Firefly Studios created the first Stronghold game in 2001. The isometric strategy game borrowed equally from two genres - building sims like Sim City and real time strategy games. It was possible to play purely in simulation mode, building castles and villages that could support themselves. Invasion mode made things a little more complicated, and you had to conquer the Dukes of Neighbouring states who were also hell bent on trampling your manor into the ground. The game, a success, was also updated in a number of expansion packs.Like many RTS titles being released in the early noughties, Stronghold 2 makes the jump from isometric to full, lush 3D graphics. You can building staggeringly large and awe-inspiring castles, and even look inside them to see the medieval world within. You'll have to build and manage them well, though, if you are to avoid plagues of rats and disease. And you can gain the admiration of your court by holding banquets and jousting tournaments.There's a decidedly m