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 tacticians.
The discussion also highlights why understanding core mechanics - like economy management, unit composition, and map control - isn’t just important for competitive multiplayer but also crucial for mastering single-player campaigns. Whether it’s outmanoeuvring an AI opponent in Stellaris or managing battlefield logistics in Total War, the hosts explore how strategic thinking applies across different types of games and why no single approach guarantees victory.
Turtling vs. Rushing: The eternal debate - building an impenetrable fortress or going all-in on early aggression? The team looks at how turtling was viable in Command & Conquer: Generals and Total Annihilation but risky in competitive multiplayer. Meanwhile, modern games like Beyond All Reason and They Are Billions integrate defensive strategies into survival mechanics.
The Death of Brute Force? Classic RTS games thrived on rush tactics - tank swarms in Red Alert, for example. But modern RTS games push for more nuance, with Supreme Commander’s unit synergies, Company of Heroes’ cover mechanics, and Total War’s historical formations making strategy more than just numbers and speed.
AI vs. Human Opponents: Al and Nuno prefer single-player for the creative freedom, while Tim argues that nothing beats the challenge of real opponents. The team also speculates on how AI could evolve in future strategy games, using machine learning to create adaptive, unpredictable opponents.
The Beyond All Reason Showdown: The episode wraps up with a challenge - Al and Joe will face off in a Beyond All Reason match, with Tim providing commentary. Will Al’s defensive playstyle hold up, or will Joe’s unpredictability break through?
This episode is packed with discussion on what makes a great strategy game, how playstyles have changed, and what the future might hold for RTS and grand strategy. What kind of player are you? Do you turtle, rush, or adapt on the fly? Join the discussion below!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Or search Critical Moves Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.
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 tacticians.
The discussion also highlights why understanding core mechanics - like economy management, unit composition, and map control - isn’t just important for competitive multiplayer but also crucial for mastering single-player campaigns. Whether it’s outmanoeuvring an AI opponent in Stellaris or managing battlefield logistics in Total War, the hosts explore how strategic thinking applies across different types of games and why no single approach guarantees victory.
Turtling vs. Rushing: The eternal debate - building an impenetrable fortress or going all-in on early aggression? The team looks at how turtling was viable in Command & Conquer: Generals and Total Annihilation but risky in competitive multiplayer. Meanwhile, modern games like Beyond All Reason and They Are Billions integrate defensive strategies into survival mechanics. The Death of Brute Force? Classic RTS games thrived on rush tactics - tank swarms in Red Alert, for example. But modern RTS games push for more nuance, with Supreme Commander’s unit synergies, Company of Heroes’ cover mechanics, and Total War’s historical formations making strategy more than just numbers and speed. AI vs. Human Opponents: Al and Nuno prefer single-player for the creative freedom, while Tim argues that nothing beats the challenge of real opponents. The team also speculates on how AI could evolve in future strategy games, using machine learning to create adaptive, unpredictable opponents. The Beyond All Reason Showdown: The episode wraps up with a challenge - Al and Joe will face off in a Beyond All Reason match, with Tim providing commentary. Will Al’s defensive playstyle hold up, or will Joe’s unpredictability break through?This episode is packed with discussion on what makes a great strategy game, how playstyles have changed, and what the future might hold for RTS and grand strategy. What kind of player are you? Do you turtle, rush, or adapt on the fly? Join the discussion below!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Or search Critical Moves Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.