Firefly released the original Stronghold in 2001 to better than average scores. The latest incarnation in this series comes in the form of Stronghold Crusader Extreme. This time around Firefly and GameCock give players more of what the original game offered, but with few noticeable improvements. So what does this game have to offer both new and old fans of Stronghold?

Units A-Plenty

Stronghold is your basic real-time strategy game, but with a more complex economic system. Instead of just having to build the traditional mine or collector, players must build a bevy of buildings that each support the end result you are looking for. Players interested in amassing resources must build houses, which produce peasants. These peasants can then be assigned to the various resource facilities that you place. However, it does not stop there. Players must then build a variety of manufacturing buildings that take these raw materials and convert them into goods. For example, if you construct a wheat field, you must build a mill to provide flour and then a bakery to make bread. This type of system can be overly complex for first-timers and makes the tutorial almost essential.

Once you have acquired these raw materials or goods, you can then create units that will attack your unsuspecting opponent. The difficulty of your opponent can range in difficulty, but it ends up being a race to see who can build a tower close to the enemy and garrison archers or a catapult on it. This really deters from some of the realism or fun that the game could offer.

Of course, what good is an army without a castle to defend? One thing that Firefly has accomplished with Stronghold Crusader Extreme is the extensive castle building options. Players are given the option to build large walls, towers, gatehouses or even moats; so, if you have ever wanted to create a massive castle and watch hordes of invading troops head your way, then this is your game.

Gamers who were fans of the original Stronghold will find more of the same with Stronghold Crusader Extreme. Stronghold Crusader Extreme contains not only the original game, campaign, and updates, but it also has a new campaign that allows for a much larger amount of units on the screen at any time. Although this feature is interesting, it doesn't add enough to warrant the $30 USD price tag.

2D Graphics Engine?

The graphics in Stronghold Crusader Extreme will be nothing new to fans of the original Stronghold. There was no noticeable change to any of the graphical features, including the 2D graphics engine. Newcomers to the series may find that it deters them from playing, but players interested in getting a feel of nostalgia will find it welcoming to see that not much has changed.

Sound

Once again, Firefly did not do very much in the form of sound upgrades with Stronghold Crusader Extreme. The sound is extremely dated and lacks any kind of noticeable upgrade that might set it apart from its predecessor. Gamers who are looking to take advantage of their X-fi cards need not apply here.

Nostalgia at its best

Stronghold Crusader Extreme is just an expansion pack for a game released in 2001. There were few noticeable improvements aside from the increased amount of on-screen units for this game. Gamers who are looking for more Stronghold Crusader will love this game, but everyone else will see nothing but an extremely dated game.

Conclusion

Stronghold Crusader Extreme is nothing more than Firefly playing it safe with their previously established fan base. Gamers who are expecting an overhaul of the original game will be severely disappointed and will instead find a new campaign that tailors more to an arcade style of play. So if you are looking for more Stronghold in its original form, then this is your game.