Stronghold: Crusader Multiplayer Review - A Medieval Battleground for Friends and Foes

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Released in 2002 by Gathering of Developers under Take-Two Interactive's banner, Stronghold: Crusader was a highly anticipated follow-up to the original Stronghold title. As an RTS (Real-Time Strategy) game with elements of simulation, many fans were eager to dive back into the medieval world of castles and siege warfare.

However, upon closer inspection, it became apparent that certain features from its predecessor had been left behind - most notably multiplayer support for large-scale battles against AI opponents in a cooperative setting. In this article, we'll explore whether Stronghold: Crusader can still deliver an engaging experience when played with friends or foes alike.

Gameplay Styles

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Stronghold: Crusade offers several styles of play that cater to different tastes:

* Economy and City-Building: Players must gather resources (wood, stone, gold) from nearby forests, mines etc., then use these materials to construct buildings such as farms, barracks & blacksmiths within their own settlement. The goal here is simply survive by providing food for your army while defending against enemy attacks.

* Military Campaigns: This mode pits two armies head-to-head in a bid for dominance over the map. Players can choose from various units like archers, knights etc., and attempt to eliminate all enemies before time runs out!

Co-op Multiplayer Disappointment

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One of the most significant omissions from Stronghold: Crusader compared to its predecessor is cooperative multiplayer support against AI opponents in large-scale battles. This feature was a major selling point for many fans who enjoyed teaming up with friends or even solo players looking for an added layer of challenge.

In contrast, games like Age Of Empires II and Command & Conquer: The Red Alert 2 offered robust co-op modes where multiple players could join forces against AI armies - making them far more enjoyable experiences overall!

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While Stronghold: Crusader still manages to deliver some great moments thanks largely due its rich medieval setting combined with solid gameplay mechanics; it falls short when compared side-by-side with other real-time strategy titles currently available on modern platforms. The absence of proper co-op multiplayer support against AI opponents in large-scale battles is particularly noticeable given how much potential this game had.

Overall rating: 3/5 stars

Recommendation:

If you're a fan of medieval RTS games and don't mind playing solo or with up to three friends online (though without dedicated servers, matchmaking can be hit-or-miss), then Stronghold: Crusader might still hold some appeal for its faithful following. However, if large-scale cooperative campaigns against AI armies are top priority - you may want consider looking elsewhere!

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