PGC NEWS

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre’s golden age produced legendary titles that later iterations often struggle to match in quality and nostalgic appeal. Amidst the ongoing wave of remasters, remakes, and reboots, these classics are being resurrected with fresh perspectives. Stronghold Definitive Edition is the latest to join this resurgence, reviving the 2001 game that cemented Firefly Studios’ reputation. Does this return live up to the expectations of veteran players? Let’s delve into this review to find out.

A Faithful Restoration

Stronghold Definitive Edition – Enhanced GraphicsStronghold Definitive Edition presents itself as a remaster rather than a full-fledged remake built on a new engine. Similar to Red Alert Remastered, this new release primarily focuses on enhancing the original game’s visuals to HD quality, leaving core gameplay mechanics virtually untouched. Even the original game engine remains, foregoing the newer version used in 2021’s Stronghold: Warlords.

This approach preserves the elements that made the original Stronghold a success, contributing to the Definitive Edition’s appeal. The cutscenes, seemingly upscaled using AI rather than re-rendered, aren’t ideal and appear cropped to fit modern 16:9 displays.

Stronghold Definitive Edition – Updated UIHowever, the in-game experience shines. From menus and backgrounds to text boxes, everything has been meticulously reworked to support 4K resolution without any noticeable visual artifacts. This results in a smooth experience navigating menus and following the classic text-based storytelling.

Stronghold Definitive Edition further impresses with its detailed in-game visuals. Terrain, animals, units, buildings, and other elements have been redrawn with remarkable clarity, despite retaining the traditional 2D style. The level of detail might even mislead players into thinking they’re looking at 3D models, if not for the familiar 8 frames-per-second animation.

Stronghold Definitive Edition – Detailed UnitsThis meticulous artistry contrasts sharply with remasters of 3D games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Remastered, which primarily focused on enhanced lighting and resolution. As a result, the building and combat experience in Stronghold Definitive Edition remains engaging and intense, leading players through battles with the same large-scale conflicts that later 3D Stronghold titles like Stronghold Crusader 2 struggled to replicate.

Stronghold Definitive Edition – Large-Scale BattlesBeyond the original’s economic, combat, and siege gameplay, Stronghold Definitive Edition incorporates new content, extending playtime and offering fresh challenges. The audio has also received upgrades to suit modern PCs. The medieval soundtrack has been remastered from original recordings, while voice acting features new talent alongside familiar voices from the original game.

Stronghold Definitive Edition – New ContentThese subtle yet significant improvements enhance the overall experience, pleasing even the most discerning Stronghold fans. Overall, Stronghold Definitive Edition successfully revives the 2001 classic in both visuals and audio, providing a refreshing experience for veterans and newcomers alike.

Lingering Legacy Issues

Stronghold Definitive Edition – Isometric ViewDespite the visual and audio enhancements, Stronghold Definitive Edition retains bugs present in the 20-year-old original. Unlike Command & Conquer Remastered, which benefited from AI improvements from later games, Stronghold Definitive Edition carries forward its legacy issues.

The isometric perspective, using diagonal tiles to represent vertical and horizontal walls, allows units on opposite sides to attack each other. The 2D nature of the isometric graphics also leads to abstract representations of height, occasionally resulting in illogical scenarios like wolves attacking units on towers.

Stronghold Definitive Edition – Pathfinding IssuesFurthermore, pathfinding issues persist, causing units to get lost, wander aimlessly, or even walk into danger repeatedly. However, these issues are relatively minor and don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.

Conclusion

Stronghold Definitive Edition successfully revitalizes a classic RTS with enhanced visuals, audio, and new content. While some original bugs remain, the core gameplay experience is preserved, offering a nostalgic trip for veterans and an engaging entry point for new players. The remaster effectively captures the spirit of the original, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this timeless strategy game.