Firefly Studios has revealed a new AI character for its upcoming castle sim Stronghold Crusader 2. The below dev diary introduces players to the noble Slave King, one of eight unique AI characters playable in the game at launch:



A completely new character to the Stronghold series, the Slave King is a former slave seeking justice against his former masters in the arid deserts of the Middle East. His methods and style of attack may be more direct than other AI characters, but the Slave King is not to be underestimated! Commanding the loyalty of large armies of torch-wielding Slaves freed from their lives of imprisonment, the Slave King is more than likely to rush players early on at the start of a multiplayer match.

Players can choose to play as or against the Slave King at launch in eight player multiplayer. Co-op, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill and Capture the Flag game modes will be included, with players able to mix and match human and AI opponents however they want. Each AI character will be distinct, with his or her own unique castle design, tactics, defences and favourite troops. While the Slave King may rush the player early on, other characters will rely on large siege equipment or stealth. The aim is to give the player a different multiplayer experience with each match, depending on whom they choose to ally with and fight against.

Scheduled for release in early 2014, Stronghold Crusader 2 will be digitally self-published by Firefly Studios.