The game was well loved because it provided a simple way to enjoy either a siege as the attacker, or holding off your fort from being overtaken.

At the time it was praised for its graphics (though obviously dated by todays standards), and most found it to be an intriguing title that improved on more or less every part of the original game in terms of its style.

Upon release, Stronghold: Crusader was met with largely positive responses. Alongside an enjoyable campaign feature, players could take part in single-player skirmishes that would allow for bespoke battles against the AI, offering greater opportunity to mess around and experiment with the gluttony of different units you could play with.Īn updated version of Crusader was released in 2008, though many still to this day prefer to play the classic castle sim original.