Celebrating Indie Developers on "Indie-pendence" Day (Ep.36)
Can indie strategy games do what big studios won’t... or can’t? In Episode 36 of Critical Moves, we highlight the independent titles that impressed us, surprised us, and in some cases outclassed their AAA counterparts.We talk about:The design risks indie games are willing to take.How smaller studios punch above their weight in innovation and depth.Why some of these titles stick with us more than mainstream releases.From space command sims to tactical roguelikes and political sandboxes, it’s a celebration of strategy games that were made without a massive budget, but still left a mark.The Last General - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2566700NEBULOUS: Fleet Command - https://store.steampowered.com/app/887570Star Traders: Frontiers - https://store.steampowered.com/app/335620Falling Frontier - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1280190HighFleet - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1434950Tooth and Tail - https://store.steampowered.com/app/286000Battle Brothers - https://store.steampowered.com/app/365360Terra Invicta - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1176470MENACE - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2432860
--------
54:38
--------
54:38
What Makes a Strategy Game of the Year? (Ep.35)
What separates a good strategy game from a great one? And what does it actually take to earn “Game of the Year” in a genre built on complexity, depth, and replayability?In Episode 35 of Critical Moves, we break down the criteria that matter most - gameplay systems, balance, innovation, pacing, longevity, and presentation - and discuss how strategy games are judged compared to other genres.We ask:What does “strategy game of the year” really mean?Which features or design choices carry the most weight?Is it about mass appeal or something more specific to the genre?It’s a discussion about taste, standards, and what we actually value in the best strategy games each year.
--------
1:02:24
--------
1:02:24
When RTS Was King: The Best Real-time Strategy Games Ever Made (Ep.34)
When did the best RTS games get made and why have we seen nothing like them since?Let's take a look back at the golden age of real-time strategy. From peak base-building to iconic faction design, we talk about what made this era so good, the games that defined it, and the influence they still have today.Whether you grew up on it or missed it entirely, this is a look at RTS when it was fast, focused, and everywhere.
--------
47:58
--------
47:58
The Greatest WW2 Strategy Games Ever Made (Ep 32)
What’s the greatest World War II strategy game ever made and why do we keep coming back to this war?On the anniversary of D-Day, Nuno walks through the best WW2 strategy games ever made. It’s a sharp look at what these games get right, where they fall short, and how they handle the weight of real history. From high-level operations to close-quarters tactics, we talk realism, pacing, decision-making, and why this setting still produces some of the best strategy design out there. Expect hard opinions and a deep respect for games that actually deliver.
--------
50:16
--------
50:16
These Games Will Ruin Your Life (Ep 31)
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.”
Strategy games, RTS, 4X, and tactics—broken down weekly.We cover real-time strategy, turn-based games, indie hits, and overlooked classics. Get in-depth analysis, no-fluff reviews, developer interviews, and smarter conversations about strategy gaming.New episodes every Friday.https://criticalmovespodcast.com
Netherlands