As I play the Stronghold game, I always end up with the same kind of strategy: hordes of archers, a handful of crossbows/ballistas and maybe some horse archers and a bunch of cheap slingers. In this mission, you will be challenged by not having access to any of these troops. How do you best conquer a castle and then defend it without “missile troops”?
The full story of this mission is included in the zip file. Here is an overview:
The mission starts with your army being imprisoned in a tower. You must break out of this prison, then conquer a nearby castle before neighboring villages send troops towards you. Once you own the castle you need to defend it from enemies. The local forests are unsuitable for making bows and arrows, so you can't build any of these. However, the unhappy neighbors that attack you cannot build bows and arrows either. After about 15 years, you finally receive support from an ally that sent archers. Soon thereafter, your neighbors realize your troop enhancements and in a last desperate attempt to defeat you, they will march all their armies towards you (600 units).
Playability: 4.5
Everything work fine, except for the wooden traps detail. They are just too annoying. The player end up try several different ways and once you know where to go, just restart game and take the easy path.
Balance: 4.5
Label as hard and I agree. Even too hard! Without the hint, I got nowhere in this game.
Creativity: 5
Neat concept of being trapped in your own tower. The lack of arrows is a bit anoying to start, but I think it teach me how to better use other troop. So many noise from crashing swords!
Map Design: 5
Everything is there and realistic. Both castle sites have food and water supply. I like the implementation of the 'toll gate' and the little market next to it. Also the pathways with patrolling troops looks nice.
Story/Instructions: 4
Nothing wrong, but I feel it is a bit 'flat' or has no real 'character' to it. Sorry, not very enthusiastic (maybe it is all talk about taxes that feels boring??).
Very helpful hints, and I appreciate you 'hide', so I could try it myself first.
Yes, I relly needed the hints. It was too hard without. Maybe you could give one more hint: how to get out of the tower? I was completely baffle for this for long time.
Additional Comments:
It is not perfect game, but I still recommend it to others. Just don't spend too much time before read the hints.