Critical Moves Podcast

[Al]

Where strategy gaming meets good vibes!​

Critical Moves is the latest podcast for everything strategy gaming. From classic RTS and city builders to cutting-edge 4X and tactical gems, we cover it all. We dig into the nuances of strategy gaming and bring you in-depth discussions, hot takes, and insights from years of experience. Hosted by a diverse team of dedicated strategy gamers, each with unique backgrounds and perspectives. We’re seasoned players with decades of experience across strategy subgenres. We even throw in the occasional rant—because wouldn’t it be boring if we all agreed?

Episodes drop weekly, available on all major platforms starting November 1st, 2024. Perfect for your commute, downtime, or while you’re setting up that perfect base.

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Join the Community! Get involved in our discussions, share your strategies, and let us know what games and topics you’d like us to cover. All of our links are available on the Critical Moves Podcast website:

https://criticalmovespodcast.com

 

[Al]

Critical Moves Podcast Episode 1: Strategy Game Remasters​

Strategy Game Remasters: Are They Worth It?In this episode of Critical Moves, we dive into the world of strategy game remasters. We break down how these re-releases breathe new life into classic games and discuss whether they hold up against their original versions.Key topics include:

• What makes a good remaster and where some fall short.
• Examples like Command & Conquer Remastered and Age of Empires: Definitive Edition—whether they’re just nostalgia plays or genuinely modernized for today’s audience.
• Our thoughts on which strategy games we’d like to see remastered next and how developers are responding to fan demand.

We also cover how remasters can help introduce a new generation to the classics while still satisfying long-time fans of the genre. As usual, we throw in a few rants, differing perspectives, and some strong opinions on remasters versus original releases.

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[Al]

The RTS Renaissance: Is It Really Happening?

In Episode 2 of Critical Moves, we explore the resurgence of real-time strategy games and whether we’re truly in the middle of an RTS renaissance. We discuss how modern RTS titles revitalized the genre and attracted new players and why indie developers are the salvation of real-time strategy.

Key topics include:

• The evolving mechanics and visuals that have made these newer games stand out.
• How indie developers are keeping the genre alive with fresh ideas.
• Whether nostalgia for classic RTS games plays a role in the resurgence, or if there’s a real innovation driving the trend.

We also debate if this uptick is a passing moment or the start of a new golden age for RTS games. As always, expect some differing opinions, a few rants, and a deep dive into what makes RTS games still relevant today.

You can listen on Spotify or Apple - or search on your preferred podcasting app.

The episode was also uploaded to YouTube if you prefer that sort of thing!

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[Al]

Fun vs Realism in Strategy Games​

In Episode 3 of Critical Moves, we dive into the ongoing debate between fun and realism in strategy games. We discuss how different games navigate this balance, what each approach brings to the table, and how it shapes the player experience.

Games covered include:

• Realism-focused titles like War in the Pacific, Victoria 3, Crusader Kings, King’s Order, and Terra Invicta that push for historical or technical accuracy, offering complex, immersive simulations.
• Fun-centric games like Heroes of Might and Magic, Rome: Total War, and Command & Conquer Generals, which focus on exciting gameplay mechanics over strict realism.

We discuss the pros and cons of each approach, why some players love hyper-realistic details while others prefer a streamlined experience, and the challenges developers face in finding a balance. Expect a lively conversation, some rants, and our own takes on what makes a strategy game truly memorable.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or search your alternative preferred podcast provider.

Ahh, we’re on YouTube too!

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[Al]

Total War: Past, Present and Future​

In Episode 4 of Critical Moves, we explore the evolution of the Total War series, charting its journey from historical epics to fantasy juggernauts and speculating on what’s next for the franchise. Games discussed include:

• Early classics like Medieval: Total War and Rome: Total War, which set the foundation for the series’ unique blend of grand strategy and real-time battles.
• Modern entries such as the Total War: Warhammer franchise and Empire: Total War, showcasing the series’ shift into fantasy and global conflicts.
• Exciting possibilities for future titles, including fan-demanded settings like Star Wars, World War I, and even the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K.

We reflect on the series’ impact, its ability to reinvent itself, and what Creative Assembly could do to keep the franchise fresh. Join us for a mix of nostalgia, critique, and wild speculation about the future of Total War.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or search your alternative preferred podcast provider.

Ahh, we’re on YouTube too!

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[Al]

Franchises That Should Be Strategy Games​

In Episode 5 of Critical Moves, we pitch our ideal strategy games based on some of our favourite franchises. From galactic exploration to post-apocalyptic survival, we brainstorm how these universes could deliver unique and engaging strategy gameplay. Here’s a taste of what we came up with:

• Bobiverse: A Stellaris-style grand strategy game, where you control a fleet of self-replicating probes exploring the cosmos.
• War of the Worlds: An asymmetrical RTS pitting human resistance against a technologically superior Martian invasion.
• G.I. Joe: A tactical XCOM-like game, commanding the Joes in high-stakes missions against Cobra.
• Game of Thrones: A hybrid of Crusader Kings and Total War, blending political intrigue with large-scale warfare.

We dive deep into how these ideas could expand the strategy genre, with plenty of heated debates and more than a few laughs along the way.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or search your alternative preferred podcast provider.

Ahh, we’re on YouTube too!

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