Stronghold Crusader II is a 2014 real-time strategy video game developed and published by Firefly Studios for Windows.
The game is the first of the Crusader series to feature a 3D graphics engine, but does not retain all of the elements of the original 2D game while adding new features such as "new units like the cruel Slave Driver, new beefed up AI opponents, dynamic on-map events like the Locust Swarm",[2] as well as "new visuals, a new battle interface, and engine enhancements including effects, animations, and real-time physics.
"[3] A brand new feature to the series is co-op multiplayer, in which 2 players take control of a single castle to share units and resources while fighting against common enemies.
It has been praised for striking a good balance between the economic and military aspects of the game and staying true to the series and its strategy roots.
Conversely, some critics labelled the latter as "nostalgia" and felt it lacking in some areas, in comparison to contemporary strategy titles.