Following the 2023 release of Stronghold: Definitive Edition, Firefly Studios is back with Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition, an updated version of the 2002 RTS city-builder.
The upgraded version of the game was unveiled in all its isometric splendor via a reveal trailer posted to the official Firefly Studios YouTube channel, giving players a closer look at what the definitive edition of the game has in store.
Created by the original Stronghold Crusader’s development team, Firefly Studios says the definitive edition includes new content, “elevated graphics,” and “extensive player-requested features” meant to improve the game’s overall quality of life.
“We have tried to go beyond what our players expect,” Firefly Studios head Nick Tannahill said of the upcoming game. “This is their favorite game, and it deserves to be remastered in all its pre-rendered isometric glory, but with plenty of extra bells and whistles!”
Some of those bells and whistles include:
- 4 new AI opponents
- 8 Bedouin warrior units
- 2 historical campaigns to help players learn how to command soldiers
- 4 Sands of Time’ skirmish trails to test players’ skill
- 1 new co-op skirmish trail
- Larger maps
- New maps
- Enhanced graphics and audio
- Custom gameplay setting options
Tannahill said the game’s loyal players deserved a lot of gratitude, as the definitive edition of the game wouldn’t exist without their vocal support.
“We would not be doing this were it not for those [people who are] still playing multiplayer, designing maps, and creating mods like the awesome Unofficial Crusader Patch, so I can’t wait to hear what they all think of our upcoming public demos,” said Tannahill, who has worked on the series for 13 years. “We really are dedicated to taking our time with Stronghold and acting on feedback whenever possible.”
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is set to launch on July 15, and is currently available to wishlist on Steam.