Original Stronhold developers to release Stronghold Crusader 2

Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to Stronghold Crusader, a game many consider to be the definitive castle sim.

After 12 years Firefly are returning to the desert to make the game they have always wanted to make, recapturing the original Crusader’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay in a new 3D engine.

“Ready when it’s ready”, Crusader 2 will define old school real time strategy with fiendish AI characters, fast-paced skirmish gameplay and new troops, traps and castles.

When it was first released in 2002 Stronghold Crusader put a unique twist on the gameplay of the original Stronghold by focussing on skirmish gameplay and replayability above all else.

With a new setting, additional content and a greater focus on real-time strategy over the sim gameplay elements of the original Stronghold, Crusader quickly became the fan-favourite.

Since launch Crusader has sold over two million copies, with over 3000 user-made maps still in circulation on one Stronghold fansite and fans still playing the game today. Recently Stronghold Crusader HD gave the game a new lease of life, offered as a free update for existing owners of the game and made available for purchase on GOG and Steam.

Crusader 2 has been on the mind of Lead Designer Simon Bradbury since the release of Stronghold Crusader in 2002. It is only now, having become a fully independent studio, that Firefly feel comfortable delivering a worthy sequel to their fans’ favourite game.

As a developer their mission is to recapture the addictive, intense gameplay that made the original Crusader a classic. Players can also expect new visuals, a reworked battle interface, new AI characters, environmental threats, new units and real-time physics.

Features

• Old School Gameplay – Classic 2D-style RTS gameplay recreated in 3D.
• In-Game Events – Sandstorms, Locust Swarms, Earthquakes and more!
• Unit Abilities – Use active and passive skills to dominate your foes.
• AI Opponents – Classic Crusader characters return alongside new blood.
• Co-Op Mode – Share control over castle building, troop control and resource management with asynchronous gameplay.

Are you a fan of the original Stronghold games? Tell us your thoughts below.