Recent content by Critical Moves

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...

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...

We want to make Critical Moves as interactive as possible (for a pre-recorded podcast!) and this section is your chance to be involved in the process. If you have suggestions for subjects we should cover in a future episode please post them here (tagged as Episode Suggestion) and we will give...

We are all adults, right? Or at least mature enough to know right from wrong. There is only the one rule here: "Don't be a Dick" That's it. No huge list, no 'do this, do that' checkbox. Just be nice to each other. Dead simple.

Thank you for finding us and taking the time to sign up on these boards. What, you haven't yet? Ohh... Go here then and correct that instantly. Feel free to start a thread in this intro forum telling us a little bit about you. We would love to hear who you are, what games you're playing and...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...