Stronghold HD

Once upon a time, there was summer sale here on GOG. This game caught my attention upon reading and looking at the game's description, whoaaa... you build your own stronghold, and then raise your own army, sounds like a great fun. Buuuuut.. I'm a skeptical gamer (probably a bit stingy too) as I was so reluctant in buying this game although it was only $1,49 at the time (summer sale), so in order to appease my curiosity about the quality of this game, I started to look up on YouTube for let's play videos of this game. videos upon videos I have watched, but still... I kept thinking "is this game really worth it?" after a few days of doubting myself I finally took the decision to buy it.. and guess what? it's worth it. Graphics: 10/10 - while this kind of old-school graphics is not the best in store nowadays but still a state of the art nonetheless. the graphics in this game are beautiful to look at, the trees swaying, animals running around, even though it's asymmetrical, I really enjoy looking at every little details here, well done. Music: 8/10 - the music is just as great, soothing and calming medieval tunes, and dynamically change into battle theme as the enemies approaches your stronghold, not too many music varieties but it won't hurt your total experience as you're too busy building those extra walls for protection. Gameplay: 10/10 - the gameplay is truly amazing here if you like RTS games with not too tedious micro-management, you have to manage your little settlement, gradually improving its defense by placing walls strategically based on your surroundings and geological features of the land, recruit soldiers and put them strategically too (such as archers that would be very effective on high grounds) while managing your food and gold income accordingly to keep your power source flowing. Buy this one if you enjoy campaign mode with story. If you lean more towards multiplayer, get Stronghold Crusader instead, or better yet, get both (like I did). cheers :)

It is truly great and unique game. It's so old but still it gave me 20+ hours of great gaming experience and pleasure. I recommend it to all RTS ethusiasts, even to those who are used to play only top tier RTS with best graphics. First of all the logic behind game is of high quality. When you defend castle it really feels like defending castle. All the dilemmas that you are solving (castle economy, fortifications, troops type and locations) feel natural and close to reality. Second great virtue of this game is campaign design. Each mission is different and thus I was developing new strategy for almost each one of them (especially on hard or very hard level). It's not like some other RTS that once you came up good strategy you just mindlessly duplicate it in every mission. Thirdly game is very engaging. When you are waiting for your opponent to launch assault on your castle you can feel the thrill and sense of hurry to build up your castle and get ready! And once your castle survived the satisfaction is surprisingly high. Also campaign history is interesting and nice. The only flaw is leading castle assaults. On easy level it's so so - still feels close to reality and developing right strategy would give success. On harder levels it comes down to playing tricks with computer e.g. you place your crosbowman in right place so you shoot enemy on tower but he doesn't shoot back becuase is stupid. Finally I think this is truly great game. I had great fun playing it for a first time in 2002 and now in 2020. For Polish players - dubbing is amazing.

If you get this for a bargain price, you must play it. As well as the sequel stronghold crusader. But this is appreciated more. This game is way harder than Stronghold Crusader, even on free build mode. I can see why people would prefer Stronghold Crusader over this. I recommend it simply because it is honestly, one of the best versions of the game I have come across to date. Certainly an improvement in terms of real-time strategy free build variants. I love it. Can't help but feel so happy knowing we have this masterpiece.

The game is fabolous. Still holding up in HD version. Gameplay is entertaining and keeps you at the screen.

Old game but good. Runs well, no problems.