As there are some good reviews about Stronghold already, I would like to share my experience with the game. Especially, the way it feels like.
I was waiting for this game quite a long time. But I was unsure about the direct confrontation, because my usual gaming group is my wife, family and friends, and the toplist is Agricola, Caylus, Puerto Rico, Power Grid, etc. So, I was a bit afraid of saying: "hey guys, how about some war, siege towers and deadly ballistas???". Big surprise - I've got this game for Christmas from my wife, and we tried several games of 2 player and 4 player and guess what - everybody loved it!
THEME and FEELS LIKE
This is actually one of the friendliest games we ever played. Don't be surprised. I think the thing is that in Stronghold, if you are an attacker, you have no other option but to attack. And defender has to defend himself. There's no way to be good or bad in this game. You are what you are and how can somebody hate you for that? My wife hates to play Carcassonne with me when I block and hurt her plans. And that's because I have other options but choose to be bad. She feels perfectly fine about playing Stronghold with me!
Moreover, the game really feels like you are there. Remember Helms Deep or Minas Tirith. You are there.
First time we played with our friends (couple against couple), we managed to invade in 5th turn. But the game went from total despair in first 3 turns, and then, hope returned for us. Our friends felt quite opposite. And they were silent for some time after the game ended. I can say for sure: this game IS emotional And it's good.
So, my evaluation for the game in the "feels like" area is
The last 'halfstar" is because sometimes you may get a feeling that something is a bit unfair, e.g. putting Siege tower directly in front of your wall (no movement). But it's usually a minor thing.
COMPONENTS
I think components are good. 366
I think wooden wall component should be the same shape as stone wood component, but it's also not a major flaw. It works this way as well.
REPLAYABILITY
As the invader gets to use different equipment and rituals from game to game, I think the game has a good replay value. We played several games, and yet, it feels like the game has a lot more choices and opportunities. Put one goblin on the wall, so the marksmen will not shoot (they are involved in the melee), etc. I think it's replayable, but anyway, it would be nice to see an expansion in future (more siege and defence equipment, rituals, different heroes maybe). For now, I give it
RULEBOOK
It's not an easy game. And writing a rulebook is a challenge I suppose. But it's not good yet (especially the dispatch example).
I had a lot of questions after reading the rulebook and playing first games of Brass and Caylus. Yet, it's the games that I really loved afterwards. I think it will be the same with Stronghold. The more demanding it seems in the beginning, the more rewarding it actually is.
FUN
I think its worth to put it as a small separate chapter.
Stronghold is really fun! I feel like 'let's play one more' even after a 2.5 hour of play.
OVERALL
It's a really good game in my opinion. If you love meaty games, you should give it a try. Be ready to read rules twice before your first play. Get yourself a game-explainer if you can or check out a video review. Be patient first time . you will get a reward later.
I hope, there will be a new rules and FAQ post soon on BGG. And hopefully, we'll get an expansion some day. And yes, there's a good chance that you can play it with your wife and non-war-gamer friends.
Despite the rules, my final evaluation is
(9 out of 10).
Good job
O - O - O - O - O
P.S. English is not my mother-tongue. Sorry, if there's mistakes in my text. 366