It was released at a budget price point, aimed at both newcomers and series veterans seeking a more chaotic, high-unit-count experience.
From the noble Richard the Lionheart and the tactical Saladin to the maddeningly aggressive Wolf and the cowardly Rat. Stronghold- Crusader Extreme
The UI, unchanged, becomes a liability. You cannot click on a specific unit among 3,000. The "Select All Military" button becomes your only friend. Micromanagement is replaced by : setting rally points, queuing production, and praying. It was released at a budget price point,
Scenario: You face Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, and the Caliph simultaneously. They each have 5,000 gold. Genius Strategy: Abandon your starting location. Immediately send your starting army to the top corner of the map. Build a makeshift fortress there. Let the three kings fight each other over the neutral oasis. You win by letting them bleed each other dry, then mopping up the survivor with fire throwers. You cannot click on a specific unit among 3,000