I don't consider this fun, challenging, or extreme. After about the tenth time I was able to pick the right combination of strategic elements and finally avert disaster. There is not enough information to make an educated decision. There isn't enough time to go about the usual method of empire building, so you have to channel your resources into a few specific areas. In the first mission, I have little more than a minute to gather my resources and create something to defend my kingdom before I get annihilated. Whereas a good economic sim plays out with the complexity of a chess match, the 20 new missions offered here are more like puzzle elements with a time limit, not unlike a series of mini-games. I am all up for challenges, but at least implement them within the structure of the gameplay genre. This is an economic sim-style game, not an action adventure title. They hinge on making a key decision within a short time period.

Stronghold Crusader Extreme is extreme in some instances, especially the challenges, which are frustratingly difficult. There is the odd voiceover in-game, but it's mostly ambient stuff such as battle cries. As another indication of overlooked production values, most of the communication is text-based. If you're going to update an ancient game, update it to the present century. It's not like this game has such classic status that the original graphics are considered charming. I've seen better detail sown into a throw pillow. It's presented in gloriously pixilated 2D. It looks like something from the 20th century. Graphically, the game has not been improved in the slightest. New modes, missions, items, and maps, apparently put the 'extreme' in Stronghold Crusader Extreme. It will also be a lot easier on your sanity.

It does come with both versions, (as I like to call them Normal and Impossible), in which case I would suggest newbies hunt down the original version that will be available at a discounted price. This is not a cheap package, so you may want to consider your level of brand loyalty to the Stronghold series before you rush out and buy this game. It's a slightly updated version of the original Stronghold Crusader with some new missions added that are guaranteed to have you tearing your hair out, and that's never a good thing. Stronghold Crusader Extreme is not a new game.

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