Stronghold: Definitive Edition

Developer: FireFly Studios
Release: Nov 7th 2023
Platforms:
Simulation
Strategy
Nostalgic
Addictive
Strategic
No Skirmish Mode
A I Pathfinding
Stronghold: Definitive Edition Poster

" Classic castle-building RTS with modernized visuals and multiplayer but no traditional AI skirmish mode "

Stronghold: Definitive Edition Review

Stronghold: Definitive Edition is a faithful remaster of the classic 2001 real-time strategy and castle-building game, revitalizing it with modern graphics, improved UI, and quality-of-life enhancements. The game preserves the core gameplay mechanics of managing medieval economies, fortifying castles, and engaging in siege warfare, while introducing new campaigns and expanded content.

Players appreciate the updated visuals with sharper textures, 4K support, and smoother animations that balance nostalgia with refinement. The soundtrack has been re-recorded by the original composer, enhancing immersion with orchestral renditions. New campaigns and sandbox modes add replayability, though the absence of a traditional single-player skirmish mode with AI opponents is a notable drawback.
While multiplayer supports up to eight players, some technical issues like lag and disconnections persist. Overall, it offers an engaging experience for both veterans and newcomers, though some feel the new content is modest and AI pathfinding issues remain.

Highlights

Players praise the classic Stronghold gameplay that remains addictive and challenging. The visual overhaul with enhanced textures, lighting, and 4K support is highly appreciated. The re-recorded orchestral soundtrack and remastered voice lines add to the immersive medieval atmosphere.

The addition of new campaigns and sandbox modes enriches content depth, while quality-of-life improvements like better UI, zoom levels, and Steam Workshop support enhance the overall experience. Nostalgic players enjoy revisiting the beloved title in a modernized form.

Criticisms

A common criticism is the lack of a traditional single-player skirmish mode with AI opponents, limiting offline replayability. Some players find the AI pathfinding and unit behavior frustrating, with units sometimes acting erratically or inefficiently.

New campaigns are seen as less compelling compared to the original, and multiplayer suffers occasional lag and disconnections. Some feel the graphical improvements are modest if they already own previous editions. Minor bugs and design choices like slow gameplay pacing also received mixed feedback.

Pros

  • Faithful remaster preserving classic Stronghold gameplay and medieval charm.
  • Significantly improved graphics with sharper textures and 4K widescreen support.
  • Re-recorded orchestral soundtrack enhances the immersive medieval atmosphere.
  • New campaigns and sandbox modes add fresh challenges and replayability.
  • Quality-of-life improvements streamline building, UI, and resource management.
  • Steam Workshop support enables community mods and custom maps.
  • Multiplayer supports up to eight players with Steam integration.

Cons

  • No traditional single-player skirmish mode with AI opponents included.
  • AI pathfinding and unit behavior can be erratic and frustrating.
  • New campaigns feel less innovative and somewhat repetitive.
  • Multiplayer experiences occasional lag and connectivity issues.
  • Graphical upgrades may feel minimal for owners of prior editions.
  • Some legacy elements and cutscenes remain dated.
  • Gameplay pacing is slower compared to other RTS titles.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

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.

Release Date Nov 7th 2023
Publisher FireFly Studios
Developer FireFly Studios
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (2,760)
83% Positive 17% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
80