Since Stronghold Crusader II came out recently, here's the official Stronghold Series Thread!

I'm thinking about picking up SC2, but might wait for a price drop or until after I've beaten Stronghold Crusader Extreme's Skirmish Trail. I've beaten the Original and Warchest Skirmish Trails, but have never played the Extreme version until now.

They've definitely upped the ante with insane amount of starting gold and for some reason, the AI starts with Several (rather than the previous limit of one for some reason) mercenary tents right on your doorstep which makes starting out a bit frustrating. It kind of encourages rushing. At least with the second map, I can rush the Wazir, then give myself some breathing room to build up before taking on the Emir and the Sheriff.