Stronghold: Warlords Reviews
Stronghold: Warlords really shakes up the formula and brings the franchise to a new era. Sadly, this is hidden behind an uninteresting campaign and a lackluster multiplayer mode. Warlords has a strong foundation, but it desperately needs a community to thrive.
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If you’re a long-time fan of the Strongholds franchise, then the change of scenery and some of the tweaks might be enough to make you climb over the parapets to get this one. For everyone else though, Age of Empires II/III Definitive Edition is likely to be a better bet, both from a content and general experience perspective.
Stronghold: Warlords gets more right than it doesn’t. The unique East-Asian factions that this game provides is a much needed change from the medieval times we’re used to. It’s more RTS than fans of the series will bargain for, and the warlords system is interesting but has its fair share of issues. The game’s attractive pricing should sway anyone on the fence. Stronghold: Warlords is refreshing take on the Stronghold series, but doesn’t quite execute on its new ideas fully — it’s a bit outdated, but not antiquated.
In an era so devoid of proper RTS releases, Stronghold: Warlords stands out as a breath of fresh air. It appeals to both newcomers, with its excellent AI and voiced hint system, as well as veterans, with its deep mechanics and endless possibilities on how to create the best kind of stronghold against your enemies.
Stronghold: Warlords' innovative potential in its fun gameplay loop and interesting concepts is stifled by an archaic engine and design philosophy.