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/2566700

NEBULOUS: Fleet Command - https://store.steampowered.com/app/887570

Star Traders: Frontiers - https://store.steampowered.com/app/335620

Falling Frontier - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1280190

HighFleet - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1434950

Tooth and Tail - https://store.steampowered.com/app/286000

Battle Brothers - https://store.steampowered.com/app/365360

Terra Invicta - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1176470

MENACE - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2432860