Review: Stronghold Legends game

It’s obligatory for every real-time strategy game to get a ‘hero mix’ – essentially the same game with an updated helping of super-powered beings, capable of levelling half your base all on their own.

This tends to spoil the balance and rarely improves gameplay or longevity. So does Stronghold Legends fare any better? Surprisingly, Yes.

For the first few levels (there are three generous campaigns, an excellent skirmish mode and single scenarios galore) it seems little has changed. The graphics are similar to Stronghold 2, as are most of the buildings – although there are twice as many unit-types.

And then you get to see your first Dragon – torching whole legions of your best troops in a single puff. Admittedly, this is the most impressive of the new ‘Legends’, but it still looks great.

There’s also a new dark enemy in the land, using mutant or mystical creatures to overwhelm your tested defences with alarming ease.

Other aspects of gameplay have improved too. Conquered estates now automatically pool their resources rather than having to set up tedious supply routes. There’s still a heavy dose of micro-management, but this time you’re always against the clock from the start – creating a much more satisfying balance than before.

This is a great update that could even convert those left cold by the earlier games.

Also consider
Civilization 4
Overall: Civilization 4 offers incredible depth. Suffice to say, you’ll still be discovering new layers in this colossal game in years to come.
Rating: 5
Price: £40

All simulation games