Ep.26: The One Where Everyone Talks Over Each Other
In Episode 26 of Critical Moves, we hand the mic to the community. It’s a full Q&A episode, packed with your questions; serious, strange, and everything in between.We answer:Strategy-related questions about our favourite games, mechanics, and design choices.Behind-the-scenes stuff about the podcast, the team, and how we put each episode together.A few curveballs that have absolutely nothing to do with strategy games—but we answered them anyway.It’s unscripted, unfiltered, and very much a conversation with the people who listen. Thanks for sending in your questions. We got through as many as we could.
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Ep.25: Why Tempest Rising Could Be the RTS to Watch in 2025
In Episode 25 of Critical Moves, we sit down with Brandon Casteel, lead game designer on Tempest Rising, the upcoming RTS that channels the spirit of Command & Conquer with a modern twist.Topics covered include:The design goals behind Tempest Rising and its connection to classic RTS mechanics.How the team approached base-building, unit design, and multiplayer balance.The challenges of modernizing a nostalgic formula without losing what made it great.Brandon gives us an inside look at development, talks about what makes Tempest Rising stand out in today’s RTS landscape, and shares thoughts on the state of the genre. It’s a must-listen for fans of classic real-time strategy.
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Ep. 24: RTS vs TBS: What Makes a Great Strategy Game?
In Episode 24 of Critical Moves, we get into the long-running debate: turn-based or real-time? Both have shaped the strategy genre in different ways, and we dig into what sets them apart—and why that matters.Key topics include:The differences in pacing, decision-making, and player experience.The appeal of control and precision in turn-based games versus the intensity and flow of real-time.How each approach affects game design, accessibility, and long-term replayability.No winner is declared, but we unpack what each style offers and why different players are drawn to one over the other. Clear comparisons, grounded discussion, no fluff.
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Ep.23: Broken Arrow - The Best Military RTS of 2025?
In Episode 23 of Critical Moves, we dig into Broken Arrow, the modern military RTS that’s been turning heads with its mix of realism and large-scale tactical gameplay.Key topics include:First impressions of the gameplay, interface, and overall design.How Broken Arrow compares to other modern military RTS titles.What the game gets right—and where it might need more work.Whether you’re a fan of real-world military hardware or just looking for a solid new RTS, this episode breaks down what Broken Arrow brings to the table and whether it’s worth your time.Broken Arrow is available to wishlist on Steam and will release in June 2025: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1604270/Broken_Arrow/
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Ep.22: Can You Lead? Luke Hughes on the Emotional Weight of Burden of Command
In Episode 22 of Critical Moves, we’re joined by a very special guest—Dr. Luke Hughes, the lead developer of Burden of Command, a Leadership RPG launching April 8th on Steam.We sit down with Luke to discuss:The unique mechanics of Burden of CommandThe challenges of remaining authentic but accessibleBalancing realism, fun and respect in a historical titleThe inspirations behind Burden of CommandBurden 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.
Strategy games, RTS, 4X, and tactics—broken down weekly.We cover real-time strategy, turn-based games, indie hits, and overlooked classics. Get in-depth analysis, no-fluff reviews, developer interviews, and smarter conversations about strategy gaming.New episodes every Friday.https://criticalmovespodcast.com
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