In Episode 3 of Critical Moves, we dive into the ongoing debate between fun and realism in strategy games. We discuss how different games navigate this balance, what each approach brings to the table, and how it shapes the player experience. Games covered include: We discuss the pros and cons of each approach, why some players love hyper-realistic details while others prefer a streamlined experience, and the challenges developers face in finding a balance. Expect a lively conversation, some rants,...
WE ARE CRITICAL MOVES
A Strategy Gaming Podcast
The RTS Renaissance: Is It Really Happening? In Episode 2 of Critical Moves, we explore the resurgence of real-time strategy games and whether we’re truly in the middle of an RTS renaissance. We discuss how modern RTS titles revitalized the genre and attracted new players and why indie developers are the salvation of real-time strategy. Key topics include: We also debate if this uptick is a passing moment or the start of a new golden age for RTS games. As...
This has been a journey. After three months of planning, recording, and learning the ropes, we’re proud to finally launch Critical Moves. There’s a lot of work behind this, and the entire team has put in the hours to make it happen. Every bit of effort has been worth it, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. So if you’re a strategy game fan, dive in – give it a listen, subscribe, and let us know what you think....
Argh! Today I sat down to do some editing of a couple of episodes that have been recording and just need to be finalised. The editing process on Critical Moves has been amended somewhat from the initial plan when we brought on Brian as Sound Engineer. Essentially, editing a podcast is a lot of work. Most people say that it takes about four hours to edit one hour of audio. We needed to streamline the process as asking Brian to...
It’s getting exciting now, and very, very, real. On 1st November we’re going live with our first episode of Critical Moves. With ten days to go now seems as good as any for a quick update. We have, so far, recorded four episodes. That’s enough for the first month! Because we’re new to this and flying by the seat of our pants we have recorded out of sync. Episodes 1, 2, 6 and 8 are in the bag, with 3,...
We have, as of the time of posting this, two episodes recorded. Our plan was to give us a head start by getting six episodes recorded in October and sent to the editor for polishing. We were supposed to record on Friday but someone couldn’t make it and then again last night, Sunday, but we had a last minute cancellation. This… is… frustrating. I know life happens sometimes, sure I do, and this is not to apportion blame, far from...
The Critical Moves Podcast covers all types of strategy games from 4X to city builders, real-time strategy and turn-based strategy. We have just launched our teaser trailer which is available on all your regular podcast providers and on YouTube. We hope you can join us. No stress, just Critical Moves. Discord: https://discord.gg/66sgn3TQjGApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-moves-podcast/id1771527668Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mQ5ChbDVjEz2lzIHbcFHoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@criticalmovespodcast...
We held another planning session on Monday night, this time joined by the excellent Brian. What would we do without him? His input into the finer technical aspects of producing a podcast are invaluable. I feel like we would have just been flailing around in the dark without his direction. During the meeting we determined what the first subject for the first episode will be… **DRUMROLL** For our first episode we’re going to be discussing Strategy Game Remasters. Why they’re...
Probably one of the more important ways of establishing a brand for a podcast is in the selection of audio which will be featured each episode. We’re aiming for consistency and something which is recognisable. I’m a sucker for an epic score, so this is currently my preferred option: This will feature at the start and end of each episode. What do you think? Hop on over to the Discord and have your say....
We were recently contacted by Brian, who highlighted – perhaps unintentionally – just how unprepared we were for the technical requirements of recording and launching a podcast. Brian is an experienced sound engineer and podcast producer. He’s also a massive fan of strategy gaming! Brian has agreed to come on-board the project and is out sixth team member. His contributions are possibly going to be the most crucial to a quality ‘cast. We now have a sound engineer to do...
We have confirmed the cover art for our show! This bold, professional look represents the precision, planning, and strategic depth that our discussions bring to the table. Featuring our custom logo over a dark, moody background, the cover hints at the complexity and intrigue that strategy gaming offers. This cover art also tells you what our release schedule is going to be. New episodes every Friday! Join us as we explore classic and modern strategy games, break down tactics, and...
A little bit of imposter syndrome is kicking in now. Am I really doing this? Will people want to listen to what we have to say? Self-doubt is a real bitch. As we stand on the cusp of recording and releasing our first episode, as I try to organise planning, scheduling, researching, recording I occasionally feel like this is for people with far more experience and far more talent. I’m planning to broadcast my voice and opinions to the world....
After lots of behind-the-scenes discussion we have set a date for the release of the first Critical Moves Podcast Episode. Of course, this might change. We’re still thrashing out the details and checking on the availability of everyone. I discussed previously the challenges facing us due to being spread across five time zones. We still have loads to do, lots of different tasks to take care of, but if all goes well the first episode will go live on… **DRUMROLL**...
Tonight we held a planning meeting to discuss what we should cover for our first episode. It was great to be able to voice chat with the guys. Usually it’s Discord chat messages but I think you get a lot out of actually talking to people. I read something once from Albert Mehrabian that said the words you use only form a small percentage of communication; it was about 7% if I recall correctly. There are other factors such as...
Perhaps ‘logistics’ isn’t the right word, but one thing I have found as we go about planning our first episode is the struggle of getting everyone together at the same time. Our team of five gamers are spread across four different time zones, with Timothy at one end of the spectrum at GMT+1 and Shane at the other end in GMT-8. We have an, at most, nine hour time difference between us. This presents some real challenges; mainly when it...
We quickly went from two hosts to a team of five. This would have worked fine as a two man show but it was important to us that we feature an eclectic spread of voices and opinions. Shortly after deciding to start a podcast about strategy gaming we started a search for others to join us. The exact format wasn’t decided and the exact number of co-hosts wasn’t decided either. Would it be one extra or ten? (okay, not ten)...
I thought it might be a good idea to chart the developmental progress of Critical Moves on a couple of blog posts. For those who may be interested in understanding how such a thing comes about. I’ll start by saying, “it was kinda an accident.” In fact, I don’t exactly remember how it came about. I emailed Nuno at Strategy and Wargaming after starting RTS HQ. My intention was to maybe do some link exchanges or something along those lines....