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The late 20th century was a golden age for gaming. Rapid advancements in hardware empowered developers to experiment with new genres, satisfying gamers tired of the established 8-bit and 16-bit formulas. This era saw the rise of hybrid genres, blending established mechanics to create something new. Iconic examples include Warcraft III, which merged real-time strategy (RTS) with role-playing game (RPG) elements, and Grand Theft Auto, a groundbreaking blend of action and adventure that continues to thrive today. Among these innovations, a subgenre of RTS games emerged, incorporating light simulation and management elements, finding surprising success with a dedicated fanbase. Stronghold, developed by Firefly Studios, debuted in 2001 and became a flagship title of this subgenre, offering engaging siege warfare and intricate economic simulation. Twenty years later, Stronghold: Warlords shifts the series’ focus from medieval Europe to the East. Does this new setting revitalize the franchise, or does it crumble under the weight of its legacy? Let’s delve into this latest installment.

Eastward Expansion: A Familiar Foundation

Stronghold: Warlords – Gameplay made a significant impact on the RTS/simulation genre upon its 2001 release. Subsequent updates and HD remakes further solidified its status as a genre classic, even as the RTS genre experienced a decline. Stronghold: Warlords consciously preserves much of the series’ core identity while introducing new mechanics within a fresh setting.

Stronghold: Warlords – GraphicsThe game’s visuals have been significantly upgraded, boasting impressive 3D graphics for a modern RTS title. Since Stronghold 2 in 2005, Firefly Studios has utilized a proprietary 3D engine, continuously refined with each subsequent release. Unlike Stronghold: Crusader 2 (2014), which felt dated visually, Stronghold: Warlords delivers a modern graphical experience comparable to other leading RTS games.

Stronghold: Warlords – Building DetailBuildings and fortifications are rendered with detail and feature lively animations within, creating a sense of realism true to the series’ simulation roots. Character animations are fluid and impactful, particularly in melee combat. The physics engine adds another layer of immersion, with structures crumbling realistically and units reacting dynamically to impacts.

Stronghold: Warlords – Terrain ImpactTerrain plays a significant role thanks to the improved physics engine. Archers positioned on higher ground gain increased range, impacting tactical decisions during siege warfare.

The soundtrack, composed by series veteran Rob L. Euvino, captures the essence of the Eastern setting. This is a notable achievement, as Western composers often struggle to create authentic-sounding Eastern music. The music effectively enhances the atmosphere in both skirmish and campaign modes, providing impactful moments reminiscent of Red Alert Remastered.

Managing an Empire, Commanding Warlords

Stronghold: Warlords – Economy Management retains the core economic management gameplay of its predecessors, adapted to the Eastern setting. Players must establish resource chains, processing facilities, and manage factors like population happiness, religious centers, and public amenities. These elements directly impact productivity, tax revenue, and the ability to support armies.

Stronghold: Warlords – Siege WarfareSiege warfare remains a central focus, offering a wide array of offensive and defensive tools. Players must strategically deploy these tools to achieve victory.

Stronghold: Warlords – Warlords SystemA new addition is the Warlords system. Using Diplomacy Points (DP), players can interact with and influence AI-controlled warlords. These warlords can provide resources, troops, and even shelter for your armies. However, they can also be swayed by your opponents, leading to unexpected alliances and betrayals.

Cracks in the Foundation: AI and Balance Issues

Stronghold: Warlords – AI IssuesDespite its strengths, Stronghold: Warlords suffers from shortcomings, particularly with its AI. Pathfinding issues frequently occur, leading to units getting stuck and vulnerable to enemy fire. This is a common issue in older RTS games but feels out of place in a modern title.

Stronghold: Warlords – Simplified EconomyFirefly Studios has streamlined the economic simulation, arguably to the game’s detriment. Food production, for example, is simplified, removing some of the complexity and depth of previous titles. Unit production is similarly streamlined, leading to faster-paced gameplay but potentially sacrificing strategic depth.

Stronghold: Warlords – Unit CapThe 200-unit cap (increased to 300 in patch 1.1) limits the scale of battles compared to earlier Stronghold games. This, combined with the simplified economy and AI issues, can lead to less engaging siege warfare. Balance issues also exist, with archers on high ground having an unusually long range.

Furthermore, the game suffers from minor technical glitches and inconsistencies, such as voice acting discrepancies and occasional performance hiccups.

Conclusion: A Promising Foundation with Room for Improvement

Stronghold: Warlords offers a compelling blend of familiar mechanics and new features within a fresh setting. However, its potential is hampered by AI flaws, balance issues, and a simplified economic model. While these issues detract from the experience, the core gameplay loop remains engaging. With further refinement and updates addressing these shortcomings, Stronghold: Warlords could truly become a worthy successor to the franchise’s legacy.

Game Information

• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios
• Genre: Real-Time Strategy
• Release Date: March 10, 2021
• Platform: PC

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/XP/Vista (32 or 64 bit)
• CPU: Core i5 3330 or AMD equivalent
• RAM: 8 GB
• HDD: 7 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 680 or AMD equivalent

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64bit
• CPU: Intel Core i7 8700
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: MSI RX 480 4GB Armor
• HDD: 2TB