This is my attempt at recreating the great Durham Castle. The story within this Invasion map is my attempt at recreating the battle of Nevilles Cross which is recognized as one of the most famous battles in England during that time period. During this battle over 12,000 Scotish troops attempted to Seige Durham castle and over throw the King. The battle was lost to a smaller group within the castle thanks to its great defenses and aid from abroad.
In the map provided, I have tried to create the overwhelming feel of that sort of battle yet maintain the games sprite limits as well as allowing for a chance of victory by the castle garrison and defenses. This map is a tough one to play, but is beatable on easy and normal levels. Invasions come in very large numbers from the very beginning, and the only goal is to survive. The map is actually more along the lines of a seige, but due to limitations, I had to develop it as an invasion map.
I hope you have fun with this one. Please read more about it In the Stronghold Heaven history section.
Playability: This is a very, very tough map. It took me (daren't admit) attempts to win and was enjoyable, though my processor took a beating in the process!! Keeps you interested throughout.
Balance: Has to be a 5 because it IS beatable but sooo difficult. I found I had to move my troops around the castle to fend off the relentless attacks. A normal map would be impossible to defend, but this is a BIG castle and your archers have time to pick off some of the invasion troops (esp. knights) before they worm their way in.
Creativity: I like the idea of this, though I know little of what the castle looked like at that time (shameful, I was born not far from Durham as well). A good reproduction of the area, though. Works well.
Map Design: Again, very good. Nice use of the walls to represent areas of the castle. The landscape looks realistic enough. Very little at fault!
Story/Instructions: About as perfect as you could wish to have. The link to the history of the castle is very interesting reading and gives you a good run through the history of the castle as well as the events that surrounded the battle the map is based on.
Overall, highly recommended and if you feel like a challenge, this is for you!
WWII44
Posted on 07/19/07 @ 09:37 AM
Looks a lot like the plan in the library book I'm reading
skurill
Posted on 04/19/12 @ 08:52 AM
No. The castle looks nice, but the map is nearly unplayable. The reason is, the mass attacks begins already in the beginning, so you have no time for orientation. The archers are bad placed, the oily canals to small. And everyone knows, what happens, if this is the case: Instead of shooting, the archers are running away.
In spite of the quite nice layout an annoying map.
Posted on 05/03/02 @ 12:00 AM 