How important is narrative in strategy games and what kind of story actually works? In Episode 39 of Critical Moves, Adam, Jack, and Al dig into the role of storytelling in the genre, from scripted campaigns to player-driven chaos.

We cover:

• Emergent vs scripted storytelling, and where each one shines.

• Why some strategy games succeed without a story, and others absolutely need one.

• A heated debate over whether a Total Annihilation-inspired game deserves a narrative at all.

Whether you think story elevates strategy or just gets in the way, this episode pulls apart how narrative affects design, engagement, and whether players even care.

Top 5 Base-Builder RTS Games: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBswsIEc88

Before Olden Era, there was Heroes of Might and Magic, the series that defined turn-based strategy for an entire generation.

In this episode, we unpack what made HoMM so addictive: the layered overworld maps, the chess-like battles, the base-building loop, and the sheer variety of factions and creatures. We trace its rise from the early days through the glory of Heroes III and the missteps that followed, setting the stage for what Olden Era now tries to revive.

If you're trying to understand the legacy behind the new game (like Al!), or just wondering why people are still talking about this decades later, this is your starting point.

Why are strategy game tutorials so bad and who’s fixing it? In Episode 41 of Critical Moves, we’re joined by Joe from Example of Play to talk about the gap between what strategy games teach and what players actually need to know.

We cover:

• Why tutorials often fail in complex strategy titles.
• How content creators like Joe step in to bridge the gap.
• Joe’s own gaming background and what’s on his radar next.

It’s part interview, part rant, and part public service announcement for any developer who still thinks ‘just read the tooltips’ is enough.

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

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.

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.

What does it take to build a strategy game that stands out in a crowded genre?

Game developer Tatsu (Sanctuary: Shattered Sun, ZeroSpace, Ablight) joins us to break down the craft behind deep, immersive RTS experiences. From indie passion projects to ambitious sci-fi warfare, we explore how worldbuilding, player agency, and innovative mechanics shape the future of strategy games. This is a no-fluff conversation on design risks, lessons from development hell, and why games like ZeroSpace are pushing the RTS genre forward.

Whether you're a player or a creator, there's something here for anyone who cares about where strategy games are headed next.

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.

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.”

What’s the best Warhammer strategy game, and why do so many still miss the mark?

With Warhammer Skulls in full swing, we dig into the long and messy history of Warhammer strategy games. From Total War: Warhammer to Dawn of War to the weird forgotten spin-offs, we look at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why this universe keeps drawing strategy developers in. The setting is built for conflict, with asymmetric factions, endless war, and just enough lore to hold it all together.

We talk about the core strengths of Warhammer 40K and Warhammer Fantasy as strategy platforms, why some games thrive while others fall flat, and which titles still deserve your time.

https://www.youtube.com/@thepoorhammerpodcast

https://grimdarkfuture.tv