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PODCAST

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames

Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves is a strategy games podcast that takes RTS, 4X, and tactics seriously. Most gaming podcasts treat strategy games as an afterthought. We don’t. Every week we cover real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, 4X empire builders, indie experiments, and overlooked classics with long-form analysis and no wasted time.This isn’t quick reviews or recycled talking points. It’s sharp criticism and honest discussion about strategy game design. If a game is shallow or broken, we’ll say so. If it does

leisure video games

All Episodes

37:54

Ep.27: The Star Wars Strategy Game You’ve Been...

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/05/02

In Episode 27 of Critical Moves, we dig into the upcoming Star Wars: Zero Company—a strategy game set during the Clone Wars that promises to finally give fans the tactical Star Wars experience they've been craving.Key topics include:• What sets Zero Company apart from previous Star Wars strategy titles.•Early details on gameplay, mechanics, and story structure based on previews and official reveals.•Why this game has the potential to become a standout in both Star Wars and strategy gaming circles.If

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55:23

Ep.26: The One Where Everyone Talks Over Each Other

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/04/25

In Episode 26 of Critical Moves, we hand the mic to the community. It’s a full Q&A episode, packed with your questions; serious, strange, and everything in between.We answer:Strategy-related questions about our favourite games, mechanics, and design choices.Behind-the-scenes stuff about the podcast, the team, and how we put each episode together.A few curveballs that have absolutely nothing to do with strategy games—but we answered them anyway.It’s unscripted, unfiltered, and very much a

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73:57

Ep.25: Why Tempest Rising Could Be the RTS to Watch...

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/04/18

In Episode 25 of Critical Moves, we sit down with Brandon Casteel, lead game designer on Tempest Rising, the upcoming RTS that channels the spirit of Command & Conquer with a modern twist.Topics covered include:The design goals behind Tempest Rising and its connection to classic RTS mechanics.How the team approached base-building, unit design, and multiplayer balance.The challenges of modernizing a nostalgic formula without losing what made it great.Brandon gives us an inside look at

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49:11

Ep.23: Broken Arrow - The Best Military RTS of 2025?

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/04/04

In Episode 23 of Critical Moves, we dig into Broken Arrow, the modern military RTS that’s been turning heads with its mix of realism and large-scale tactical gameplay.Key topics include:First impressions of the gameplay, interface, and overall design.How Broken Arrow compares to other modern military RTS titles.What the game gets right—and where it might need more work.Whether you’re a fan of real-world military hardware or just looking for a solid new RTS, this episode breaks down what Broken Arrow

en

100:38

Ep.22: Burden of Command Interview With Luke Hughes

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/03/28

In Episode 22 of Critical Moves, we’re joined by a very special guest—Dr. Luke Hughes, the lead developer of Burden of Command, a Leadership RPG launching April 8th on Steam.We sit down with Luke to discuss:The unique mechanics of Burden of CommandThe challenges of remaining authentic but accessibleBalancing realism, fun and respect in a historical titleThe inspirations behind Burden of CommandBurden of Command launches on 8th of April. Find it on Steam here:

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46:40

Ep.21: Civ VII Sucks, So Play These Instead

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/03/21

In Episode 21 of Critical Moves, we skip the Civilization VII complaints (we covered that in Episode 18) and get straight to the good stuff—better alternatives. If Civ VII isn’t cutting it for you, we’ve got a list of strategy games that deliver a stronger, more satisfying experience.Key topics include:4X games that improve on the Civilization formula.Grand strategy games that offer deeper mechanics and more engaging long-term play.Underrated gems that deserve more attention from strategy

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51:13

Ep.20: Singleplayer vs Multiplayer

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/03/14

In Episode 20 of Critical Moves, we dive into the debate between singleplayer and multiplayer strategy games. We explore what makes each experience unique, why some players prefer one over the other, and how these different approaches shape the strategy genre.Key topics include:The appeal of singleplayer games, from deep narratives to the satisfaction of outsmarting the AI.What draws players to multiplayer strategy, including competition, social interaction, and replayability.The challenges of toxic

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54:24

Ep.19: The Best and Worst of Steam Next Fest

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/03/07

In Episode 19 of Critical Moves, we share our experiences from Steam Next Fest, focusing on the strategy games that caught our attention. We played a range of demos, from grand strategy to tactical warfare, and we're here to break down what stood out.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:

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38:31

Ep.18: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/02/28

In Episode 18 of Critical Moves, we turn our attention to Civilization 7. With Joe taking the lead on the review and Al asking the tough questions, we break down whether the latest entry in the legendary 4X franchise lives up to expectations.Key topics include:What Civ 7does differently from its predecessors.The gameplay mechanics, AI, and overall balance—what works and what doesn’t.Whether this is the evolution the franchise needed or just more of the same.Does Civilization 7push the 4X genre

en

43:33

Ep.17: Sid Meier’s Civilization: How One Franchise...

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/02/21

In Episode 17 of Critical Moves, we take a deep dive into Sid Meier’s Civilization and its lasting impact on the 4X strategy genre. From its early days to its modern iterations, Civilization has set the standard for explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate gameplay.Key topics include:How Civilization popularized 4X strategy and influenced countless other games.The evolution of the series, from the original Civ to its latest instalment.What makes the Civilization formula so endearing and enduring.We

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42:41

Ep.16: Why AAA Studios Abandoned RTS

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/02/14

In Episode 16 of Critical Moves, we take a hard look at why major AAA studios have largely stepped away from real-time strategy games. Once a dominant genre, RTS has seen a decline in big-budget releases, leaving indie developers to carry the torch.Key topics include:The shift in the gaming industry that pushed AAA studios away from RTS.Why indie studios are now the driving force behind modern RTS games.We also discuss whether AAA publishers will ever return to the genre and what it would take to

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46:58

Ep.15: The Best Strategy Games For New Players

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/02/07

In Episode 15 of Critical Moves, we break down the best strategy games for newcomers to the genre. Strategy games can be intimidating, but some titles do a great job of easing players in while still delivering a satisfying challenge.Key topics include:What makes a strategy game approachable for beginners.Our top picks across different subgenres, from RTS to grand strategy.How these games teach core mechanics without overwhelming new players.Whether you're just getting into strategy games or looking

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49:29

Ep.14: Strategies in Strategy Games (Yes, Really)

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/01/31

In Episode 14 of Critical Moves, we get back to basics and talk about actual strategies in strategy games. From defensive turtling to aggressive rushing, we break down different playstyles, their strengths and weaknesses, and where they work best.Key topics include:The eternal debate between turtling and rushing—when to bunker down and when to strike first.How different RTS games encourage or punish certain strategies, with examples from classic and modern titles.The impact of map design, unit

en

44:02

Ep.13: Stellaris 4.0 and Steam RTS Fest

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/01/24

In Episode 13 of Critical Moves, we briefly touch on the Stellaris 4.0 update, exploring what’s new and how it’s shaping the game’s future. We then shift our focus to the recent Steam RTS Fest, spotlighting some standout games we think you should check out.Key topics include:A quick breakdown of the Stellaris 4.0 update and its impact on gameplay.Highlights from the Steam RTS Fest, featuring our top recommendations for both new and classic titles.Why these games caught our attention and what makes

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48:56

Ep.12: The Games of Paradox Interactive

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/01/17

In Episode 12 of Critical Moves, we turn our focus to Paradox Interactive, one of the most prominent publishers in the strategy genre. Known for their complex, immersive games, Paradox has built a reputation for redefining grand strategy and captivating players with deep, long-lasting experiences.Key topics include:A look at Paradox’s signature approach to game design and how it sets them apart in the strategy genre.Discussion on the strengths and challenges of their games, from their complexity to

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57:21

Ep.11: Stellaris

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/01/10

In Episode 11 of Critical Moves, we dedicate the entire episode to Stellaris, one of the most influential and ambitious grand strategy games in recent years. From its sprawling galaxies to its endless customization options, we explore what makes this game a standout in the genre.Key topics include:How Stellaris revolutionized the grand strategy formula with its focus on exploration and narrative-driven gameplay.A look at its evolution over the years, from launch to its numerous expansions and

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55:21

Ep.10: The Role of Story-telling in Strategy Games

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2025/01/03

In Episode 10 of Critical Moves, we dive into how storytelling shapes and elevates the strategy gaming experience. Whether it’s through intricate narratives or emergent stories born from player choices, we discuss how games in the genre create memorable and engaging experiences.Key topics include:How storytelling adds depth and emotional weight to strategic decisions.The balance between narrative-driven gameplay and player freedom.Why storytelling is often underutilized in strategy games and how it

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1:02:25

Ep.9: The Most Anticipated Strategy Games of 2025

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2024/12/27

In Episode 9 of Critical Moves, we look forward to 2025 and discuss the strategy games that have us counting down the days. From ambitious indie projects to large-scale epics, we highlight the games poised to make waves in the genre.Without revealing the full lineup, we cover:Highly anticipated titles like Task Force Admiral, Ascent of Ashes, Sanctuary Shattered Sun, and The Last General.What excites us about these games, from innovative gameplay mechanics to intriguing settings.Speculations on how

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50:48

Ep.8: Morals in Strategy and Wargames

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2024/12/20

In Episode 8 of Critical Moves, we delve into the ethical dilemmas and moral questions that arise in strategy and wargaming. From historical accuracy to player choices, we explore how morality is woven into the genre and its impact on gameplay.Key topics include:The portrayal of sensitive historical events in games like Civilization and Hearts of Iron.Moral choices in strategy games, from diplomacy to resource exploitation, and how they shape outcomes.The line between immersive storytelling and

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48:01

Ep.7: The Best Strategy Games of 2024

Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames ·

2024/12/13

In Episode 7 of Critical Moves, we take a look back at the best strategy games released in 2024. From innovative mechanics to unforgettable campaigns, we highlight the titles that stood out and discuss why they deserve recognition.Without giving too much away, expect:Discussions on the year’s standout RTS, turn-based, and grand strategy games.A focus on what made these games special, from gameplay innovations to community impact.A few surprises, some debates, and our personal favourites.Whether

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