Stronghold: Crusader II

 PC
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 250 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 250
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 250
  3. Negative: 77 out of 250
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  1. 15Moopy96
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Exactly what I wanted out of the game. If you enjoy the original stronghold crusader this should be equally as addictive. I have put about 6 hours into the game so far. At first I was hesitant but after I progressed through the campaigns I found that this game possesses everything that made the original fun and more.
  2. Oxtone
    Sep 27, 2014
    9
    Good solid stronghold crusader fun, has been keeping me entertained now for hours, it has a few game play and AI flaws but will easily be a 10 when these are ironed out. The only one thing i don't like about the game is the AI cheats but then when i am building a sweet castle it needs all the help it can get.
  3. rxgamer
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    This is the best Stronghold game since the original Crusader and FireFly deserves some credit for this after what I saw from SH2, Legends, etc. It definitely feels like a Crusader game and I appreciate the areas in which they simplified such as no longer having engineers and letting the stockpile, granary, and armory have infinite space. I also appreciate how much less space theThis is the best Stronghold game since the original Crusader and FireFly deserves some credit for this after what I saw from SH2, Legends, etc. It definitely feels like a Crusader game and I appreciate the areas in which they simplified such as no longer having engineers and letting the stockpile, granary, and armory have infinite space. I also appreciate how much less space the orchards, farms, and other food buildings require. This is essentially Stronghold Crusader 2 with a modern graphics engine and some tweaks under the hood. The fact they kept the same formula is a very good thing.

    The visuals are also a massive improvement over the original and the game definitely looks great. There's a lot of familiarity which is nice. The fire arrows are a little disappointing compared to the original since they miss that whistle and nice smoke trail. I had to take a second look to make sure the fire arrows were working at all.

    I only have a couple hours in the game so far, but from my experience the game is far more polished than predecessors, though not quite there yet. The game is fun and I look forward to spending more time in it.

    My only suggestion to FireFly is to take that leap and just invest in a solid game engine that's already on the market and has proved itself. Bugs aren't acceptable in 2014 and FireFly has been struggling with their proprietary engine since going 3D with Stronghold 2 which is several years ago now. You have to call it quits at some point and just lease a gaming engine geared for RTS. This way they can focus on gameplay mechanics and design rather than focusing so much on the technicalities. With that said, the engine in Crusader 2 is good for the most part, but still lacking collision detection.    … Expand
  4. Sjalka
    Sep 26, 2014
    8
    8/10

    why? - cause i love stronghold crusader. - it is fast, simple RTS. crusader 2 feels pretty much like the original - with better visuals. the changes are few or very subtle, or so it feels. it is still the good feeling of building sandcastles and stomping on your enemies castles. but not all is better. - the whacky enemies are less so, the tone is a bit more serious, the AI seems    8/10

    why? - cause i love stronghold crusader. - it is fast, simple RTS. crusader 2 feels pretty much like the original - with better visuals. the changes are few or very subtle, or so it feels. it is still the good feeling of building sandcastles and stomping on your enemies castles.

    but not all is better. - the whacky enemies are less so, the tone is a bit more serious, the AI seems not to have made even small leaps since the original much.

    This game is MUCH better than the other stronghold games, - but i do have to admit, it is not exactly more "fun" than the original ( or for that reason the HD version of that ) - it looks better, but feels too similar.

    it could have been more, but it is worth the asking price - for those who liked the original or HD version (... and do not expect more than practically an expansion pack with new visuals ) - so in the end, it is not "more" than the old crusader. ... but still fun    … Expand
  5. Razinghell
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    Minus a few performance issues and missing features at launch day this is exactly the sequel to Crusader HD I've been waiting for.

    The biggest difference players coming from Crusader HD will notice is the transition to a full 3D game engine. Many of the same units feature in both games but I'll make a note of where they differentiate. Crusader HD fans will also notice a simpler overall    Minus a few performance issues and missing features at launch day this is exactly the sequel to Crusader HD I've been waiting for.

    The biggest difference players coming from Crusader HD will notice is the transition to a full 3D game engine. Many of the same units feature in both games but I'll make a note of where they differentiate. Crusader HD fans will also notice a simpler overall economy with many previously gimmicky mechanics streamlined or just removed.

    Buildings:

    -Changed! Faith - churches now operate similar to the Granary and needs candles to operate which are built in the chandler's workshop.
    -Changed! Inns have remained largely unchanged but you only need to place one inn now to cover your entire populace.
    -Changed! The Stockpile, Granary, and Armory now have unlimited storage capacity meaning you only need to place one.
    -Changed! Iron Mines now require an Ox Tether much like Stone Quarries
    -Changed! The Market can now be set to auto sell goods when they reach a preset threshold.
    -Changed! each weapon type requires it's own unique workshop.
    -Removed! Hunter's Hut, replaced with Pig Farm
    -Removed! Fear Factor has been removed, troops will no longer receive a malus or a boost based on your economy.
    -Removed! While not exactly a building, moats do not feature in the game.

    Units:

    -New! Slave Driver - whips nearby slaves into a frenzy
    -New! Healer - units within range slowly regenerate HP
    -New! Whirling Dervish - a poorly armored melee unit with a strong first contact attack
    -New! Sassanid Knight - light knight with special charge attack
    -New! Ranger - proficient with both sword and bow but has poor range
    -New! Sergeant-at-Arms - units within range receive a HP boost
    -New! Conscript - basic weak units, no weapons required to recruit
    -New! Hussite War Wagon - can station units inside, provides protection and mobility
    -New! War Wolf - super catapult
    -New! Burning Cart - creates fire on impact, triggers traps
    -Changed! Spearman now called Man-at-Arms and can throw his spear
    -Changed! Maceman only requires a mace to recruit now
    -Changed! Knight now called Templar Knight and can fight mounted or on foot
    -Changed! Fire Thrower renamed to Oil Pot Thrower
    -Changed! Battering Ram - Can now only destroy Gatehouses
    -Changed! Catapult - can no longer throw diseased animals
    -Changed! Portable Shield renamed to Mantlet
    -Removed! Slinger
    -Removed! Ladderman
    -Removed! Siege Tower
    -Removed! Tunneller

    Engineers are no longer recruited but automatically provided if required when recruiting siege engines. Also, due to the 3D engine many of the map tricks previously used to create eye candy are impossible but there are a fair selection of set pieces to add some much welcomed variety.

    Note: for those wondering how to access the map editor, go to your steam library dropdown menu and elect to filter your library by Tools. The map editor should show up on the list of utilities as 'Stronghold Crusader 2 Map Editor'. After a small 2MB install you are ready to start map making.    … Expand
  6. Rodymetal
    Sep 27, 2014
    8
    After the disastrous Stronghold 3, Firefly rescued themselves and deliver a good castle sim/ RTS again.
    SHC 2 is a very good stronghold game, for me it is somehow a remake of the first crusader, with some elements changed, to the better or to the worse depend on how you see it. The overall vibe of the game is really cool and feels so much like the first game. Overall the game is very    After the disastrous Stronghold 3, Firefly rescued themselves and deliver a good castle sim/ RTS again.
    SHC 2 is a very good stronghold game, for me it is somehow a remake of the first crusader, with some elements changed, to the better or to the worse depend on how you see it. The overall vibe of the game is really cool and feels so much like the first game. Overall the game is very enjoyable, and offers a lot of game modes. This game is good restart point for firefly studios and from here they can build the game up and add more features. The game still needs some patching and improvement however.
    If you are a stronghold series fan get it now with no hesitation, if you are new then you can wait for patch or two or get it when it is cheaper, because to be honest the price is kind of high for what the game is currently delivering,    … Expand
  7. Achilleslastand
    Oct 19, 2014
    8
    I have over 100 hours of gameplay so far in single as well as multiplayer. While I don't think it is a great game it is a very good game and does what it means to do well.
    The graphics while not cutting edge are more then adequate for the genre. If you are interested in a castle sim/medieval warfare game then this is your best bet.
  8. Gargoyle1965
    Oct 12, 2014
    10
    No they are not reinventing the wheel, yes they are bringing back a classic from the dead.
    Congratulations on making me a very happy man in my limited spare time.
    The AI is tough but then I'm not very good. I will keep this for years as I can now retire my original copy, thank you firefly from a true fan of the castle building and siege genre.
  9. DarkSimulant
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    The game truly delivers. It might need a few stones polished but all in all, its very enjoyable and fun to play, especially with friends. The music by Euvino hits its mark once again and the game itself is just beautiful. I'm sure they intend to add additions and minor fixes in the future -which will make this game even more enjoyable and challenging. Well done FireFly.
  10. BobbyDole
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Stronghold crusader 2 is great revamp of the original series. Contains all the best features from the original with some new and interesting game play. Skirmish mode is the big thing here, but that's what made the original so great as well. Graphics aren't stunning but they get the job done and aren't an eyesore. If you like the original then you will like this game as well with all it'sStronghold crusader 2 is great revamp of the original series. Contains all the best features from the original with some new and interesting game play. Skirmish mode is the big thing here, but that's what made the original so great as well. Graphics aren't stunning but they get the job done and aren't an eyesore. If you like the original then you will like this game as well with all it's addicting features.… Expand
  11. scavenger1
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    Great! Better than crusader 1. It has some bugs, but gameplay is still brilliant and worth money spent for it!

    Graphics aren't as good as in other 2014's productions, but It's stronghold series, graphics is not important!
  12. NMan7496
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    Firefly Studios has done it, they made up for their previous game, Stronghold 3. I have been awaiting this game for months, and so far it lives up to my expectations. I have been playing it since I got it at about 11:00 am on the date of its release, and I not tired with it yet. There are a few things that I found annoying:
    1. No laddermen or Siege Towers.
    2. prone to random crashes    Firefly Studios has done it, they made up for their previous game, Stronghold 3. I have been awaiting this game for months, and so far it lives up to my expectations. I have been playing it since I got it at about 11:00 am on the date of its release, and I not tired with it yet. There are a few things that I found annoying:
    1. No laddermen or Siege Towers.
    2. prone to random crashes (but that may just be my computer)
    &3. like every SH game besides legends (maybe 3 but I got too frustrated at that to notice) I click produce unit X times and I get X soldiers, whereas in Legends I could drag a slider to the designated number and click the produce unit button once to get multiple units (though this is just a personal preference).

    The good definitely outweighs the bad. The physics engine is amazing (I especially like seeing the archer corpses fall limp over the battlements). The graphics are great, especially the textures of the water and the sand. Although I was hoping for a little more diversity with the number of lords for skirmishes (for example: it has the rat and the wolf, so why not the pig and the snake?). But all in all it is a great comeback after the failure of Stronghold 3, and I would highly recommend this to anyone.    … Expand
  13. DonaldK_012
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    This game may have some issues, but it's overall a redeeming game that beautifully captures everything about the original game + some. People are complaining because it's not the same, but of course it's not. It's 3D, and can only resemble the original so much before it stops being a modern on the game, and starts being a re-release. Basically, everyone's just mad that it's a sequel andThis game may have some issues, but it's overall a redeeming game that beautifully captures everything about the original game + some. People are complaining because it's not the same, but of course it's not. It's 3D, and can only resemble the original so much before it stops being a modern on the game, and starts being a re-release. Basically, everyone's just mad that it's a sequel and not a copy-paste.… Expand
  14. honvik
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    Where to start. Stronghold Crusader 2 has come in leaps and bounds. I played the pre-alpha at EGX last year and again at Rezzed, now its out and the pure energy, time, dedication that's gone into the game is clearly showing.

    Stronghold Crusader 2's content is vast with a large number of pre-defined missions, skirmish trials, Free Build, Co-Op, Multiplayer (very stable 4 players),    Where to start. Stronghold Crusader 2 has come in leaps and bounds. I played the pre-alpha at EGX last year and again at Rezzed, now its out and the pure energy, time, dedication that's gone into the game is clearly showing.

    Stronghold Crusader 2's content is vast with a large number of pre-defined missions, skirmish trials, Free Build, Co-Op, Multiplayer (very stable 4 players), large maps and boy theres a lot to enjoy.

    I know some people are referring to the bugs but these are minor and you need to remember this is a small team that are finally self-publishing their games. Stronghold Crusader 2 like I mentioned has developed into a great title with all the major bugs fixed through to release. Firefly as a company has been bringing us Stronghold Titles over 10 years now and this is a natural progression. We all know that Stronghold 3 wasn't what players wanted and had a number of bugs but that was their last title under a publisher. Firefly has picked up from its past and tried to please the fans to right the wrong of Stronghold 3 and to their credit they have done that.

    Stronghold Crusader 2 has all the previous incarnations features and adds some quirks like weather effects which can really twist how a came can turn out, not to mention a solid multiplayer, destructible walls with physic effects.

    My conclusion is that don't be put off by negative comments, try the game, see how it plays and you will be playing it for hours of entertainment for a the price of going out for a meal. Firefly are very set on bringing extra content out for the title, bug fixes and supporting the game for a good period of time. My hope is they keep on improving and my biggest hope is a wonderful DLC for a historical campaign with a fun climax!    … Expand
  15. SmattyCore
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    Stronghold Crusader 2 looks pretty nice but I'm asking what were they working on? It took 2 years if we count from the last HD remake or 3 years if we count from the last big game they made. Okay, graphics are good as well as weather effects, etc. But I mean we already had 3D in Stronghold Legends, 2 and 3.

    But I like the game. It feels like a Crusader game, like the old and origin    Stronghold Crusader 2 looks pretty nice but I'm asking what were they working on? It took 2 years if we count from the last HD remake or 3 years if we count from the last big game they made. Okay, graphics are good as well as weather effects, etc. But I mean we already had 3D in Stronghold Legends, 2 and 3.

    But I like the game. It feels like a Crusader game, like the old and origin Crusader game just in 3D but I was missing one big part.. Campaign. I thought it was a bug just having 3 main campaigns with 3 training missions and the other ones, each with 4 missions. But then I read that's it. A total of 11 missions which is... Not much as I think.
    But I think it's worth 35,99€ which I paid. Some people said that it crashes always but this never happened. When I first played Stronghold 3 it was full of bugs so it might worked giving it more time.

    The new interface looks good as well, it's a bit weird first, but slim and nice.    … Expand
  16. ogre
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    It's all too easy to take a classic and screw up the sequel, but they did what barely any do: kept true to the original style. It focuses more on its tried and true gameplay and does not reinvent the wheel, but it brings it together in a balanced and enjoyable fashion.
    It did not deviate at all from the original gameplay. There are wood cutters, wheat farms, flour mills, mercenary    It's all too easy to take a classic and screw up the sequel, but they did what barely any do: kept true to the original style. It focuses more on its tried and true gameplay and does not reinvent the wheel, but it brings it together in a balanced and enjoyable fashion.
    It did not deviate at all from the original gameplay. There are wood cutters, wheat farms, flour mills, mercenary outpost, catapults, trebuchets, everything you remember. You still build castles, farm food, mine stone and iron, and construct weapons just as you did in the original. That gameplay worked, and it still does today.
    However, there is not much new to the game. It feels like a prettier 3D version of the original crusader, with some UI improvements. That's all I could have hoped for, but if you're looking for something different than the original, you will not find it.
    I was really worried given Stronghold 3, but I'm very happy to see they kept as close to the original while still bringing it a bit up to date.
    The campaign is just a string of skirmishes and missions, and is not very interactive, but it doesn't need it to still be awesome.    … Expand
  17. sreckom92
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    While this game isn't perfect, it surely doesn't deserve to be rated 0/10.
    My honest opinion is that it deserve 7/10, maybe 6/10 at worst.
    But a bland zero? No way
    I'm rating the game 10/10 to counter those people that have no idea how does a 0/10 game looks like.
  18. smitty5569
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Stronghold Crusader with improved featuresStronghold Crusader with improved features

    ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    … Expand
  19. Noobinator
    Sep 24, 2014
    8
    TL;DR – trebuchets can be armed with diseased camel heads. That is all.

    A fair, honest 8/10. I'm not going to whine or inflate my score because other users think differently to me, and I'm not approaching this with any bitterness left over from Stronghold 3. You get a brief, efficient tutorial. Does the job. You get three quick “learning campaigns” which do exactly what they    TL;DR – trebuchets can be armed with diseased camel heads. That is all.

    A fair, honest 8/10. I'm not going to whine or inflate my score because other users think differently to me, and I'm not approaching this with any bitterness left over from Stronghold 3.

    You get a brief, efficient tutorial. Does the job.

    You get three quick “learning campaigns” which do exactly what they suggest over 11 missions with a little story sprinkled over the top, from both the Crusader's and Arabic perspective. Enjoyable enough, but clearly not the focus of the game.

    You get 24 skirmish trail missions split into six groups of three to six missions each. The first few are typically balanced in your favour, with every match after that being balanced against you. These can get challenging and fun, although the AI certainly needs a bit of work. There's definitely room for harder games, hopefully in future DLC, but nonetheless these trails do a fantastic job of giving you many different and fun unbalanced skirmish games, many of which are not just two sided.

    You get a mostly customisable traditional skirmish mode with 8 unique AI characters to choose as opponents or allies. A bit of the traditional Stronghold humour can be seen here, with characters making comments as you place them in the lobby and remove them. The Wolf, for example, lovingly announces you “Imbecile!” upon kicking him. The real highlight here is the map selection, though, which is all available for multiplayer games too. 35 unique maps come with the game (with countless more sure to come from players and perhaps in future DLC). These maps are split into balanced and unbalanced (amongst other categories). Balanced maps play like your usual Command and Conquer-esque strategy maps, whereas unbalanced maps offer some real variation, especially in scenarios where some players know they are more or less skilled than others.

    For example, a five player map, “The Ridge”, involves a 2v1v2 scenario, with the lone player in the centre of the map but protected by a large mountain range, giving them height advantage (which is vital to gameplay). They also possess the only supply of iron on the map. However, the players down below have more oases, and must traverse the mountains in order to get to one another. Just one example of many unique scenarios, all completely customiseable in regards to teams and positioning.

    You also get sandbox, or freebuild mode, completing single play content.

    Of course, the real meat of the game is its multiplayer. This offers some real replay value, with co-op and AI completely integrated. In co-op mode, two players work to control the one castle. Players may be put together in any number of ways, so long as the total number of *players* does not exceed 8. For example, in a 3v3 scenario, you could have seven players with one lord on one team being controlled by two people, if you so wished.

    Graphics are fine, animations for workers and soldiers are generally average (woodcutters look very stiff when hacking down trees). The various medieval war machines look absolutely glorious – seriously, knocking down castle walls with catapults and trebuchets has never been this *satisfying*. Oh my gosh, sending your troops charging in with rocks flying down everywhere and the enemy castle crumbling, pitch being set on fire, war hounds being released... it really is fantastic. I do miss siege towers (they aren't included) but I guess they weren't used much competitively in the original Crusader. Regardless, I hope they will be added in later.

    There's enough new here, with an improved popularity system, troops with passive special abilities, and new units (such as the Sassanid Knight, which functions like the original Knight in Crusader 1, whilst the Crusader Knights function like Stronghold 2 knights), combined with enough of the original Crusader to make a really great game.

    For me it loses most of its points from what it doesn't include. A strongwall toggle in skirmish mode, a King of the Hill mode, and a toggle for “permanent alliances” (that is, if unticked, you can betray your mates halfway through a game) were all promised at one stage or another, but aren't in the game. These features may be included in later updates, but I am reviewing the game as it is now, not what it might be next month, and it's disappointing they aren't there.

    Most noticeable, however, is the lack of community features. For multiplayer, all you get is a lobby with a list of games to join and the option to host a match. No global chat, no friend's list, no invite system outside of steam, very disappointing.

    Once you get a game going, though, it is damn well worth it.

    And finally, the music. Oh my gosh, the music. If you have the soundtrack, listen to track 25, “Metaphysical Inscriptions”. Like wow, the entire thing is good, but LISTEN TO THAT TRACK. Oh, and track 20, “Scimitar”. JUST LISTEN TO IT, DAMNIT. Bravo Robert.

    And bravo Firefly!    … Expand
  20. jeroensteam6
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Installed it yesterday around 5 PM and played multiplayer until 1 AM =D
    I simply loved it.
    Yes it had a small bug for me when turning buildings because it did not recognize my mouse wheel, but changing my mouse solved this problem. Also Firefly is patching quickly.
    For anyone who liked the original Crusader and wants to try this as a good online multiplayer, this is your chance!
  21. Illy45
    Oct 11, 2014
    8
    I am going to be as honest as possible here but this game is simply an exact replica to Stronghold Crusaders back in the day. I do love it however! Even though nothing was really added and, it may even feel, features had been taken away; for some reason this does not really bother me because I still enjoy playing the game. I guess my best advice if you were to buy this game was to considerI am going to be as honest as possible here but this game is simply an exact replica to Stronghold Crusaders back in the day. I do love it however! Even though nothing was really added and, it may even feel, features had been taken away; for some reason this does not really bother me because I still enjoy playing the game. I guess my best advice if you were to buy this game was to consider it a modern-day version of Stronghold Crusaders (or a game add-on if you will) and not a sequel for it does not meet the qualifications of a complete sequel. Stronghold Crusaders II is still highly addictive and always wants you coming back for another battle!… Expand
  22. Mirannejad76
    Sep 4, 2018
    8
    most of the people like fist one but i think this version is better than first one.
  23. SmileisCharity
    Oct 20, 2017
    8
    Çok hoş oyun zaten hayranıydım crusader 1 den beri ama pc iyi olmasına rağmen bi türlü düzgün performansla oynayamadım arada küçük buglarda vardı ama yine aksiyonu çok hoş tavsiye ederim
  24. CDannyZ
    Nov 23, 2019
    8
    Lets be honest, the first was much better. But this Is also Fun to play. The only thing i hate Is optimalization, Its horrible

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
30
#30 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 13, 2014
    40
    When I read that Crusader is slowly becoming the game the developers wanted it to be, I can’t hold back laughter. What are they going to do in Crusader III? Strip the visuals of distinctiveness even more? Simplify the economy further? Remove some more units? [Dec 2014, p.81]
  2. Games.cz
    Dec 3, 2014
    60
    Blast from the past when real-time strategies used to dominate the world. The creators took the concept of the first part almost completely and besides the updated visuals there is no extra value added to differentiate the sequel from the original.
    Read full review
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 25, 2014
    46
    When it comes to the fight the game remains as clueless as before. An attack resembles a mob hit on the madhouse watchman's post: confused fighters run toward the target and drop dead on the way. All three formations are designed to provide a semblance of order, but after right click on the enemy such order immediately thrown into chaos. And, just as before, two dozen archers on the wall solve most of the issues of defense. The visual part of the game just aggravates the impression that ... Oops, there is no impression actually. Nobody creates games in this way anymore. [Nov 2014, p.99]
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