Stronghold 2, Desktop Computer

Firefly Studios created the first Stronghold game in 2001. The isometric strategy game borrowed equally from two genres - building sims like Sim City and real time strategy games. It was possible to play purely in simulation mode, building castles and villages that could support themselves. Invasion mode made things a little more complicated, and you had to conquer the Dukes of Neighbouring states who were also hell bent on trampling your manor into the ground. The game, a success, was also updated in a number of expansion packs. Like many RTS titles being released in the early noughties, Stronghold 2 makes the jump from isometric to full, lush 3D graphics. You can building staggeringly large and awe-inspiring castles, and even look inside them to see the medieval world within. You'll have to build and manage them well, though, if you are to avoid plagues of rats and disease. And you can gain the admiration of your court by holding banquets and jousting tournaments. There's a decidedly more aggressive side to things, too. You can raise armies and wage war on the land of your neighbours, and spectacular battles are fought and sieges of castles made. Then, when you manage knock a whole in the wall with your siege engines, you can storm the castle, and your men can run amok throughout its ramparts and halls. Like the original games, this one has a scenario and map editor, and it's possible to tailor the landscape however you can imagine - the editor is the same one as that used during development. Buildings and outfits are based very strongly on what is known from the study of medieval history. Sure to be bought by the legions of fans of the Stronghold series anyway, the improved gameplay and stunning graphics make this an exciting prospect for all RTS/building sim fans.

Buy Stronghold 2 for 19.99 GBP

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