The Stronghold Collection

The game's story is generally viewed as a mixed bag; while it features interesting ideas and a serviceable narrative framework delivered through voiced cutscenes and dialogue, many reviewers find it lacks depth and memorable characters compared to earlier titles in the series. Players appreciate the campaign's structure, which includes choices that affect the storyline, but some criticize the writing and pacing, noting that certain missions can be frustratingly difficult. Overall, the story provides a backdrop for engaging gameplay, though it may not be the standout feature for all players.

The graphics of Stronghold 2 are often described as dated yet charming, reflecting the game's mid-2000s origins. While the transition to 3D graphics was a significant upgrade at the time, many players feel it has not aged well compared to modern standards, with some noting pathfinding and control issues in large battles. Overall, the aesthetic retains a nostalgic appeal, though opinions vary on its execution and quality, with some praising the vibrant colors and detail while others criticize the simplistic and sometimes glitchy visuals.

The music in the game is widely praised for its captivating soundscapes, nostalgic melodies, and charming voice acting that enhances the overall experience. Many players appreciate the variety and quality of the soundtrack, noting that it complements the gameplay and evokes fond memories of classic RTS games. However, some critiques mention a reliance on recycled tracks from previous titles, which detracts from the overall freshness of the music.

The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that disrupt gameplay. While some players appreciate the overall experience and nostalgia, they express frustration over the persistent technical issues, particularly in the campaign and multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with stability issues detracting from its potential enjoyment.

The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players praising its funny characters, hilarious gameplay moments, and a lighthearted approach to challenges, making it particularly enjoyable in multiplayer settings. While some aspects, like voice acting, received mixed reviews, the overall comedic tone and absurdity contribute to a memorable experience, often likened to a meme-filled world. However, the humor can be overshadowed by frustrating gameplay mechanics and difficult missions, which may test players' patience.

The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting serious performance issues, including stuttering and low framerates, regardless of their hardware specifications. While some users experience smooth gameplay, others find it unplayable due to frequent bugs and engine limitations, particularly when managing larger estates or crowded environments. Overall, the optimization appears to be a major drawback, detracting from the game's potential enjoyment.

The atmosphere of Stronghold 2 is widely praised for its charming medieval setting, nostalgic graphics, and captivating soundtrack, creating an immersive experience that resonates with players. Despite some technical issues, the game's depth and micromanagement elements contribute to a unique and engaging atmosphere that keeps players hooked for hours. Overall, it is celebrated as a classic that successfully combines personality and a relaxing gameplay experience.

Overall, "Stronghold 2" is praised for its high replayability, particularly due to the Kingmaker mode and robust skirmish options, which keep the gameplay fresh against both AI and other players. While some players note limited replayability in certain aspects, the community's contribution of new maps significantly enhances the experience for veterans. In contrast, "Stronghold Crusader" is highlighted for its excellent replay value, attributed to its engaging historical context and gameplay mechanics.

Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is often seen as tedious and poorly balanced, particularly in the campaign where resource management and new mechanics can feel overwhelming. New players may struggle with the economic setup, and certain achievements necessitate extensive grinding in online games, which could become unfeasible over time. Overall, while the game has well-rounded features, the grinding elements detract from the experience for many players.

The monetization strategy of the game has received negative feedback from users, primarily due to the inclusion of intrusive advertisements for other games during the startup and in the launcher, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite purchasing the game on sale, players feel that the presence of ads undermines the value, especially when technical issues remain unaddressed.

Players express that the game evokes strong emotions, with some recalling moments of frustration that led to tears, highlighting a deep connection to the gameplay experience despite challenges.