I mostly recommend Stronghold: Definitive Edition

[@NuStiuFrate]

When i was playing this game 20 years ago, i thought in 20 years time, strategy games will be amazing and so much more evolved. Sadly, here we are, going back to the "glory days" because there's barely any progression beyond shinier graphics.

[@livinthefilm]

Could not have said it better,

[@hectichazerdus]

100% facts. What a joke getting excited about a 20 year old dated game. RIP - Red alert 2 , Command and conquer generals zero hour , Commandos.

[@Shellll]

Hearts of Iron IV, Civilization V, Crusader Kings II, Total War: Shogun 2, Age of Empires IV.. Beyond All Reason. There's been plenty of fantastic strategy games over the past 20 years

[@SimonMester]

Sadly I knew this coming even back in the day. When they moved on from isometric graphics to 3D I knew RTS was doomed. RTS is a fantasy of controlling large armies smoothly, 3D will never satisfy that. Not in my lifetime. Isometric ran smoothly with thousands of units back in the 2000s... And it doesn't even look bad. Not only that but pathfinding is easier and smoother to do too, and you can see what you do more clearly, than in 3D where things obfuscate information. I protested stronghold going 3D but I doubt any devs ever seen or cared for my opinion. If stronghold stayed with their OG isometric engine, the series would have kept growing and getting more fans, instead of constant failure.

[@NuStiuFrate]

​@@Shellll I haven't played all in your list yet the one's i know are all good games. But i wouldn't really call them a revolutionary step above what was available 20 years ago, beyond graphics of course. There are a LOT of good strategy games, just nothing that feels...futuristic to me. Well maybe the warhammer series with the huge immortal map could count. Or maybe the jump from sim city 4 to skylines 2.

[@fuselpeter5393]

Hopefully they make a version like this for Crusader with a skirmish mode. I would definitely buy it.

[@PhenMr]

patience my lord :)

[@Vulcano7965]

It would be quite ironic if firefly supposedly does not have the means to implement Skirmish Mode in SH:DE but they do for a whole DE version of Crusader.

[@PillowWillow007]

​@@Vulcano7965Because Crusder had skirmish

[@Vulcano7965]

@@PillowWillow007 Yes. But if you can put in the effort of making a DE version of Crusader, you can implement it into Stronghold. Still, for firefly the logical path would still doing the former for more sales of course. SH1 for the campaign, Crusader for skirmish. That's probably how it's gonna stay.

[@Mg0936]

What’s the difference between multiplayer on this game vs skirmish on crusader??

[@RGisOnline]

Stronghold is the example that shows that a game does not need to have fancy graphics to be great. Stronghold is so great, because the game reacts to the player's choice

[@shirkuh7125]

Anyone who likes strategy games but hasn't played I highly recommend it, this games charm is unmatched, played it in 2000s and I was spending hours just making most unpenetrable castles for absolutely no reason but fun, never got into the second and third one but this and the Crusader are my absolute favorite right there with Red Alert 2

[@aka1o252]

you have covered it all my friend

[@mejor-loco-0109]

Same here, this stronghold and crusader are the best. Red Alert 2 is also alot of fun!

[@Cyan_Nightingale]

The campaign of Stronghold 1 is definitely the best. It really challenges how players manage its castle. Recommend it for all RTS lovers who haven't play tgis game

[@jonmann4980]

2 is phenomenal would highly reccomend

[@tasomoros7776]

I see people complaining about the lack of skirmish mode and I totally get that as I myself would have loved to see it included. However, this ultimately just a remake. A well made one with some new things added but a remake all the same. Adding skirmish mode would require a level of enemy AI that Stronghold 1 frankly does not have. You will notice that virtually all the missions are either you in control of a castle with maybe an enemy occasionally spanning in troops at the signpost to invade or you yourself are the invading force and the enemy castle is more or less static (ie lacking any true economy and not being able to create more troops). The closest Stronghold 1 has to skirmish is that last mission with the Snake but even that is him in a static castle while Pig invades with troops spawned at the signpost. So unless they can somehow copy paste the AI from Stronghold Crusader or build it from the ground up, I just do not see it happening. But hey, hopefully we will also get a definitive edition for Crusader.

[@Shellll]

This is basically like getting Age of Empires: DE and when Stronghold Crusader releases it's like getting AoE 2: DE. Some will have a ton of nostalgia for this one. But the best gameplay is definitely Crusader.

[@Hunter_6601]

@@ShellllI just think many including me were hoping that’d we would finally see skirmish in the proper medieval setting instead of having to wait for crusaders. I might as well just play the original title.

[@a.trance6997]

A remake implies building the game from ground up which would mean they can totally add skirmish because they have no limitations on the engine and such. Isn't this more of a remaster?

[@Broformist]

If they can add new campaign they can also add skirmish mode. Stop excusing this laziness. I would love to have skirmish in the original Stronghold as I don't like the balance of Crusader, I think mercenaries ruin it. I also like the greener maps of original.

[@DoctorGester]

@@a.trance6997 yes this is basically the original game + new graphics, content and small quality of life features

[@bad_chewy6092]

This one hurts. Skirmish would have been an easy purchase. As it stands, gonna have to pass on this one.

[@Zade_95]

A large number of people I talk to say the same thing. Sucks man!

[@Mr_D_The_1st]

no skirmish mode killed it for me,i was imensely disapointed.

[@cheesemongering109]

i like how transparent this guy was with his affiliation that's comforting really XD

[@Zade_95]

Appreciate that, I try!

[@cheesemongering109]

@@Zade_95 i bought this game the other day after i saw your video it was well worth the 15 bucks even if there is no skirmish this games really really really well done the economy on this game is probably the best way ive seen as far as rts goes

[@ImJustJass]

Going to be looking forward to a Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition in the future. I hope that they add new units and a newer crusader trail too. Maybe even combining both Crusader and Crusader Extreme into one game for the definitive edition.

[@Bloodark124]

Good review and as always, being reviewed by a fan makes a huge difference. Learnt a lot so definitely be thinking about buying myself a copy and replaying it too haha and also useful to know what issues it still have.

[@jellek1965]

I am very glad it turned out so well! If they would included more extensive modding tools I would have bought it in a second, might still in the future. Who knows

[@Hyperchicken]

Great, level-headed and fair review from someone who clearly knows the game well. Bravo!

[@Lordbobomb]

Really would love to see the classic left click control scheme showing up again in newer titles, not just remasters.

[@madbun1312]

ew

[@ensar3752]

What were they thinking releasing Stronghold without skirmish? That's what made the game timeless, not campaign and scenarios.

[@SimonMester]

I think the original didn't have skirmish either, and they just recreated that. I was super surprised they didn't remake SC crusader instead, which was the most played and beloved version of stronghold. It had everything, including skirmish.

[@NaCk210]

The main appleal of crusader was precisely having more than one castle in a map, allowing for skirmishes. The original stronghold did NOT have skirmish mode, only economic, siege defense or offense scenarios, free build, and the campaign.

[@PhenMr]

True! The first skirmish was in crusader what really makes it populair. And there will be some dlc with extra campaing storys i believe in the future of spring. And beside`s you have something simulair now (castle trail)@@SimonMester

[@JanusZudnik]

For some of us, who didn't care for it, there was way too much skirmish in all the later games, so it's nice to have more campaign content..

[@feluto7172]

it's not possible for the AI in Stronghold. People have tried with mods and the ai just ends up sitting around doing nothing until it dies, the campaign is all run by scripts

[@delindsay]

Already bought it, would've paid even more. Stronghold & Crusader are my favorite ever games. I do agree on the Co-Op thinking but for me it's worth the price even if nothing else that I can play it at 1440P on my 32" curved Monitor and it looks fantastic!

[@Zade_95]

Yeah agreed! 1440p ultrawide gang lets gooo

[@tanen7264]

I will definitely be picking this up. I love the improvements. I don’t care for multiplayer or co-op so those things don’t affect me. The skirmish mode I can live without for now. I’d love to crusader get the same treatment and it will be interesting to see what comes out of steam workshop.

[@Zenturio331]

Not having skirmish killed the appeal for me

[@graymane5526]

Without co-op, unfortunately, its a no go for me. Looks good though for those who would like a new go at the campaigns.

[@AntonSlavik111]

I am looking forward to those DLC because both the pig and the wolf retook counties in SH so maybe that's what we are getting. I did want to play has the bad guys during their rebellion but this is close enough.

[@kotletschabowy4169]

We also had a few allied lords mentioned during campaign, I guess lord Manikin was one of them, but all of them had like 1 irrelevant mention

[@Pulsed101]

A very special RTS game. One of the greatest.

[@TFAric]

I never owned this game until the HD edition, I played a game demo of Crusader and some time later found the game when I was on vacation in Denmark and it became a game I really loved even if I only played skirmish by myself. When I got HD Crusader there suddenly more lords then I remember. I am going to buy this game most likely at the end of the month to support the team and make Crusader DE an possibility but will of course play this too, I never finished the campaign maybe it is time.

[@seanisanalien]

I was excited about this until you said about thier being not pve 😢

[@PillowWillow007]

The original didn't have PVE

[@Zade_95]

:(

[@wackpendejo3000]

@@PillowWillow007 gee is almost as if this is a remake and not a 1 on 1 recreation of an old game.... oh wait.....

[@PillowWillow007]

@@wackpendejo3000 Exactly my point!

[@wackpendejo3000]

yes remake, as in old game with new features......@@PillowWillow007

[@drlsword]

No skirmish no sale. Sad, has everything else I would want

[@nightmelancholy04]

Me too, i very like skirmish mode of stronghold. No skirmish no buy.😢

[@kytosai]

Mee too. I'm very disappointed

[@chrishuyler3580]

I just loaded up the HD edition on Steam, I must have bought it 10 years ago. I forgot how much fun this game is. When I'm finished I may pick up this new edition to play the new campaigns. Honestly though, my favorite was always the economic campaign. Keeping the peasants happy and productive is relaxing, yet challenging game play.

[@veidt3764]

For me it is the same as for you, Zade. I think a lot of my friends (probably myself included) would buy the game, if it just had a co-op mode. Maybe modders will do something about it....

[@Nigel6Loring]

Great review. On top of the Steam multiplayer and new campaign there are several good QOL improvements and bug fixes in it and I am currently really enjoying the game. But yea: 12:15 I am totally with you on that and would love if that was a possibility.

[@denisflorian2431]

They do not intend on making skirmish for the Definitive Edition. They claimed so on their TikTok replies. But they intend on making a sequel with Skirmish included

[@Hunter_6601]

A sequel like crusader definitive edition, or a properly new title?

[@AnneBerkheij]

I was hyped for the game until I realized there is no multiplayer vs AI. Unfortunately that means a no for me, I will stick to the Stronghold Crusader that does have it.

[@Gamerz2Gamerz]

My dad got me into this game when I was little, I’m 23 now when this is coming out and I bought it as soon as I saw it. I thought you made great points in the video and I really wish there was a skirmish AI too because that’s basically the crusader campaign but it’s completely missing from the new version :(

[@jorgeinti]

YES WE WANT SKIRMISH MODE!!! hell, even if its DLC with other features like that theatre from strongold kingdoms. Also i really hope next Stronghold Unreal doesnt go like Warlords. thx for the review

[@ancientgamer3645]

For a game its' age, this game still amazes me today. I have played this game for many years and many hours. This game might be older than ZADE. Here's to you for another great review. 👍👍

[@voyagerdeepspaceexploratio5023]

They will likely do Crusader Definitive and I'm looking forward to it. As many others do. I wouldn't wonder if they are planning or working on it already. Overall Crusader was the better Stronghold just bound to that desert setting. And it also had more variety in units.

[@doyoudevelop]

I'm so grateful for Firefly that they did this. The "newer" games with 3D graphics were such a let down. All we ever needed was those old games (Stronghold + Crusader) but with a modern take EXACTLY like they've done with the definitive edition. Thank you so much for this Firefly and everyone involved! Next, please do Crusader! :)

[@toto3777]

What's the graphical difference between Stronghold HD and Stronghold Definitive Edition? I love the old art style. Just want it in higher definition.

[@jacobrosales509]

Need a Stronghold 2: DE!!!

[@conscript900]

Ill probably end up picking it up to enjoy the campaign with the new visiuals (although HD is already decent enough for that) with luck we can convince them to get some kind of coop running. and then it will grow. hell maybe even the community will find a way to mod in the AI.

[@Sids1192]

I still remember getting the original as a present as a kid. Excitedly went to install and load the game up and heard, "Happy Birthday, my Lord!" Just about fell out of my chair. How did it know?

[@darthplagueis13]

I don't think they'll add skirmish to this, though who knows, if this does well enough, maybe they'll make a Crusader DE. From what I understand, skirmish AI would technically require them to run the game on a modified engine and wanting to port it over would have broken too much stuff to get it finished in any reasonable amount of time.

[@ShatteringBlade]

Great video! And an accurate conclusion about the longevity of this game without the inclusion of Skirmish AI... huge oversight that causes me to NOT recommend this game to my more casual strategy gaming friends. Heck, I'd buy this game FOR my friends if it meant we could play co-op together against AI! I don't know if the devs just don't understand this about many strategy gamers, but we don't all foam at the mouth for PvP. The older I get the more I actually avoid it for games like this, because it takes time and effort to build the skills and speed needed to play competitively against real people. I hope they reconsider this decision some day. I will buy this game and enjoy it. But it looks like I'll be waiting for Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition before I can really start recommending it to my friends, since that game has Skirmish.

[@NineNoRouge]

I am absolutely loving it, i am having a blast on the new campaigns and i love the new graphics, However, i think what I love the most are the quality-of-life features like auto selling and recruiting more than one troop at a time.

[@tobylifers3390]

I'm absolutely gutted to learn that there is no skirmish/co-op.

[@Zade_95]

me too :(

[@ryannygard3661]

Stronghold is a genre defining game that hasn't had any competitor enter the space. I really think there's an opportunity for an indie developer to come in and create a new stronghold game and fill this niche in the market.

[@Zade_95]

something like... manor lords? >:)

[@filthyfinancials1622]

​@@Zade_95lol

[@Slomwotion]

I personally never played the campain in any of the Stronghold games. Skirmish both solo and with my buds.

[@Hunter_6601]

Skirmish is the only way I play strategy games lol except for paradox and total war games ofc

[@Ealdorman_of_Mercia]

I really appreciate you disclosing your relationship with Firefly. That kind of transparency is rare. Liked.

[@Zade_95]

[@Caracaplancus]

Looks good, I''m bothered though by the music volume being altered up and down when clicking on units... dont think this is supposed to happen?

[@Xrisus94]

My theory is that they won't release skirmish. Mode because that already exist in SH crusader. So there might be a DE edition of that too in the future

[@weechy_specialttv2780]

I never played this before saw it picked it up. I can’t stop playing! Worth it for sure!

[@alfiartya23]

Between the first Stronghold HD and Stronghold Crusader HD, which should I pick to buy this first? I never played this game before but I wanna try it, let me know your thoughts 😄

[@XouXin]

Stronghold Crusader HD has a few more features. Stronghold HD (now re-released as Stronghold Definitive Edition) has a better atmosphere and vibe. Crusader is set in the desert, which can make it less fun to roleplay. Both are fantastic games. Stronghold 1 has the better campaign, Stronghold Crusader has the better replay. I'd recommend getting both honestly. If you only want to buy one game, maybe buy Crusader. Both these two games are completely unmatched, even by later entries in the series. Since there are basically no other games just like it, once you've played one, you will want to play the other.

[@Will-nn3pb]

been looking for something like this for a while! thanks!

[@SirSlicer66]

You can actually create scenarios where the AI will attack you multiple points in the game in stronghold like skirmish but you can make them attack you at volume you make for them which I found was okay and pretty fun

[@ash12181987]

They have rereleased Stronghold and Crusader like 3 times a piece now... Can they Please do Stronghold 2, and give That the Co-op skirmish mode?

[@ikenelli8425]

Used to play in castle builder mode, or free mode? Maybe it was the world edit.. I'd make wall mazes or coliseums and generate a bunch of lions and just send ppl through to get massacred. Really love watching the mace men just obliterate weaker units.

[@airjamy]

Like how honest, open and clear this review is. Good job, this deserves more views! I don't think lacking skirmish matters as much as you think, but I get where you are coming from

[@Zade_95]

Appreciate it :)

[@gandalfthegoat6597]

I think it matters to a majority of the community

[@RandomNorwegianGuy.]

As Stronghold DE stands now. It's an amazing single player gaming experience for about 15-20 hours. 30ish hours if you enjoy pvp

[@pas0003]

My god! That music! It sounds like my childhood! Definitely need coop and pve

[@vee24]

It's rare for me to find a video where I agree with the reviewer to such an extent. Really well put together.

[@emperorarasaka]

I am playing this game and love it truly my sire! You have spoilt us!

[@tridentcheckit2640]

have they fixed the bugs that you could mine apples and stone faster? i remember in multiplayer you did a block move with stone and the miners didn't have to walk the full distance and it just broke the game for me. multiplayer just ended up being horse achers with shields

[@Internoobs]

Its funny to think that Firefly Studios's reaction to the lukewarm release of Stronghold Warlords is to just marginally update their very first game, desperately attempting to power their studio a bit longer with that lightning in a bottle they found way back. Outside of these remasters I doubt we'll ever see something great from them again, but having been bought by Devolver Digital gives me that slight glimmer of hope that something cool could come out of the studio yet.

[@DotComDrones1]

Althought the hotkeys say "Tab" for rotating building I have not been able to do this even assigning another hotkey.

[@dedicateddark]

Worth it for working multiplayer. Prev. ones I died trying to set-up a multiplayer game.

[@deusvulture5183]

I've been playing campaigns, scenarios, and free builds w/invasions for two decades. I can wait for Crusader DE for skirmish, where it's meant to be.

[@Andrevhmachado]

Skirmish in Stronghold DE is a must, I don’t want to play skirmish in “crusaders DE”, I would pay for this feature, what a shame…

[@hawkticus_history_corner]

I think another reason why they didn't include Skirmish Mode, alongside the stated ones, is that Stronghold has 4 AI and that doesn't feel worth it to them as a company,. Look at Crusader, they have the original 4 and then added like 6 other AI and Extreme (pretty sure it was Extreme) added even more people. I think they're mind was that, its a Stronghold Remake, and they don't wanna add too many new characters that aren't in the campaign. Now, personally I'd say add Longarm from Crusader into this mix as well and the Abbot and you've got 6 AI, which is enough.

[@Zyzyx442]

How are the map sizes? My only problem with the original are the tiny maps, even the "huge" map are small af

[@KarolisZvirgzdas]

one of the best rts ever made. i still love this game after many years

[@AG-sn3ii]

Really need a Skirmish mode. Tried to play multiplayer as well and ever kept disconnecting and crashing several times. Hopefully it’ll get better later on and I’ll rebuy it.

[@takecarestudios]

Stronghold could have evolved to something like Manor Lords if they would have kept innovating. I mean, as a 13 year old kid I loved Stronghold. I remember every song, it was amazing. But come on Firefly Studio's, make us proud again!

[@sirdabsalot2087]

No skirmish mode will be the end of this game before it starts. I watched this review hoping there was skirmish and you said it so well. That sucks 😢

[@StealthFB22]

The “we’re all freaken old”. Hit hard 😭😭😭

[@Zade_95]

😂 gotta face the truth

[@Aliksander54]

Do they intend to make a Stronghold 2 DE? That's the only version of the game I played, and I enjoyed it.

[@Acidicstudios]

It's weird really, because these old stronghold games already got re-released in HD. This is a re-re-release of this game, for some reason. Oh and Stronghold Crusader 1 HD and 2 have skirmish vs AI if I remember rightly, which honestly is why they're the better stronghold games over the first one.

[@bigbadwolf4845]

@Zade - is there a new economic campaign? how does it hold up? how many missions?

[@Zade_95]

Just a new military campaign. But there are new eco campaign(s?) coming in the announced updates soon iirc

[@okmanm3454]

I really want to buy it, but I only play skirmish mode in crusader. Shame, I just assumed they would port over the crusader skirmish ai somehow. Hopefully skirmish ai comes if crusader HD gets a remaster

[@fatahilahs3606]

True, skrimish is one of the most important aspect of rts game

[@frabre1810]

Are there any new voicelines at all....? From the old voice actors?

[@weirdchamp7790]

such a vibe, this game is soo good imo and underrated

[@ComoUnCuervo]

That news about skirmish mode hit me with a wave of disappointment, I was really looking forward to finally being able to play this online with my cousin with no issues. We cant for the life of us get crusader to stop crashing on gameranger

[@mevludintursunovic6193]

NO skirmish mode - NO Buy

[@marvin09mnc]

@Zade i think they save skirmish mode for Stronghold Crusader cause its already there.

[@Lcelenza14]

Skirmish is crusader. They’ll do it don’t worry. Hopefully soon…

[@rubz1390]

Are you familiar with an old rts called rise and fall? Was like AoE but you could control hero units in 3rd person.

[@riv4lm4n]

it's so sad to see there's barely any new content, this franchise has only 2 solid games (og and crusader) and the devs can't for their life make a good follow up.

[@PillowWillow007]

They're an indie dev with the vast majority of the team (aside from ≈ 5 people) working on the upcoming Stronghold Unreal.

[@JanusZudnik]

My favorite is 2, I'd love some love given to this one too!

[@UncleBigBen]

Thanks for the review.

[@furnicutz]

They should have just add modern controls to Crusader and leave it. 🤷‍♂️ Would have been a hit imo. Still playing to this day, all time fav.

[@markalvarez7623]

Yes!!! Or more Lords

[@Viper666EA]

I was hyped when they launch it but unfortunately there is no skirmish mode, like why??

[@ShufflerBluey]

Refunded until desync multiplayer issue is fixed and AI is added to multiplayer... how is this an issue in a 2023 remaster?

[@benjaminhendriksen]

Considering to buy this, is the multiplayer mode properly working?

[@Zade_95]

yep, full steam works integration

[@noahdell6030]

Stronghold and AOE2 are some of my favorite games right now

[@emptysvoid]

I dont really need a skirmish, I I dont get why people expect a skirmish. Stronghold never had a Skirmish KI with castles and with only 4 enemies in the missionsit would be very boring.

[@MuskYilong]

my biggest issue with this game is that 95% of multiplayer games end in a crash its so exhausting, when you have build your castle and have a decent economy, but then suddenly the servers/game freeze and its all over

[@Sir_Call_me_G]

That happened in my first 2 multiplayer games - unplayble after 2 min ingame

[@AsWeDescended]

Always wish there was more skirmish oriented missions. I never liked the siege/invasion missions. I like building a base and picking how i want to win

[@ThunderingVipers]

I wonder if they are working now for a definitive edition for crusaders

[@Zade_95]

God I hope so!

[@xpodx]

I played it and in multiplayer i couldnt sell iron or stone. Hope it gets fixed. I'm told it's a tech tree option. I had it on low which doesn't allow that.

[@MrTheMortanius]

So i can play only campaign but not a skirmish map with my friend?

[@Akillez7]

I was loving the review, added the game to my cart. As you mentioned there's no PvE or Co-op... that made me not want to get it. For shame! What were they thinking!? I guess I'm gonna just launch Crusader HD again.

[@collinziegler1615]

No Skirmish mode... insane that they released this without adding one.

[@mr.xernorus4026]

Is there only the campaing or can I play versus AI like in crusader? Is there a sandbox where I can just do what I want, like in crusader?

[@igorthelight]

All of that was answered in this video ;-)

[@mr.xernorus4026]

Well there no skirmish, so whats the point. Nostalgia of course, but I still play crusader to this day. I'll pass sadly.

[@brcamu]

Can't they do a kickstarter for skirmish mode? the rest of the game is done so fans know they can deliver

[@jimmyfelixander5422]

Still no Skirmish?