In this episode of Critical Moves, hosts Joe, Adam, and Tim take a deep dive into the world of strategy gaming, offering a variety of alternatives to Civilization 7. Whether you’re drawn to city-building, grand strategy, or turn-based empire management, there’s something here for every type of strategy enthusiast. Here’s a breakdown of the games discussed and why they might be worth your time. City-Building Alternatives For players who love the city-building aspect of Civilization, the hosts recommend several standout titles. Cities: Skylines is a...
WE ARE CRITICAL MOVES
A Strategy Gaming Podcast
In episode 20 of Critical Moves, Al, Nuno, and Tim dive into the long-standing debate: is single-player or multiplayer more important in strategy games? The discussion covers everything from commercial success, player preferences, and game longevity to the role of toxicity in online communities. Single Player: The Commercial Powerhouse? Al and Nuno argue that single-player experiences remain the backbone of strategy gaming. Data suggests that a majority of players – estimated at over 80% – prefer single-player content, and casual...
Why Critical Moves is Getting a Community Forum The Critical Moves Podcast has sparked a lot of great discussions, but once an episode ends, the conversation often disappears into the void. Social media posts get buried, Discord is too fast-moving, and there’s no real space for long-form discussion. That’s where a community forum comes in. A forum keeps conversations organized, searchable, and ongoing. Instead of discussions vanishing into a feed, they stay accessible. Whether it’s breaking down an episode, debating...
The latest episode of the Critical Moves podcast sees Al, Nuno, and new team member Adam diving into the strategy games showcased during Steam’s Next Fest. With a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism, the team tested out a selection of indie titles, from tactical war games to quirky management sims. Not all games hit the mark, but the episode offers a candid look at what strategy fans can expect from these upcoming releases. One of the standout titles discussed...
In Episode 18 of the Critical Moves podcast, Al and Joe dig into the latest release in the legendary 4X strategy series, Civilization 7. With Al on the fence and Joe having already played the game, the discussion offers a brutally honest take on the game’s strengths and weaknesses. What unfolds is a candid, and at times scathing, review of a game that many fans had high hopes for. The episode starts off light with Al and Joe discussing the...
With a view to getting Critical Moves in front of more people, I’ve started creating short clips from our episodes which are released on our social media channels. YouTube shorts, Facebook and Instagram Reels, TikTok. Here’s an example: You’ll find all out socials in the sidebar on the left. It would be really helpful, and really lovely if anyone reading this would head over to our social media channels and please the algorithm gods by liking, commenting and sharing the...
The Legacy of Civilization: Why This 4X Strategy Franchise Still Dominates The Civilization series is more than just a staple of 4X strategy gaming – it’s the genre’s defining titan. While Civilization 7 may be the latest in the franchise, our episode takes a step back to look at the series as a whole, its impact on the industry, and the moments that have kept players addicted for decades. Al, Tim, and Joe dive into the history of Sid Meier’s...
Real-time strategy games once dominated the gaming landscape, defining entire eras of PC gaming with classics like Command & Conquer, StarCraft, and Warcraft 3. But in 2024, AAA developers seem to have all but abandoned the genre. Why? And is there a path back for big-budget RTS games? In this episode of Critical Moves, Tim and Al dive deep into the decline of AAA RTS development, analyse failed releases like Homeworld 3 and Age of Empires 4, and explore why...
The strategy gaming genre has long been associated with complexity, deep decision-making, and lengthy learning curves. But does it have to be that way? In this episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Joe tackle a common misconception: that strategy games are too difficult for new players. The discussion covers accessible entry points into the genre, the increasing complexity of modern strategy games, and whether simplifying gameplay makes a game better or worse. The episode also touches on...
The latest episode of Critical Moves Podcast dives deep into the essence of strategy in RTS and grand strategy games. Hosts Al, Nuno, and Tim engage in a lively discussion on different playstyles, including the infamous turtling strategy, aggressive rush tactics, and the importance of adaptation in both single-player and multiplayer experiences. This episode explores how strategic approaches evolve across different games and why understanding mechanics like economy management, unit composition, and map control can make or break a match....
Strategy gaming meets good vibes once again on the Critical Moves Podcast, and this episode brings some heavy-hitting discussions for fans of deep, immersive gameplay. Episode 13 is all about exploring the future of Stellaris with its massive 4.0 Phoenix update while diving into the best deals and hidden gems from the Steam RTS Fest. If you’re a fan of grand strategy, real-time strategy, or just looking for your next deep, tactical experience, this episode is a must-listen. We discuss...
For more than a decade, Paradox Interactive has been a dominant force in the grand strategy genre, crafting intricate, deeply immersive games that have captivated millions. However, with recent challenges, including game cancellations and declining financials in 2024, is the once-unshakable titan of strategy gaming beginning to falter? In this episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Tim take a deep dive into what makes Paradox’s titles unique, their strengths and weaknesses, and whether the company’s reliance on...
The Critical Moves Podcast crew takes a deep dive into Stellaris, the Paradox grand strategy title that has captivated sci-fi and strategy gamers for years. In this episode, Joe, Al, and Tim break down their experiences with the game, exploring the mechanics, mods, expansions, and shortcomings that define Stellaris today. With thousands of hours between them, the hosts offer both a veteran perspective and a fresh critique of where the game excels and where it falls short. Stellaris is a...
Strategy games have long been known for their deep mechanics and tactical gameplay, but what role does storytelling play in this genre? In this episode of Critical Moves, we dive into the impact of narrative in strategy games and whether a strong story enhances or distracts from the experience. Al, Nuno, and Timothy discuss their earliest memories of being captivated by a strategy game’s story and debate how storytelling has evolved over the years. The conversation begins with early experiences,...
2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for strategy gaming, with a wealth of exciting titles on the horizon. In this episode of Critical Moves, hosts Al, Nuno, and Joe dive deep into the strategy games they’re most excited about in the coming year. From large-scale real-time strategy battles to immersive colony simulators and innovative turn-based tactics, this discussion covers a wide spectrum of upcoming releases that fans of the genre won’t want to miss. The episode kicks...
Strategy games offer players control over entire nations, armies, and even civilizations, raising critical questions about morality, ethics, and historical accuracy. In this episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Timothy tackle the controversial subject of morality in war and strategy games. From playing as the Axis powers in World War II simulations to making life-or-death decisions in Frostpunk, the conversation dives deep into the responsibility of game developers, the impact of historical settings on gameplay, and whether...
The strategy gaming landscape in 2024 has been packed with an incredible variety of releases, from turn-based tactical gems to large-scale real-time strategy experiences. In this episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, Al, Nuno, and Tim break down their picks for the best strategy games of the year, discussing what makes each title stand out and how they contribute to the genre. Whether you’re a fan of grand strategy, classic RTS, or tactical squad-based combat, there’s something in this episode...
Strategy games are more than just a genre—they are a way of thinking, planning, and overcoming challenges. In this episode of Critical Moves, we explore the strategy games that defined our gaming journeys. From our first encounters with strategic gameplay to the titles that cemented our love for the genre, and finally, the latest experiences that continue to captivate us, this discussion highlights the evolution of strategy gaming and why it remains one of the most compelling genres today. If...
What if some of your favourite franchises were transformed into deep, tactical experiences? In this episode of Critical Moves, Al is joined by Joe and Nuno to discuss the intellectual properties they believe would make exceptional strategy games. From sci-fi book series to fantasy epics and classic literature, they break down the mechanics, narrative possibilities, and unique gameplay elements that could bring these franchises to life in the strategy genre. The episode kicks off with Joe introducing the Bobiverse series,...
The latest episode of Critical Moves is an all-out discussion on Total War, one of the most iconic strategy game franchises ever created. Hosted by Al, alongside Nuno, Joe, and Tim, the team dissects the franchise’s history, its revolutionary moments, and where things may have gone wrong for Creative Assembly. Whether you’re a fan of Rome: Total War, Medieval II: Total War, or Total War: Warhammer, this episode has something for every strategy gamer. The conversation starts with a heated...