| abstract
| - Stronghold Crusader (SHC) is the successor to Stronghold released July 2002. The medieval mixture of city building and real-time strategy of Stronghold continues with Stronghold Crusader. The twist: this time it's the Europeans, led by the ruthless Richard I, invading Phoenicia and Palestine to confront the forces of Islam, led by the cunning Saladin. Players take command of either side and engage in fierce tactical combat including open field battles, sieges, and campaigns. During the Third Crusade, Christian forces invaded the Holy Land, captured Jaffa, then stalled and failed to capture Jerusalem. They fought several bloody battles and countless skirmishes against Saladin, but neither side won a decisive victory. Eventually the cost of maintaining an army so far removed from Europe forced a peace accord and a withdrawal of forces from both sides. Saladin was made to sign the peace treaty, and re-allow access to the Holy Land for Jewish and Christian pilgrims. Stronghold Crusader offers players a chance to control either side and rewrite the history book during four extensive campaigns. Utilize many of original Units and new units including: Assassins, Horse Archers, Slaves, Fire Ballista, Fire Throwers, Arabian Swordsmen, Slingers, Fire Throwers. A scenario editor allows the creation of new maps and missions, while the multiplayer options allow eight-player battles over LAN or the Internet. There is also a Skirmish mode that allows you to fight against up to 7 enemies and have allies (computer and human alike) to become the ultimate ruler of the desert. Each player can request help and goods from their teammates, as well as play a set of pre-recorded taunts to intimidate their opponents.
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