Stronghold: Crusader

 PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. Game Informer
    88
    When you use a trebuchet (an enormous catapult) to launch a diseased cow over an enemy's walls and watch his population drop like flies, you can't help but get that warm fuzzy "I love this game" feeling. [Dec 2002, p.149]
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  2. TotalGames.net
    85
    It looks wonderful, plays like a dream and deserves a place in the games collection of any self-respecting strategy fan immediately.
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  3. ActionTrip
    85
    Economy and warfare are well balanced and equally exciting. The gameplay is fantastic, and it will require you to think strategically in stead of just massing up units.
  5. IGN
    84
    If you enjoyed the mighty Stronghold, but want a game with even more substance, then sire, your software is ready.
  6. PC Format
    83
    An interesting twist is the lack of fog of war. This takes a while to get used to, but works surprisingly well.
  7. Game Over Online
    80
    Basically, Crusader is just Stronghold but browner, and whether you like it or not will probably have a lot to do with whether you played Stronghold and how much you liked it.
  8. Armchair Empire
    80
    It's hard! On the plus side, it is not frustratingly so, as with some dedicated play, most gamers will likely find it to be a rewarding challenge.
  9. GameZone
    80
    Taking place in a barren desert is a nice twist and makes the player go for some other strategy that he may not be used to while playing similar games where resources are plentiful.
  10. GameSpot
    80
    Considering its new campaign options, more-satisfying single-player missions, and tweaked gameplay, it's a safe bet that fans of the original game will have even more fun storming the castle.
  11. GameSpy
    80
    A much better game than the original.
  12. PC Gamer
    77
    It's just a few new features away from glory. [Holiday 2002, p.85]
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  13. Yahoo!
    70
    This deliciously brutal slice of RTS gaming is a hugely enjoyable Middle Ages romp.
  14. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    Compensating for the lack of visual variety is the sheer wealth of interesting and engaging play modes. [Jan 2003, p.83]
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  15. Computer Gaming World
    40
    The Arabs are the most disappointing addition to the game. Instead of a fully realized faction, they're window dressing. [Jan 2003, p.110]
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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best PC Game of 2002
12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 406 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 360 out of 406
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 406
  3. Negative: 17 out of 406
  1. Mikester7
    Dec 22, 2010
    10
    Listen to the users and not the critics on this game as this is by far underrated. A great cross between an RTS game and a sim providing moreListen to the users and not the critics on this game as this is by far underrated. A great cross between an RTS game and a sim providing more realism. While the AI are fairly predictable this game can still be very challenging, especially when undergoing the crusader trail which requires you to perform certain tactics in order to establish a foothold to win that level. Designing your own map and playing it is always a lot of fun, or even better, downloading someone else's maps and playing them. Even though the game includes a huge amount of maps, there is community fourms that design many great maps for players to download and play. Extremely cheap game, any RTS player should buy it.… Full Review »
  2. qwertyy
    Aug 29, 2011
    10
    when 7 years ago i played this,the first best game i played,i play a whole afternoon when i first play it ,hope stronghold 3 will be likewhen 7 years ago i played this,the first best game i played,i play a whole afternoon when i first play it ,hope stronghold 3 will be like this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Full Review »
  3. SergeyS.
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    The best strategy game I've ever played, given that I'm not a big strategy fan. I was pretty disappointed the first a couple of The best strategy game I've ever played, given that I'm not a big strategy fan. I was pretty disappointed the first a couple of times I played it: I had no clue what was going on and was defeated withing 10 minutes. Once I got a grasp on it, though, I couldn't stop playing it. I still waste a couple of hours a month with this game even though it's 4 years old now (ancient, according to tech standards).… Full Review »
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