I just had to make an account simply to state how disapointing this game was.
To release it at 50 dollars was just so overpriced.
Sure, a good sequel would have maybe been a decent price. But it was so far off from a sequel, that I really thought it shouldn't even be under 20 dollars.
This game was heavily modified from its predecessor. The economics have changed, the camera has changed, and some of the crucial gameplay features also have changed. for example, you need to pay 50 wood for a woodcutter's hut. 50 wood? you kidding me? in SC:H it was 3 wood. Sure you can change some of the gameplay but not by that much!
Then you have the walls. They are too big, too disturbing and interfering. Every thing is much bigger and annoying to deal with. In SC:H, the size of buildings and walls was much smaller. It helped so much as you didnt need to worry about anything apart from your precious economy. Now it's more like the beauty of an amazing castle in 3D. We don't care about graphics, we care about gameplay. Truth is, old school crusader was always better. If you are a big SC:H fan, do NOT buy it. You will be very disapointed.
Crusader 2 was made for stronghold 2 and 3 fans, that are used to big ui and interfering graphics.
If you liked these games, then this game will be for you. Otherwise, not a chance..
They focused too much on realism, and it is very disappointing.
You are free to buy it if you enjoy games more for their graphics than their gameplay.
This opinion may change from one person to another.