Stronghold

aka: D&D Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator, Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator, Stronghold: Kōtei no Yōsai
Moby ID: 482
DOS Specs
Buy on DOS
$6.49 used on Amazon
Buy on Windows
$2.99 new on Steam
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Description official descriptions

Mixing the gameplay of Civilization and similar games into real-time and with a 3D view, players must build up a small village in the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy universe into a Stronghold. How much micro-management you wish to do is up to you; the computer can take care of much of it.

You recruit and train Fighters, Thieves, Clerics and Magic Users to venture out and claim more land and resources, which include removing hostile forces. Take control of food supply and the production and management of buildings including castles, markets and magic schools.

Your victory condition is based on your alignment: Lawful players must advance to the rank of Emperor, Chaotic players must destroy all enemy strongholds, and Neutral players must do both!

Spellings

  • ストロングホールド ~皇帝の要塞~ - Japanese spelling

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Credits (DOS version)

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Reviews

Critics

Average score: 80% (based on 11 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.7 out of 5 (based on 32 ratings with 5 reviews)

Excellent combination of several gaming elements.

The Good
This game played wonderful on my P75 five years ago and plays just as well on my 500mhz machine now. This can be a simple game to start and slowly get more challenging. Does not get too frustrating like some of the more complicated strategy games.

The Bad
Sometimes I get really engrossed in the graphics and forget I have a whole kingdom to worry about :)

The Bottom Line
If you were to mix up Populous, Power Monger, Civilization, and Sim City. Then throw in some classic SSI RPG elements. You would come up with Stronghold.

DOS · by gametrader (208) · 2000

A truly revolutionary game that is head and shoulder above the competiton.

The Good
Graphics (9/10): Oh man, when I first turned this gem in, the introduction just wowed me. The portraits of your different units are simply amazing, and the detail on the buildings and units is so nice that for the time it was released I really couldn't find any game that looks better.

Sound (6/10): Mostly repetitive, the music while looking at characters you control or enemy characters is suiting and is good to the ears, but there is no other music. The sound effects can be comical in battle, and most of what you hear will be the crashing sounds while structures are being built. Although, none of this used to bother me in the least, I guess I'm just spoiled. =P

Gameplay (8/10): Wonderfully fun getting your newer buildings and upgrading your old ones, but when your empires get very large it is VERY difficult to keep track of every single square of land. Battle can also be a pain, and controlling your armies takes a bit of practice.

Overall (9/10):The game just has a certain draw to it and you never really quite feel you've beaten it. Every game a different but always graphically gorgeous experience, this is one I'll still go to on occasion for years to come. An absolute must-try for anyone who thought (or still think) that civilization was fun.

The Bad
Well I sort of covered most of that already.

The Bottom Line
Hehe, that too.

DOS · by Eric Post (2) · 2003

A classic strategy, a prelude for the genre

The Good
I loved the combination of a real time strategy with classic dungeons and dragons gaming. It draws in any d&d fan.

The Bad
this one is a bit difficult to begin, and if you're not quick enough, you can find yourself swarmed with enemy forces. This leads sometimes to a frantic pace that is difficult to control.

The Bottom Line
Stronghold is truly the world builders dungeons and dragons.

DOS · by John Woolly (1) · 2003

[ View all 5 player reviews ]

Discussion

Subject By Date
Wrong GOG link Simon Dor (55) Feb 22, 2014

Trivia

Rules

Although some may consider them overly simplistic compared to Advanced Dungeons&Dragons rules, Stronghold performs well with the bare bones Dungeons&Dragons rules. That's the reason why there's only three alignments and demi-humans' sole 'jobs' are their 'race'.

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Related Games

FireFly Studios' Stronghold
Released 2001 on Windows, 2002 on Macintosh
FireFly Studios' Stronghold Deluxe
Released 2002 on Windows, 2012 on Macintosh
FireFly Studios' Stronghold 2
Released 2005 on Windows
Stronghold Legends: Steam Edition
Released 2016 on Windows
FireFly Studios' Stronghold Crusader
Released 2002 on Windows
Stronghold: Warlords
Released 2021 on Windows
The Stronghold Collection
Released 2009 on Windows
Stronghold Kingdoms: Starter Pack
Released 2013 on Windows

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  • MobyGames ID: 482
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Tony Van.

Windows, Linux, Macintosh added by Cavalary. FM Towns added by Terok Nor. PC-98 added by Unicorn Lynx.

Additional contributors: Ray Soderlund, Alaka, formercontrib, ZeTomes, Kayburt.

Game added November 27, 1999. Last modified February 13, 2024.