Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

di Critical Moves Podcast

Can You Lead? Luke Hughes on the Emotional Weight of Burden of Command (Ep 22)

Can a game about leadership, ethics, and World War II actually be fun to play? We’re joined by Dr Luke Hughes, lead developer of Burden of Command, to talk about designing a strategy RPG where your choices as an officer shape the outcome more than your aim ever could. Luke explains how the game balances historical authenticity with accessibility, why emotional realism matters, and how they built systems around trust, morale, and the weight of command. If you’re curious about games that try something different with war, this one’s worth your time. Burden of Command launches on 8th of April. Find it on Steam here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/887490/Burden_of_Command/ and support indie game developers.

Civ VII Sucks, So Play These Instead (Ep 21)

Sick of Civilization VII already? Here’s what you should be playing instead. We skip the usual complaints and get straight into better options. This episode runs through strategy games that outclass Civ in all the ways that matter: deeper systems, smarter pacing, more satisfying decisions. From standout 4X titles to grand strategy heavyweights and overlooked gems, we lay out what’s actually worth your time if Civ VII left you cold. No filler, just games that do it better. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Singleplayer vs Multiplayer Strategy Games: What’s Actually Better? (Ep 20)

Is strategy gaming better alone or with others? And why does it matter more than people think? This episode tackles the divide between singleplayer and multiplayer strategy. We look at what each experience offers - whether it’s the quiet satisfaction of beating the AI or the chaos and challenge of human opponents. We also talk about community behaviour, why multiplayer can be so hard to get right, and whether it’s even viable in today’s market. It’s part analysis, part personal frustration, and a grounded look at the trade-offs that shape the genre. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

The Best and Worst of Steam Next Fest (Ep 19)

Which upcoming strategy games are actually worth your time? Fresh from Steam Next Fest, we talk through the strategy demos that stood out and the ones that didn’t. From grand campaigns to tight tactical battles, we share first impressions and early verdicts on what might be worth following. It’s not a hype reel. Just straight talk about what works, what’s broken, and which games have real potential in a crowded market. Games covered include: Starless Abyss: A FTL inspired roguelite with space combat. Task Force Admiral: A well-polished indie game which stinks of AAA awesomeness. Orbi Universo II: A super-complex management-simulation-strategy game. Roman Triumph: A survival city-builder set in the Roman empire. The King is Watching: A roguelite kingdom builder with unique mechanics. NWO - Anarchy Collapsed: The absolute worst game to ever exist. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII - Is it Any Good? (Ep 18)

Is Civilization 7 a true step forward or just Civ 6 with extra polish? Joe leads the review while Al pushes back with the tough questions. We break down what Civilization 7 changes, what it carries over, and whether any of it actually improves the formula. From AI behaviour to core mechanics and balance, we look at what works, what feels stuck, and where the series stands in 2025. If you're wondering whether Civ 7 is worth the time, this episode has the blunt answers. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Sid Meier’s Civilization: How One Franchise Defined 4X Strategy (Ep 17)

How did Civilization define an entire genre and why does it still matter today? We look back at the legacy of Sid Meier’s Civilization and how it shaped the 4X strategy genre. From the original game to the latest release, we track how the series evolved, what stayed the same, and why the formula still works decades later. We also get into favourite factions, best mechanics, and how Civ continues to influence everything from indie 4X games to blockbuster strategy titles. It’s part history, part critique, and a full-throttle look at one of the most important franchises in gaming. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Why Did AAA Studios Abandon RTS Games? (Ep 16)

Why did AAA studios abandon real-time strategy—and is there any chance they’ll come back? RTS was once a major force in gaming. Now it’s mostly left to indie developers. In this episode, we dig into what happened. From shifting market priorities to the rise of other genres, we lay out why big publishers moved on and what that’s meant for the games that followed. We also talk about the studios keeping RTS alive, what it would take for a comeback, and why we’re not holding our breath. Plus, a quick update on how you can get involved with the podcast. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Easy to Learn, Hard to Master: The Best Intro Strategy Games (Ep. 15)

What’s the best way to get into strategy games without getting overwhelmed? Strategy can be brutal if you start in the wrong place. In this episode, we look at which games actually help new players learn the ropes. From real-time tactics to grand strategy, we break down which titles are accessible without being shallow and explain how they teach core mechanics without drowning you in systems. If you're new to the genre or trying to hook someone else this is where to start. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

The Art of Strategy: How to Win with Turtle, Rush, or Adapt (Ep 14)

What’s the best strategy, rush early or turtle up and wait? We break down the core playstyles that define RTS gameplay, from slow, methodical builds to fast, aggressive openings. It’s not just about preference. Some games reward caution, others demand constant pressure. We talk about how map design, unit balance, and resource control shape your options, and why some strategies fall apart in the wrong context. Plenty of examples, plenty of opinions, and a sharp look at how actual strategies work in the strategy genre. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Stellaris 4.0 and Steam RTS Fest (Ep 13)

What’s new in Stellaris and which RTS games should be on your radar right now? We start with a quick look at the Stellaris 4.0 update and what it means for the game’s long-term direction. Then we turn to Steam’s RTS Fest, where we found a mix of new releases, promising demos, and overlooked classics. It’s a fast-paced episode packed with impressions, recommendations, and a few strong opinions on what deserves your time if you're hunting for your next strategy fix. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

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