Episódios
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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.”
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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 how they’ve managed to build one of the most loyal communities in gaming. If you’ve ever been lost in a Crusader Kings campaign or bounced off Hearts of Iron, you’ll find something here.
https://criticalmovespodcast.com
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