A simple yet fun game of castle building.
So it was with great anticipation that I picked up a copy of the new version, installed it and sat back for another fun installment of my favourite castle building game.
At first I was a little shocked, it looked good but seemed very confusing and not a lot different from the first two games. But I pressed on and after finding out some of the bugs (make sure you patch this game, it really does make a difference when you are trying to play) I started to get into it a bit more.
Basically, it is just an updated version of the first two, I personally would have named it Stronghold 1.5 as for me it has just had a few more options added and a graphical overhaul.
There are some good things about the new version but what lets it down most is the AI. The game does just seem to go off and do whatever it wants, even down to something as basic as the pathfinding of your men. I have lost count of the times my soldiers have just run into something and instead of trying to go around they just keep running at it!
But I would not totally discount it, there are many hidden layers to the game and plenty of options. You really can build and manage a proper castle and it seems that nothing has been left out. For an insight into what life was like back then, this game is perfect.