Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames

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...

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, an...

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 wo...

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 t...

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 finall...

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 conversatio...

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...

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 st...

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 ...

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...

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....

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 tod...

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 ...

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,...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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, ple...

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 hun...