Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

Can a new RTS really bring back the feel of Command & Conquer? We talk to Brandon Casteel, lead designer on Tempest Rising, about building a modern RTS that doesn’t forget its roots. He explains how the team approached base-building, unit roles, and multiplayer balance while keeping the game grounded in the spirit of classic Command & Conquer. We also get into the realities of reviving a genre that’s always on the edge of a comeback and what it takes to make old-school RTS mechanics feel fresh again.

Tempest Rising releases on 24th April 2025! Wishlist it on Steam! https://store.steampowered.com/app/1486920/Tempest_Rising/

Find out more about Tempest Rising: https://tempestrising.com

Which is better, turn-based or real-time strategy? And why does it still divide players?

This episode tackles the long-standing split at the heart of the genre. We look at how pacing, control, and decision-making change depending on the format, and what that means for gameplay, accessibility, and replay value. There’s no winner declared, but the differences matter. Whether you prefer careful planning or real-time chaos, this is a straight look at how both styles shape the way strategy games are made and played.

Is Broken Arrow the next great modern military RTS or just another missed opportunity?

We take a close look at Broken Arrow, a large-scale strategy game built around real-world military hardware and combined arms tactics. From interface design to unit control, we break down what the game is doing well and where it still feels rough. It’s a grounded take on a promising RTS that’s caught attention for its scope and realism. If you’re into modern warfare strategy games, this one’s worth a closer look.

Broken Arrow is available to wishlist on Steam and will release in June 2025: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1604270/Broken_Arrow/

Can a game about leadership, ethics, and World War II actually be fun to play?

We’re joined by Dr Luke Hughes, lead developer of Burden of Command, to talk about designing a strategy RPG where your choices as an officer shape the outcome more than your aim ever could. Luke explains how the game balances historical authenticity with accessibility, why emotional realism matters, and how they built systems around trust, morale, and the weight of command. If you’re curious about games that try something different with war, this one’s worth your time.

Burden of Command launches on 8th of April. Find it on Steam here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/887490/Burden_of_Command/ and support indie game developers.

Sick of Civilization VII already? Here’s what you should be playing instead. We skip the usual complaints and get straight into better options. This episode runs through strategy games that outclass Civ in all the ways that matter: deeper systems, smarter pacing, more satisfying decisions. From standout 4X titles to grand strategy heavyweights and overlooked gems, we lay out what’s actually worth your time if Civ VII left you cold. No filler, just games that do it better.

https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Is strategy gaming better alone or with others? And why does it matter more than people think?

This episode tackles the divide between singleplayer and multiplayer strategy. We look at what each experience offers - whether it’s the quiet satisfaction of beating the AI or the chaos and challenge of human opponents. We also talk about community behaviour, why multiplayer can be so hard to get right, and whether it’s even viable in today’s market. It’s part analysis, part personal frustration, and a grounded look at the trade-offs that shape the genre.

https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Which upcoming strategy games are actually worth your time?

Fresh from Steam Next Fest, we talk through the strategy demos that stood out and the ones that didn’t. From grand campaigns to tight tactical battles, we share first impressions and early verdicts on what might be worth following. It’s not a hype reel. Just straight talk about what works, what’s broken, and which games have real potential in a crowded market.

Games covered include:

• Starless Abyss: A FTL inspired roguelite with space combat.
• Task Force Admiral: A well-polished indie game which stinks of AAA awesomeness.
• Orbi Universo II: A super-complex management-simulation-strategy game.
• Roman Triumph: A survival city-builder set in the Roman empire.
• The King is Watching: A roguelite kingdom builder with unique mechanics.
• NWO - Anarchy Collapsed: The absolute worst game to ever exist.

https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Is Civilization 7 a true step forward or just Civ 6 with extra polish?

Joe leads the review while Al pushes back with the tough questions. We break down what Civilization 7 changes, what it carries over, and whether any of it actually improves the formula. From AI behaviour to core mechanics and balance, we look at what works, what feels stuck, and where the series stands in 2025. If you're wondering whether Civ 7 is worth the time, this episode has the blunt answers.

https://criticalmovespodcast.com

How did Civilization define an entire genre and why does it still matter today?

We look back at the legacy of Sid Meier’s Civilization and how it shaped the 4X strategy genre. From the original game to the latest release, we track how the series evolved, what stayed the same, and why the formula still works decades later. We also get into favourite factions, best mechanics, and how Civ continues to influence everything from indie 4X games to blockbuster strategy titles. It’s part history, part critique, and a full-throttle look at one of the most important franchises in gaming.

https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Why did AAA studios abandon real-time strategy—and is there any chance they’ll come back?

RTS was once a major force in gaming. Now it’s mostly left to indie developers. In this episode, we dig into what happened. From shifting market priorities to the rise of other genres, we lay out why big publishers moved on and what that’s meant for the games that followed. We also talk about the studios keeping RTS alive, what it would take for a comeback, and why we’re not holding our breath. Plus, a quick update on how you can get involved with the podcast.

https://criticalmovespodcast.com