Stronghold Crusader is a real-time strategy campaign PC game that lets you handle conflicts from the time of the Crusades. The demo version gives you a taste of the action before deciding whether you want to purchase the full game.

Similar to the Age of Empires and Civilization game series, it's your job in Stronghold Crusader to ensure the safety of your armies in the Middle East during the First, Second and Third Crusades. This means holding off Muslim armies, as well as resolving conflicts between your own men within individual crusader states.

You accomplish these feats in Stronghold Crusader by purchasing supplies and building strongholds in the towns under your control. In addition, you go on campaigns to places like Nicea, Jerusalem and Antioch, and there is even a game feature called the Crusader Trail, which consists of a series of 50 missions that are all connected and pit you against a variety of different opponents.

Stronghold Crusader is interesting for its variety of characters, from historical figures like Richard the Lionheart to fictional creations like The Rat, a boy who is raised poor but later inherits land and money. These characters all have their own back story in Stronghold Crusader, which serves to make the game a bit more interesting.

Unfortunately, Stronghold Crusader's graphics are poor in comparison to other PC games currently on the market. The gameplay can also get repetitive if played for any length of time.

If you're a Crusades history buff or just enjoy historically themed campaign PC games, give Stronghold Crusader a try.