, the game captures some aspects of its predecessors but fails to fully recreate the rich atmosphere that fans cherished.
- “The atmosphere, oh the atmosphere! Yes, we get cool ships sitting on the side of the map and some beautiful 3D models, but the units and AI are lackluster compared to the talkative peasants from Stronghold Crusader 3D.”
- “Music as usual hasn't changed since the original, making an excellent atmosphere and vibe.”
- “This game has a nice atmospheric soundtrack reminiscent of Diablo 2 and Blade Runner.”
- “The smooth controls take away from the nostalgic atmosphere and the combat is totally lackluster.”
- “The former atmosphere of the predecessors is gone, no peasants talking to you, no buildings which display the real life of a medieval castle anymore.”
- “Lacks atmosphere, the tutorial is superficial and cursory (at best) and there are basic glitches you should not have to endure in a final release (such as the lack of dialogue text when trying to save a game).”
replayability
19 mentions
32 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the variety of scenarios and skirmish modes that enhance replay value, while others criticize the lack of content and depth compared to its predecessor. Some reviews highlight enjoyable gameplay and competitive elements that encourage repeated play, but overall, opinions vary significantly, with some deeming it lacking in replayability, especially for its price point.
- “Moreover, the game's replayability was immense, thanks to the variety of scenarios and the skirmish mode that let players create and control their own battles.”
- “Character dialogue is witty, the gameplay is fast, and the numerous scenarios that you partake in provide excellent replayability.”
- “A spot-on follow-up to the first Stronghold Crusader; as a big fan of Stronghold Crusader, I tried the other Stronghold games but none could quite capture the feel of Crusader or give the same replayability.”
- “The oversimplification of this element gives it little to no replayability compared to its better regarded predecessor, Stronghold 1.”
- “So there is little replayability here.”
- “Game is unpolished and lacks replayability.”
monetization
19 mentions
16 % positive mentions
-11 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to the presence of ads in a paid title and the perception that the game was rushed for profit rather than quality. Players express disappointment over the lack of content and features, suggesting that the developers prioritize new releases and monetization over improving existing games. Overall, the sentiment reflects a strong dissatisfaction with how the game's monetization undermines its value and gameplay experience.
- “The monetization in Stronghold Kingdoms is well-balanced, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend money.”
- “I appreciate how the monetization system offers fair options for players who want to enhance their experience without making it pay-to-win.”
- “The in-game purchases are reasonably priced and provide meaningful benefits, making it easy to support the developers while enjoying the game.”
- “It saddens me to say this, but this game is a cash grab.”
- “I am not paying for a game to watch ads.”
- “This game should have never existed in the first place; it is just a nostalgia cash grab.”
emotional
7 mentions
86 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players feeling disappointed by the lack of polish and engaging storytelling compared to previous versions, leading to feelings of frustration and sadness. While there are moments that evoke strong emotions, such as the realization of stakes in the gameplay, the overall experience is marred by gameplay issues that detract from the intended emotional impact.
- “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
- “This game makes me want to cry inside...”
- “Almost made me feel like a complete noob at one point where I was getting my ass kicked, on a training trial, on easy....yeah... -_-”
character development
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
While the in-game graphics and character designs are praised for their quality and animation, there is no specific mention of character development in terms of narrative depth or growth, suggesting that this aspect may not be a focal point in the reviews.
- “The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form meaningful connections with each character.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
- “The choices you make really impact the characters' growth, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay.”