Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

di Critical Moves Podcast

The Greatest WW2 Strategy Games Ever Made (Ep 32)

What’s the greatest World War II strategy game ever made and why do we keep coming back to this war? On the anniversary of D-Day, Nuno walks through the best WW2 strategy games ever made. It’s a sharp look at what these games get right, where they fall short, and how they handle the weight of real history. From high-level operations to close-quarters tactics, we talk realism, pacing, decision-making, and why this setting still produces some of the best strategy design out there. Expect hard opinions and a deep respect for games that actually deliver.

These Games Will Ruin Your Life (Ep 31)

Why do games like Victoria 3, Anno 1800, and Football Manager destroy your sleep schedule, and why are they so hard to quit? These are the strategy games that don’t just pull you in, they erase your evening and leave you wondering how it’s already morning. We talk about what makes these games so addictive, from perfectly tuned systems to that never-ending sense of progress. What’s the line between depth and compulsion? Can a game be brilliant even if it ruins your week? It’s part confession, part analysis, and a warning to anyone who thinks they’ll just play “one more turn.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not. The Warhammer Strategy Catalogue (Ep 30)

What’s the best Warhammer strategy game, and why do so many still miss the mark? With Warhammer Skulls in full swing, we dig into the long and messy history of Warhammer strategy games. From Total War: Warhammer to Dawn of War to the weird forgotten spin-offs, we look at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why this universe keeps drawing strategy developers in. The setting is built for conflict, with asymmetric factions, endless war, and just enough lore to hold it all together. We talk about the core strengths of Warhammer 40K and Warhammer Fantasy as strategy platforms, why some games thrive while others fall flat, and which titles still deserve your time. https://www.youtube.com/@thepoorhammerpodcast https://grimdarkfuture.tv

A Shift in Strategy (Ep 29)

What happens when Halo, Minecraft, and Gears of War try to become strategy games? Some franchises are built for action. Fast-paced, explosive, focused on moment-to-moment chaos. But when they make the jump to strategy, things get complicated. In this episode, we look at Halo Wars, Minecraft Legends, Gears Tactics, and more. Some of these games pull it off. Others feel like a branding exercise with no real depth. We talk about what works, what doesn’t, and why some of these experiments fail to hold the core of what made the original games popular. It’s a sharp look at genre switching, fan expectations, and the limits of the strategy format.

Currently Playing - Space Bureaucracy and Giant Killer Robots (Ep 28)

What’s keeping us hooked right now, and which strategy games are actually worth your time? We run through what we’re playing at the moment and why. From deep-space colony management to explosive mech battles, it’s a mix of genres and styles with one thing in common, they’re keeping us coming back. We talk about what’s working in the design, what’s starting to wear thin, and how these games compare to the usual favourites. No theme this time, just honest thoughts on what deserves your attention.

The Star Wars Strategy Game You’ve Been Waiting For! (Ep 27)

Is Star Wars finally getting a strategy game worth your time? Star Wars: Zero Company is set during the Clone Wars and aims to deliver the tactical experience fans have been waiting for. We break down everything revealed so far, including gameplay mechanics, squad structure, and story setup. We also compare it to past Star Wars strategy titles, looking at what sets it apart, what might still fall short, and why this one could finally land as more than just fan service. Star Wars Zero Company Panel – Full 40-Minute Reveal | Celebration Japan 2025 www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF4VGddiK2Q

The One Where Everyone Talks Over Each Other (Ep 26)

What do you actually want to know about strategy games and about us? This episode is all Q&A, with questions from the community covering everything from our favourite mechanics and design trends to behind-the-scenes podcast stuff. Some are thoughtful, some are weird, and some have nothing to do with strategy games at all. We answered as many as we could. It’s unscripted, unpredictable, and the closest you’ll get to a conversation with the team.

Why Tempest Rising Could Be the RTS to Watch in 2025 (Ep. 25)

Can a new RTS really bring back the feel of Command & Conquer? We talk to Brandon Casteel, lead designer on Tempest Rising, about building a modern RTS that doesn’t forget its roots. He explains how the team approached base-building, unit roles, and multiplayer balance while keeping the game grounded in the spirit of classic Command & Conquer. We also get into the realities of reviving a genre that’s always on the edge of a comeback and what it takes to make old-school RTS mechanics feel fresh again. Tempest Rising releases on 24th April 2025! Wishlist it on Steam! https://store.steampowered.com/app/1486920/Tempest_Rising/ Find out more about Tempest Rising: https://tempestrising.com

RTS vs TBS: What Makes a Great Strategy Game? (Ep 24)

Which is better, turn-based or real-time strategy? And why does it still divide players? This episode tackles the long-standing split at the heart of the genre. We look at how pacing, control, and decision-making change depending on the format, and what that means for gameplay, accessibility, and replay value. There’s no winner declared, but the differences matter. Whether you prefer careful planning or real-time chaos, this is a straight look at how both styles shape the way strategy games are made and played.

Broken Arrow - The Best Military RTS of 2025? (Ep 23)

Is Broken Arrow the next great modern military RTS or just another missed opportunity? We take a close look at Broken Arrow, a large-scale strategy game built around real-world military hardware and combined arms tactics. From interface design to unit control, we break down what the game is doing well and where it still feels rough. It’s a grounded take on a promising RTS that’s caught attention for its scope and realism. If you’re into modern warfare strategy games, this one’s worth a closer look. Broken Arrow is available to wishlist on Steam and will release in June 2025: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1604270/Broken_Arrow/

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