Stronghold HD: Free with each meninist fever-dream

We could be drowning in big-budget video games this month, however GOG reckon that it’s best to spare a thought for the venerable outdated gems that introduced us right here. They’re doing one other of their beneficiant giveaways at this time, and this time it’s a double: Castle constructing/besieging RTS Stronghold HD, and A.D. 2044, a Polish point-and-click journey from 1996 that I need to admit no familiarity with.

I do know! Let’s make this an journey in worldwide videogame historical past: Come be part of me as we learn by A.D. 2044’s plot synopsis after the bounce, after just a little take a look at Stronghold HD.

If you’ve by no means performed it earlier than, Stronghold HD holds up surprisingly effectively to this present day, providing a way more technical and defensively-focused RTS than most trendy choices. The improve to HD resolutions permits for a wider, clearer view of the battlefield that the unique 2002 launch and there’s even some gameplay upgrades lifted from the Stronghold Extreme launch, together with a virtually limitless unit cap.

Alright, now let’s check out A.D. 2044!

The future is now, the 12 months 2044 to be precise and the world has modified dramatically. Male civilisation is on the verge of extinction. Genetic engineering has made human replica doable with out the necessity for man’s involvement. Women have determined to struggle their last battle and to form the world the best way they need it.

Oh.

But if that’s not sufficient, girls have a brand new laser weapon which kills solely males, and the few remaining males are being changed into “she clones” within the bionic clinics. And there’s extra, a insurgent feminist has stolen a provide of warheads and intents to begin a worldwide nuclear conflict.

Oh.

Wait although, there’s a glimmer of hope. You are the final remaining regular male and in case you can keep away from these feminine superpowers, you may reverse their domination. But hurry, you don’t have a lot time, the clock is ticking, your destiny appears sealed, until…

Yeah… No. 

My first response to that dunderheaded wall of textual content was bafflement, then rationalisation (it may’t be THAT dangerous). But a fast peek at some footage reveals a world of awkward CGI fembots, stomping on the participant’s face with their stiletto-heeled ft.

Picking up this bundle (even whether it is free) feels virtually like some type of Faustian pact. Sure, you get Stronghold HD totally free – a sport effectively price taking part in – however your GOG account will eternally bear this mark of disgrace. So simply how badly would you like it?