Episode Discussions

In Episode 27 of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Joe, and Nuno dive deep into the newly announced Star Wars Zero Company, a tactical RPG set during the Clone Wars, bringing a fresh perspective to the galaxy far, far away. On May the Fourth, the crew breaks down everything we know about the game, explores the history of Star Wars strategy games, and shares their excitement - and scepticism - about what’s to come. 🔥 The Ghosts of Strategy Past Before jumping into Zero Company, the team takes a look back at the Star Wars strategy games of yesteryear. Al still stands by Star Wars Rebellion (or Supremacy, if you’re British), claiming it’s better than its reputation. Nuno talks about Galactic Battlegrounds, which is basically Age of Empires...

In Episode 26 of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, Joe, Tim, Adam, and newcomer Jack gather for a special Q&A session, turning the tables and answering all the burning questions from the community. No debates or themes this time, just unfiltered, honest answers, plenty of banter, and the chance to reflect on the podcast’s journey so far. 🔥 Looking Back, Looking Ahead The episode kicks off with the team reflecting on their time with Critical Moves. Nuno jokes that his favourite part is not having to do any work. Joe shares the satisfaction of finding like-minded people, even if it means trashing Civilization 7 every week. Adam’s thrilled just to be able to talk about games without irritating his partner, and Tim gets sentimental...

In Episode 25 of Critical Moves, hosts Tim and Al sit down with Brandon Casteel, the lead designer of Tempest Rising, to discuss the game’s long development history, its retro-futuristic aesthetic, and what makes it stand out in the modern RTS landscape. They dive into the mechanics, the factions, and what players can expect when Tempest Rising launches. 🔥 Are We in an RTS Revival? Brandon starts by pushing back on the idea of a full RTS revival, pointing out that while the genre has had its bursts of attention, it's more cyclical than a true resurgence. He highlights the ongoing support from indie developers and publishers like MicroProse, with titles like Dying Breed, Strategos, and Moduwar, all of which are helping keep the RTS...

The RTS genre has had its highs and lows—once a powerhouse of PC gaming, it faded into the background as MOBAs and FPS games took center stage. But now, RTS is back. In this episode of Critical Moves Podcast, Tim, Nuno, Al, and Joe break down the past, present, and future of real-time strategy. The discussion starts with a look at the golden age of RTS—Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Age of Empires, Warcraft II, Starcraft, and the studios that defined the genre. The hosts reflect on how the shift to 3D, the rise of consoles, and the explosion of competitive online gaming pushed RTS into decline. 🔥 Why is RTS making a comeback? The team points to key factors: 🔥 The rise of indie developers (Northgard, Steel Division, Beyond All Reason)...

In Episode 24 of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Al, Nuno, and Tim discuss the ongoing debate between real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based strategy (TBS) games. The team dives into the strengths and weaknesses of both formats, their appeal to different types of players, and where hybrid games fit in the mix. From personal preferences to broader industry trends, this episode explores why both formats continue to thrive. 🔥 RTS vs. TBS: Is It Really a Debate? The episode kicks off with Tim making the case for RTS, highlighting its dynamic and reactive nature. He emphasizes that RTS is all about making quick decisions under pressure, acting fast rather than being perfect. For Tim, this immediacy and adaptability are what make RTS so...

In Episode 23 of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Al, Nuno, and Tim delve into Broken Arrow, a large-scale real-time tactics game that blends military simulation ambitions with arcade-style execution. Drawing from their hands-on experiences with the preview build, the team evaluates the game's strengths, shortcomings, and its potential to stand out in the tactics genre. 🔥 Defining 'Broken Arrow' The episode opens with a discussion on how to categorize Broken Arrow. Al views it as a military simulation RTS, while Nuno disagrees, describing it as a more complex iteration of Wargame. Tim offers a middle ground, labeling it a real-time tactics game due to its focus on unit tactics over traditional RTS elements like base-building and...

In Episode 22 of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Al and Nuno sit down with Dr. Luke Hughes, lead designer of Burden of Command, a tactical leadership RPG set during World War II. The conversation delves into the game's extensive development journey, its emphasis on player-driven storytelling, and how it uniquely integrates psychology, history, and strategy to offer a distinctive tactical experience. 🔥 Leadership Under Fire Burden of Command puts you in the boots of a captain in the 7th Infantry Regiment – the "Cottonbalers" – starting with basic training before moving to Operation Torch in North Africa. Unlike traditional top-down wargames, the emphasis here is on leading people, not just moving units. Your officers have values...

In Episode 21 of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Joe, Adam, and Tim dive into a world of strategy games that serve as alternatives to Civilization 7. With Civ VII failing to live up to expectations for many, the team explores a variety of options, from city-building and grand strategy to turn-based empire management. Whether you’re a veteran of the 4X genre or just looking for something fresh, this episode offers solid recommendations for every type of strategy enthusiast. 🔥 City-Building Alternatives For fans of the city-building aspects of Civilization, the hosts recommend Cities: Skylines for its realistic simulation of urban planning. For a lighter tone, Tropico offers a unique charm with humor and life-simulation elements...

In Episode 20 of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Tim dive into the long-standing debate: which is more important in strategy games—single-player or multiplayer? The team explores everything from player preferences and commercial success to game longevity and the role of toxicity in online communities. With a mix of perspectives, this episode offers an insightful look at the pros and cons of both modes and discusses how they influence the future of strategy gaming. 🔥 Single-Player: The Backbone of Strategy Gaming. Al and Nuno argue that single-player is crucial for commercial success, with data showing that over 80% of players prefer single-player content. Even multiplayer-focused games like Supreme Commander gained traction...

In Episode 19 of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Al, Nuno, and new team member Adam dive into a variety of indie strategy games showcased during Steam's Next Fest. With a mix of curiosity and caution, the team plays through several promising titles, offering a candid look at what strategy fans can expect from these upcoming releases. While not all of the games hit the mark, this episode provides an honest assessment of the good, the bad, and the surprising standouts. From tactical deck-builders to historical simulations, they cover a wide range of strategy experiences and give their verdicts on which games are worth your time. 🔥 Starless Abyss – This tactical deck-builder merges sci-fi themes with games like FTL, Into the Breach, and...

In Episode 18 of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al and Joe take an in-depth look at Civilization 7, the newest release in the iconic 4X strategy series that has captivated players for decades. With Al still undecided on the game and Joe having already put significant hours into it, the hosts bring a brutally honest perspective on the latest installment. Their discussion is candid, offering a mix of praise and criticism as they dissect the strengths and weaknesses of Civilization 7, a game that many fans had high hopes for following the success of its predecessors. As the conversation unfolds, Al and Joe explore the aspects of the game that have both impressed and disappointed, providing listeners with a raw and unfiltered take on whether...

The Civilization series is the undisputed titan of 4X strategy games. In this episode of Critical Moves, Al, Tim, and Joe take a step back to examine the legacy of this iconic franchise and why it still captivates players decades after its debut. They dive into its evolution, from the first groundbreaking title in 1991 to the strategic depth found in Civilization 6. 🔥 The Enduring Appeal: The hosts discuss the "just one more turn" hook, which has kept players addicted to the series for years. They explore how Civilization II set the stage for the franchise’s growth and look back on the bold, though flawed, attempts at innovation with Beyond Earth and Civilization 5’s controversial hex-based tiles. 🔥 Influence on Strategy Gaming...

Real-time strategy games once dominated the gaming scene, with classics like Command & Conquer, StarCraft, and Warcraft 3 defining entire generations of gamers. But in 2024, AAA studios seem to have all but abandoned the genre. Why has this happened, and is there a way forward for big-budget RTS titles? In this episode of Critical Moves, hosts Tim and Al dive deep into the decline of AAA RTS games, dissect failed releases like Homeworld 3 and Age of Empires 4, and explore how indie developers could be the last hope for RTS fans. 🔥 AAA RTS Decline: The hosts dive into the failure of major titles and discuss whether shifting player habits and market trends are to blame. 🔥 Innovation Stagnation: Tim and Al examine how AAA RTS games have...

Strategy games have long been known for their complexity, deep mechanics, and steep learning curves. While some players thrive on the challenge, others find the genre intimidating, leading to the perception that strategy games are only for the most dedicated gamers. But does it have to be that way? In Episode 15 of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Joe break down whether strategy games are truly too difficult for new players or if the genre just has a communication problem. They explore how certain games manage to be both deep and accessible, why some classics still serve as the best entry points, and whether modern design choices are making things better or worse. Along the way, the discussion touches on the rise of...

Strategy gaming meets good vibes once again as the Critical Moves Podcast takes a deep dive into the core of strategic thinking. Episode 14 explores how different players approach RTS and grand strategy games, whether by building up defensive strongholds, executing aggressive rush tactics, or adapting dynamically to shifting battle conditions. Hosts Al, Nuno, and Tim break down how classic and modern strategy games reward different playstyles, examining how evolving mechanics have shaped the way players engage with the genre. From the base-building, resource-hoarding days of Command & Conquer to the complex unit synergies in Supreme Commander and Company of Heroes, this episode looks at what separates casual strategists from high-level...

Strategy gaming meets good vibes once again on the Critical Moves Podcast, and this episode brings some heavy-hitting discussions for fans of deep, immersive gameplay. Whether you’re managing vast interstellar empires, leading armies in large-scale battles, or just hunting for your next great strategy fix, there’s plenty to dig into this time around. Episode 13 takes a deep dive into the massive Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix update, breaking down the changes that could finally fix some of the game’s biggest long-standing issues. Performance upgrades, balance tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements are all on the table, along with speculation about the upcoming DLC launching alongside the update. But that’s not all. The team also highlights...

For more than a decade, Paradox Interactive has been a dominant force in grand strategy gaming, known for titles like Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, and Stellaris. But with game cancellations, mixed reception to recent releases, and an increasingly bloated DLC model, is Paradox still at the top of its game? In this episode of Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Tim break down what makes Paradox games unique, where the company excels, and whether its business model is sustainable in the long run. 🔥 Depth or Spreadsheet Simulator? Paradox has mastered complex empire management, but have games like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis become too much about micromanaging numbers rather than strategy? 🔥 DLC Overload: While...

Stellaris has been a cornerstone of grand strategy gaming since its launch in 2016, offering players the freedom to forge intergalactic empires, wage cosmic wars, and shape the fate of the universe. Over the years, the game has evolved through expansions, updates, and an active modding community, but has it reached its full potential? In this episode of Critical Moves Podcast, Joe, Al, and Tim take a detailed look at Stellaris, breaking down its mechanics, strengths, and lingering flaws. With thousands of hours between them, the hosts share their experiences, from the early days of vanilla Stellaris to the latest DLCs and balance patches. The discussion covers everything from the appeal of emergent storytelling to the frustrating...

Strategy games are often praised for their deep mechanics and tactical gameplay, but how important is storytelling in the genre? In this episode of Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Timothy break down how narratives shape strategy games, from the cinematic campaigns of classic RTS titles to the emergent storytelling of grand strategy. Does a strong story enhance a strategy game, or does it get in the way of the mechanics? The hosts debate whether storytelling is undervalued in strategy games and if the industry is missing opportunities by not investing more in narrative depth. 🔥 Classic RTS campaigns that hooked us: The hosts reminisce about StarCraft, Warcraft III, and Age of Mythology, where strong single-player narratives...

2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for strategy gaming, with a mix of indie passion projects and major releases pushing the genre forward. In this episode of Critical Moves, Al, Nuno, and Joe break down the strategy games they’re most excited about, covering everything from grand strategy and RTS to colony management and turn-based tactics. Whether you love deep military simulations, innovative city-builders, or chaotic large-scale battles, this episode highlights the biggest upcoming releases you won’t want to miss. 🔥 Task Force Admiral – A World War II naval combat game bringing deep strategic carrier battles to the Pacific. 🔥 Ascent of Ashes – A colony management game from former RimWorld modders, blending survival, tactics, and...