Sparta: War of Empires vs Stronghold Crusader 2
Sparta: War of Empires
Sparta: War of Empires is perhaps one of Plarium’s most successful MMO strategy games. In this game, you’ll get to take on Xerxes and the Persian Empire and leave your mark among the greatest heroes in Hellas! Assume your role as the Archon of a growing city-state and develop it into the mighty empire it can become. Amass your armies and send them to crush your enemies, be it a fellow player or the Persians themselves. Forge alliances with your neighbors, but be careful – you’ll need all your wits and military strength to ensure they won’t stab you in the back when you need their help the most.With quality and engaging gameplay, superb music and graphics, as well as a strong community of players who will go to great lengths to hold the frontlines against the Persians, Sparta: War of Empire is definitely the sort of MMO game that you can fully immerse yourself in.
Stronghold Crusader 2
Stronghold Crusader 2 returns to the desert of the Middle East right in the middle of the war of religions known as the Crusades after a long hiatus. Similar to the previous game, you'll get to play as a brutal Crusader Knight or Arabic freedom fighter as you lead your respective armies to annihilate the other in the game's fast-paced gameplay. Being a series known for its brilliant castle simulations, you can also build huge castles in the desert to house your population and to recruit massive armies to fuel your battles.There are more than 25 unique unit types, each with their own special abilities; other game modes aside from the main story-based campaigns as well as a multiplayer aspect that can house up to 8 players.
That said, the game has a lot of bugs and as such, your gaming experience will definitely be impacted. Many features that fans of the series have loved were somehow taken out of this sequel too and that had angered and disappointed a lot of the game's fans. All in all though, if you enjoy Crusades-themed games, you might want to get the first game in this spin-off series.