Firefly Studios announced yesterday the latest entry in their castle sim series Stronghold: Warlords is officially out on PC and dropped a launch trailer to celebrate.
The newest entry in the series introduces the Warlords system, a new mechanic that allows players to conquer, command and upgrade AI Warlords on the battlefield.
“A flagging economy can be saved with an Ox or Pig Warlord, who can boost a players’ industry and food reserves with their unique ‘Edict’ commands and passive perk abilities. Players looking to rain down fire and fury on their opponents can instead opt for a Dragon or Tiger Warlord, able to supply the player with special units and launch attacks in a pincer movement against their enemies!” developers said. “Whether players decide to forge these alliances through diplomatic buildings like the Consulate or simply by marching in an army and forcing warlords to bend the knee, these bonds can make or break their overall strategy.”
Stronghold: Warlords includes 31 mission campaigns that include conflicts and sieges that take place from 300 BC China to 16th century Japan, introducing gunpowder to the series for the first time.
“Introducing legendary figures like Genghis Khan and lesser known rulers such as Thuc Phan, Warlords is designed to build on everything players know and love about Stronghold in an all new setting,” developers said. “Warlords has something for all Stronghold fans, whether they enjoy a single player campaign, unlimited castle building freedom in Free Build mode, offline skirmish or online multiplayer with friends and AI. The game comes complete with everything expected of a mainline entry in the series, in addition to brand new gunpowder fuelled units, siege weapons and favourites like Siege Towers and Horse Archers.”
Stronghold: Warlords is available on PC through Steam, GOG and Humble Bundle. A special edition of the game is available through Steam that includes Stronghold HD, The Art of Stronghold: Warlords digital art book, a new soundtrack created by series composer Robert L. Euvino and a special ‘Making Of’ feature-length documentary.
