Computer Games - How has the transition been like from moving from a 2D to a 3D engine for the sequel?

Simon Bradbury - In the past, all of the games we worked on were in 2D. We knew going to 3D would be a lot of work and didn't want to start down that road unless we knew it would make Stronghold 2 a better game. We set out (a little tentatively at first) and built a completely new 3D engine. I think 3D has come a long way in the last few years and we have the benefit of working with a more mature 3D industry, 3D cards etc. We are happy to say that not only have we been able to retain the amount of detail we had from 2D, but we have also realized a huge amount of gameplay benefits.

First, for a castle building game having 3D controls just feels right. Smooth scrolling, zoom and rotation add a lot from where we were in 2D. The castle feels more solid and it's much easier to navigate and build.

Another great benefit is the amount of animation we can add to the game. Animation data is almost free in 3D compared to a 2D game. The only limitation is the amount of motion capture and artist animations we create. We are now able to give game characters much more animations and personality. All of this will only increase the realism in the game.

One great example is inside the towers, which can now be opened up to troops. This time around we get to depict fighting on the spiral stairs, that are so integral to any vision of castle combat. Also the keep - players can route and fight in and around the keep, for those Errol Flynn moments...