Turn Based Strategy

Domination

Released in 2005 by Wargaming.net, Domination was a turn-based strategy game that expanded upon the mechanics of its predecessor, Massive Assault. Built around a unique war-economy system, it combined deep strategic planning with explosive tactical combat across futuristic battlefields. While it never reached mainstream success, Domination was a compelling entry in the genre, offering a mix of long-term strategic depth and immediate tactical decision-making that rewarded careful planning and adaptive play. A War for Global Control Set in a near-future...
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Grand Strategy

Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX

By the time Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX launched in 2003, Koei had already spent nearly two decades refining its approach to grand strategy set during China’s turbulent Three Kingdoms period. The series had evolved significantly since its debut in 1985, and RTK IX marked a bold shift in mechanics, moving away from character-driven micromanagement toward a fully strategic, empire-wide approach. This instalment introduced a unified map where actions played out in real time, departing from the city-based structure...
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Turn Based Strategy

Medieval II: Total War

When Medieval II: Total War released in 2006, it didn’t just refine the Total War formula – it perfected it. Developed by Creative Assembly, it built upon the foundations of Rome: Total War while delivering a deeper, more polished medieval warfare experience. It remains one of the most beloved entries in the series, praised for its grand campaign, brutal real-time battles, and the sheer scale of its world. This was Total War at its best – diplomacy, intrigue, empire management,...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 20: Singleplayer vs Multiplayer

Is single-player or multiplayer more important in strategy games? That’s the debate in Episode 20 of Critical Moves, where Al, Nuno, and Tim break down the commercial success, player preferences, game longevity, and the role of toxicity in online communities. Single Player: The Commercial Powerhouse? Al and Nuno argue that single-player remains the backbone of strategy gaming. Data suggests over 80% of players prefer single-player content, with casual gamers in particular avoiding competitive multiplayer environments. Historically, even games that became...
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Grand Strategy

Star Wars: Rebellion

In the vast galaxy of Star Wars video games, Star Wars: Rebellion holds a unique place. Released in 1998 by LucasArts, the game aimed to capture the strategic essence of the Star Wars universe. While it aspired to greatness by combining elements of grand strategy and real-time tactics, its reception was mixed at best. Over two decades later, it’s worth exploring how opinions about the game have evolved. Has Star Wars: Rebellion aged like a fine wine, or has it...
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Turn Based Strategy

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

In 2012, Firaxis Games revived one of the most popular strategy franchises with the release of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. This reboot aimed to modernize the gameplay while maintaining the spirit of the original X-COM: UFO Defense from 1994. The challenge was to innovate and appeal to a new generation of gamers without alienating the core fanbase. Streamlined Gameplay and Accessibility One of the most significant changes in XCOM: Enemy Unknown was the streamlining of gameplay mechanics. The original X-COM was...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 19: The Best and Worst of Steam Next Fest

The latest episode of the Critical Moves podcast sees Al, Nuno, and new team member Adam diving into the strategy games showcased during Steam’s Next Fest. With a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism, the team tested out a selection of indie titles, from tactical war games to quirky management sims. Not all games hit the mark, but the episode offers a candid look at what strategy fans can expect from these upcoming releases. Starless Abyss: Tactical Deck-Building with Depth...
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Real Time Strategy

Dragon Force

Dragon Force, developed by J-Force and Sega for the Sega Saturn in 1996, was an early and ambitious blend of real-time strategy and tactical combat set in a vibrant fantasy world. At a time when most strategy games focused on top-down, grid-based management or simplified battle systems, Dragon Force offered a mix of large-scale army battles, kingdom management, and a storyline rich with character interactions. It was a rare gem that managed to combine the depth of a strategy game...
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4X

VGA Planets

VGA Planets, released in 1992 by Tim Wisseman, was a pioneering space strategy game that predated many of the features now standard in the 4X genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). What made VGA Planets unique was its focus on large-scale, multiplayer empire management. The game ran primarily as a play-by-email (PBEM) title, allowing up to 11 players to command their own galactic empires in a persistent universe where every turn held the potential to change the balance of power. Unlike...
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Turn Based Strategy

Pacific General

Pacific General, released in 1997 by Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI), was part of the 5-Star General series, a line of turn-based strategy games that built upon the success of Panzer General. Instead of marching across Europe, Pacific General shifted the focus to the Pacific Theatre of World War II, offering both land and naval combat with an emphasis on amphibious operations and carrier warfare. The game combined traditional hex-based strategy with a vast array of units, complex logistics, and the...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 18: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

Civilization 7, the latest installment in the iconic strategy series, was the focus of our latest Critical Moves Podcast episode. In this episode, Al and Joe dissect what works, what doesn’t, and whether this game lives up to its legendary predecessors. First Impressions: Where’s the Excitement? Joe dived into Civilization 7 with the hopes of finding a worthy successor to the beloved series. However, his initial impressions were mixed at best. Unlike past games, where choosing a leader felt like...
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Real Time Strategy

Command and Conquer: Generals and Zero Hour

Released in 2003, Command & Conquer: Generals and its expansion pack Zero Hour marked a significant departure from the established norms of the Command & Conquer franchise. Known for its innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and unique factions, Generals redefined what players expected from real-time strategy games and brought fresh elements to the C&C series. This retrospective explores the impact of Generals and Zero Hour on the C&C franchise, examining the gameplay mechanics, storyline, and lasting legacy. Background and Development Command...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 17: How One Franchise Defined 4X Strategy

The latest episode of Critical Moves Podcast dives deep into the legendary Civilization series, exploring why it continues to define 4X strategy gaming. Hosts Al, Tim, and Joe share their thoughts on the franchise’s history, its impact on the genre, and what the future might hold. With Civilization 7 now released, the team discusses what makes this franchise so enduring and whether new contenders can dethrone it. A Legacy of Innovation Since its debut in 1991, Civilization has set the...
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Turn Based Strategy

Sid Meier’s Colonization

Sid Meier’s Colonization, released in 1994 by MicroProse, stands as a remarkable example of how historical themes and complex strategy mechanics can blend to create an enduring classic. Often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, Civilization, Colonization carved its own niche in the strategy genre, offering players a distinct and engaging experience focused on the age of exploration and the colonial era. Let’s explore how Colonization compares to Civilization, its influence on modern strategy games, and its enduring legacy in...
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Turn Based Strategy

Rome: Total War

When Rome: Total War was released in 2004, it marked a transformative moment in the strategy gaming landscape. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Activision, this game was the third instalment in the Total War series but represented a significant leap forward in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and depth. Its expansion pack, Barbarian Invasion, released in 2005, built upon this foundation, offering new challenges and further enriching the player’s experience. Let’s explore how these games reshaped the Total...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 16: Why AAA Studios Abandoned RTS

Real-time strategy (RTS) games were once a dominant force in the gaming industry, with titles like Command & Conquer, Warcraft, and Age of Empires leading the charge. However, in recent years, major AAA studios have largely turned their backs on the genre. In the latest episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Al and Tim explore this trend, dissecting why RTS games fell out of favor and whether they could make a comeback. The Decline of AAA RTS Games For...
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Real Time Strategy

Age of Empires

Released in 1997, Age of Empires marked the beginning of an iconic series that would leave a lasting legacy in the realm of real-time strategy games. Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, this game introduced players to a richly detailed historical setting where they could command civilizations, research technologies, and wage epic battles. As the first entry in the Age of Empires series, it laid the foundation for numerous sequels and spin-offs, profoundly influencing modern RTS titles. The...
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Turn Based Strategy

Axis & Allies

In 1998, Axis & Allies, the iconic board game of global warfare and strategy, was brought to life on PC by Hasbro Interactive and MicroProse. This digital adaptation aimed to capture the spirit and depth of the original board game, combining turn-based gameplay with real-time strategy elements to create a complex, immersive experience. Set during World War II, Axis & Allies allowed players to command one of the five major powers – the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, Germany,...
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