Stronghold Crusader comes back to life with a Definitive Edition and from the hand of Firefly Studios, the same British development team that created the Stronghold franchise in 2001. The difference, in addition to time, is that since 2021 they have been part of Devolver Digital. For those not old enough to remember, Stronghold Crusader is a real-time strategy game set in the Middle East during the Crusades. The title is divided into historical campaigns where players face 20 lords controlled by AI. There are also cooperative routes and skirmishes.
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition expands on the original game with 8 new playable units, 4 new AI-controlled lords, 2 new historical campaigns and 4 Sands of Time skirmish routes and a new cooperative route.
As can be seen in the trailer that accompanies the news, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition not only expands the content of the original game, but also improves its appearance through a remastering of the graphics while respecting the original pre-rendered isometric visual section. In addition, this edition introduces features «that our players have requested», including larger maps, customizable options and improvements to the user experience. The soundtrack, created by saga composer Robert L. Euvino, has also been remastered.
Those interested in trying Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition through the demo that is now available on Steam should know that it will be active until February 3. Between today and January 27, Steam celebrates the Real-Time Strategy Festival, so you will find other games of this genre that offer a demo like Tempest Rising.