Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign.
The developers have carefully rebuilt this game using the original source artwork, remastered music, and returning voice talent. This allows longtime fans to experience the classic "castle sim" gameplay they fell in love with over 20 years ago, but with upgraded visuals and modernized controls.
At its core, the game features a blend of classic real-time strategy and city-building mechanics. Players must gather resources, construct mighty castles, protect their townsfolk, manage their economy, raise armies, and wage all-out war against their enemies. The game tasks players with juggling both military and economic objectives, creating a satisfying and challenging experience.
The developers have remade the artwork with improved animations, textures, and lighting. They have also remastered the soundtrack, with fresh recordings from some of the original voice actors. These visual and audio upgrades help to bring the classic medieval aesthetic into the modern era while preserving the game's distinct identity.
In addition to the classic campaign, the Definitive Edition includes a new 14-mission narrative campaign that allows players to hunt down iconic villains. There is also a new "Castle Trail" mode, which presents 10 unique siege scenarios based on famous historical fortresses. The game also features full Steam multiplayer support for up to 8 players and Steam Workshop integration for user-created content.
Despite its age, many players find the gameplay to be highly challenging and engaging. The game's AI can be formidable, and players must carefully manage their resources, defenses, and military strategies to overcome the enemy's onslaught. The castle-building mechanics also require a lot of strategic planning and optimization to create an effective fortress.
The game has maintained a strong and dedicated fan base, with many players expressing their love for the classic gameplay and enduring appeal. The developers' ability to evoke nostalgia for the original Stronghold, while also providing a fresh and engaging experience, has contributed to the game's continued popularity among both new and longtime fans of the series.