Stronghold is a real-time strategy game in which RPG elements have been skillfully woven using the world known from Advanced Dungeons & Dragons system.

Before we start the game, we have to create a hero, just like in RPGs. First we decide on the choice of breed, then we give it a name. Numbers assigned to basic features have a rather marginal meaning, what counts first of all is the character of the character, which at the same time determines the task ahead of us. A peaceful set ruler must obtain the title of Emperor, a Chaotic destroy all enemies, while a Neutral do both these things at once. When our hero has certain coefficients, the chosen profession/race and we know what awaits us, we have to proceed to the laborious development of our kingdom. The centre is a castle built for free, in which new units will be built. Our soldiers will direct themselves to the surrounding areas, where you can put up new structures. The most important is, of course, food, without it there is nothing to dream of any development, so most of our estates will initially be cultivated fields. Some kind of granary will also be useful, because in winter food production drops to 25% and without accumulated stocks, we can not hold on. Once the situation is stabilised, we should think about the cash flow, for which we will not only put more advanced structures, but also pay for their use. Initially, the source of income will be the same fields and trees occupied by the player, but it is worth developing them quickly, because thanks to this we not only increase food production, but also possible profits. When our kingdom will exist and bring constant income, you have to think more seriously about the training of soldiers. The surrounding areas are inhabited by a huge number of different types of nasties, the extermination of which is most advisable. The system of soldiers’ movement is a bit complicated, but after several attempts with instructions in hand, it is possible to master it relatively quickly. When the provinces settled by us will be developed as such, it is worth considering the construction of another fortress (maximum four). They will be inhabited by more rulers who will create new settlements. The process of shaping a new protagonist takes place in the same way as at the beginning, but the character is of marginal importance here. It is important to choose the right breed for the new ruler. If the main task is to cut out the trunk of enemies, then lowlands are not suitable for this purpose too well, it is better to use the services of knights, elves or dwarves.

Every race can build a huge number of buildings, used for various purposes, and as if that wasn’t enough, it can still improve them. In this respect, Stronghold leaves far behind the competition. The war theme is firmly rooted in the game, but it is the expansion of the kingdom that is the basis for success. The graphics are nice, clear and give a pleasant impression, just like the noises made by public places. During the game we can use a large number of statistics, as well as ask ordinary people what they need to be lucky. The division into seasons, difficulties in the development of the kingdom in winter, as well as a large number of opponents complete the sensational whole.

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Stronghold (1993)