Stronghold Crusader 2 announced, coming late 2013

Stronghold Crusader 2 has been announced by Firefly Studios as the next entry in Stronghold strategy series.

The game will take players "back to the ancient deserts of the Middle East," for more real-time combat between knights and Caliphs.

Firefly has said the game will contain new new visuals, a new battle interface, and engine enhancements including effects, animations, and real-time physics. AI has also been upgraded since the last outing, and all-new maps, unit classes, traps, and castle designs will be implemented as well.

“Stronghold Crusader is our favorite game, it’s our fans’ favorite game and it’s the game we have been waiting to put into production for several long years now," said Simon Bradbury, Firefly CEO and designer of Stronghold Crusader 2. "Now Firefly Studios finally has that chance and we will not disappoint."

The original Stronghold Crusader launched 10 years ago, and sold over 2.5 million units. The series as a whole has sold over 6 million units when combining Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader, and Stronghold Kingdom banners.

Stronghold Crusader 2's development will be funded by Firefly Studios with additional funds being sought through the crowd sourcing service Gambitious.

Additional funding provided by Stronghold and Firefly Studios fans will go towards polish, additional content, and self-publishing the game.

Stronghold Crusader 2 is slated for a late 2013 release.