To this day, the first Stronghold is considered a masterpiece whose successors could never reach the same class again. Now the original returns with new content
Beat the drums, blow the horn, Stronghold is coming at you, straight from the front! That’s right, the quintessential castle-building game is coming back on November 7, 2023 and it’s coming as a completely revamped remake called Stronghold: Definitive Edition.
The new game has just been officially revealed and promises in addition to revamped graphics, lots of all-new content as well as some fan-requested convenience improvements. And since I know you curious castle lords of course, you can first watch the trailer for yourself here, which already draws the graphical comparison to the original:
This is all in Stronghold
Yes, I know what you are thinking: Where is the graphical improvement, please?
And it’s true, at first glance, apart from slightly richer colours, it is hard to tell what is the original and what is supposed to be the remake. Only later do details stand out, such as the thatched roofs of the dwellings or the face of the counsellor, who has apparently asked a herb witch for a rejuvenation spell.
Of course, this impression is also due to the fact that Stronghold has a timeless look that still looks good even without a remake. For the remake, however, the game was rebuilt using original artwork and the iconic music was also reworked. Even some of the veteran developers returned to work on the remake.
Besides the sharpened visuals, however, the Definitive Edition is also expected to deliver new content that may be even more important to some fans than the already handsome visuals.
This is the new content:
- A completely new campaign with a total of 14 missions.
- 10 new conquest missions in which you attack or defend historical castles. These include Warwick, Dunnottar and Marksburg.
- Better multiplayer integration via Steam.
- Steam Workshop is supported, for always fresh community content.
- Improved user interface
- Modernised controls
- New multiplayer maps
What kind of game is Stronghold?
If you don’t know the original, here’s a quick summary of what you can expect in Stronghold. The game lets you build your own castle and defend it against attackers. It’s an almost unrivalled mix of building strategy and real-time battles, in which you both boost your castle’s economy and recruit and send units against the advancing enemies.
There is a large story campaign, but also purely economic games and the possibility to create your own missions in a map editor.
What do you think of Stronghold: Definitive Edition? Are you happy about the refresh of the classic or are you still missing the arguments about what such a remake actually delivers? Do you have any specific wishes for the Definitive Edition or is Stronghold almost perfect for you? Write it down in the comments!
