The return of a classic strategy game was one of the biggest Steam Next Fest demos

News
By published

Stronghold Definitive Edition looks to be a big comeback for the original 2001 game

Steam
(Image credit: Firefly Studios)

Steam Next Fest was an excellent opportunity for players to learn about the most exciting and interesting upcoming PC games. However, one game that stood out even among the standouts to become the one of the most-played games from Steam Next Fest was a remaster of a cult favorite strategy game poised to make a solid comeback.

Stronghold: Definitive Edition revitalizes the original 2001 game's strategic take on building a kingdom in Medieval Britain circa 1066. Coming from original developer Firefly Studios, the Definitive Edition aims to recapture the scope and story of the original but with some added flair.

Described as a complete rework of the original game, Stronghold: Definitive Edition revives the original campaign, upgrading it with modern visuals and gameplay systems that most recent series entries have seen. Along with enhanced visuals and added voice-overwork, the Definitive Edition includes integrated multiplayer, a bonus story campaign called The Jewel Campaign, and a new Castle Trail mode that focuses on skirmishes.

The demo that's currently on Steam focuses on two gameplay modes, The Hidden Lookout and First Blood campaign sequences, both offering over an hour of gameplay. As a remaster of the first game in the franchise, which led to sequels Stronghold: Crusader, Stronghold 2 & 3, and most recently Stronghold: Warlords, the Definitive Edition for the original looks to be a revisit that many long-time fans have been hoping for.

For more on the most exciting games from Valve's event, check out our roundup of the best Steam Next Fest demos for October 2023.

Article continues below
Alessandro Fillari
Alessandro Fillari
Freelance Writer

Alessandro is a freelance writer and editor based in the San Francisco Bay Area who has covered the games, tech, and entertainment industries for more than 13 years. Having previously worked at GameSpot, CNET, and various other outlets writing features and coordinating event coverage, Alessandro enjoys playing games on PC, but also gives plenty of time to his Nintendo Switch. You can find him on various socials at @afillari.