Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

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 wr...

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 w...

How did Paradox become the most influential name in grand strategy and is their approach still working? We take a close look at Paradox Interactive and the design choices that built their reputation. From sprawling complexity to relentless DLC, their games have changed how people think about long-term strategy. We talk about what makes their titles so compelling, where they frustrate players, and...

Why is Stellaris still the most ambitious grand strategy game out there? We take a full episode to break down what makes Stellaris stand out. From deep customisation to exploration-driven gameplay, this is a game that changed how grand strategy can work. We talk through its evolution from launch to its current form, share favourite mechanics and moments, and dig into what keeps us coming back. If...

Can storytelling make a strategy game unforgettable or just get in the way? We take a hard look at how narrative shapes the strategy genre. Some games rely on written plots, others let stories emerge from your decisions, but both approaches aim to add meaning to the mechanics. We talk about how storytelling affects immersion, why it’s often underused in strategy, and where it still has room to gro...

Which upcoming strategy games could define 2025 and are they worth the wait? We look ahead at the most promising strategy releases on the horizon, from standout indie projects to major genre entries. Games like Task Force Admiral, Ascent of Ashes, Sanctuary: Shattered Sun, and The Last General are on our radar for good reason. We break down what makes them interesting, what they might change about...

Should strategy games make you think about right and wrong or just let you win? We examine how ethics and morality show up in strategy and wargames. From how Civilization and Hearts of Iron handle real-world history to the way player choices around diplomacy, exploitation, and war can raise uncomfortable questions, this episode looks at where games succeed and where they fall short. It’s not about...

What were the best strategy games of 2024 and which ones actually moved the genre forward? We look back at the strongest strategy releases of the year. From bold experiments to polished classics, we talk about what made these games stand out and why they’re still on our minds. Expect a mix of RTS, turn-based, and grand strategy titles, along with a few unexpected picks and plenty of sharp opinions...

Which strategy games shaped how we play and why do they still matter? We talk through the games that left a mark. From Red Alert and Total Annihilation to Age of Empires 2, Suzerain, and Sanctuary: Shattered Sun, we cover the titles that defined our taste in strategy and pushed the genre in new directions. Some are classics, some are obscure, but each one taught us something about design, pacing,...

What if your favourite franchise got the strategy game it actually deserves? In this episode, we pitch the strategy games we wish existed. From galactic exploration in the Bobiverse to asymmetrical warfare in War of the Worlds , we imagine how well-known universes could bring something new to the genre. Think G.I. Joe as a tactical ops game, or Game of Thrones as a brutal mix of political scheming...

Where does Total War go next and how did it become one of the most ambitious strategy series ever made? We trace the evolution of Total War , from the grounded historical battles of Medieval and Rome to the sprawling fantasy of Warhammer . Along the way, we talk about what the series got right, where it stumbled, and how it managed to keep reinventing itself. We also throw out some wild ideas for...

Should strategy games aim for realism or just be fun to play? We get into the long-running tension between authenticity and entertainment in strategy design. Some games go deep on historical or technical accuracy, building complex simulations that reward patience. Others prioritise excitement, speed, and spectacle. From War in the Pacific and Victoria 3 to Command & Conquer Generals and Heroes...

Is the RTS renaissance real or just wishful thinking from old-school fans? We take a hard look at the recent surge in real-time strategy releases. Are we seeing real innovation or just a wave of nostalgia? From visual upgrades to sharper mechanics, modern RTS games are doing more than people expected—but most of the credit belongs to indie developers keeping the genre alive. We talk about what’s d...

Are strategy game remasters worth your time or are they just polished nostalgia? We dig into how remasters are reshaping the strategy genre. Some updates genuinely modernise old classics, while others lean too hard on familiar names without fixing what needed work. From Command & Conquer Remastered to Age of Empires: Definitive Edition , we break down which ones nailed it and which felt like a...

Critical Moves is a strategy gaming podcast. Each week an eclectic group of gamers come together to discuss the latest in the world of strategy games, from recent releases to classic titles. We dive into everything, exploring game mechanics, tactics and strategies, and emerging trends in strategy videogames. We explore the intricacies of 4X games, the intensity of real-time strategy and the precis...