Episode 19: The Best and Worst of Steam Next Fest

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 was Starless Abyss, a tactical deck-builder that merges elements of FTL, Into the Breach, and Slay the Spire. Adam praised the game’s blend of sci-fi themes, strong visuals, and meaningful tactical decisions. Though it draws inspiration from Warhammer’s dark aesthetic, Starless Abyss manages to carve out its own niche with tight gameplay and satisfying challenges.

Nuno shared his experiences with Task Force Admiral, a WWII Pacific theatre strategy game. The game stood out for its impressive sense of scale and meticulous attention to historical detail. As Nuno described it, Task Force Admiral offers a one-to-one simulation of naval warfare, balancing deep strategy with a user-friendly interface. The discussion highlighted how the game feels like a next-gen war game, combining complex fleet management with accessible gameplay.

Al brought Roman Triumph into the conversation, a survival city builder where players establish Roman settlements in the wilds of Europe. With a job prioritization system that adds a strategic layer to managing resources and defending against mythological creatures, the game offers a fresh take on the genre. While still early in development, Roman Triumph’s blend of historical simulation and fantasy elements makes it one to watch.

The episode also included a critical look at Orbi Universo II, a deep management simulation that Adam found overwhelming but intriguing. With its steep learning curve and focus on abstract strategy, the game may appeal to those who enjoy diving into complex systems, but its limited accessibility could deter more casual players.

A surprising highlight came from The King is Watching, a game that impressed Adam with its unique mechanic where buildings only function when under the gaze of the player’s king. This quirky approach to city management added a refreshing twist to a well-worn genre, making it a favourite among the team.

Not every game was a hit. Al reserved some of his harshest criticism for NWO – Anarchy Collapsed, a self-proclaimed grand strategy game that turned out to be a map-painting disappointment. The game’s AI-generated art, poor writing, and lacklustre gameplay earned it a brutal takedown, with the team agreeing it was not worth the download.

Listeners looking for honest takes on the latest strategy games, including which titles to keep an eye on and which to avoid, will find this episode of Critical Moves packed with insights, humour, and unfiltered opinions.

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