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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
block
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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,...
Read More
Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 15: The Best Strategy Games for New Players

In this episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, hosts Nuno, Al, and Joe dive into the best strategy games for newcomers to the genre. They discuss the common perception that strategy games are overly complex and share their top picks for approachable and enjoyable strategy titles. Are Strategy Games Too Complex for Beginners? Nuno opens the conversation by addressing the myth that strategy games are inherently more complex than other genres. Joe points out that while many grand strategy games,...
Read More
Grand Strategy

Strategic Command WWII Global Conflict

In 2010, Fury Software released Strategic Command WWII: Global Conflict, a grand strategy game designed to encompass the full scale of World War II. This title took on the ambitious task of recreating the entire global theatre of WWII, allowing players to manage every aspect of the war, from large-scale military campaigns to intricate political alliances. With a focus on realism and historical accuracy, Strategic Command WWII: Global Conflict gave players control over the world’s major powers, challenging them to...
Read More
Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 14: Strategies in Strategy Games (Yes, Really)

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Critical Moves Podcast! This time, Al, Nuno, and Tim dive into a topic every strategy gamer wrestles with: do strategies from one game work in another? Whether you’re a dedicated turtle or an aggressive rusher, this episode unpacks the merits of different playstyles and the challenges they present across a variety of strategy games. Turtling vs. Rushing: Finding Your Strategy Style Al and Nuno admit to being turtle players. Al explains his love for...
Read More
Editorial

Influence of Historical Events on Strategy Games

The world of strategy games is deeply intertwined with human history. These games often draw on historical events, offering players a chance to engage with and even reshape the past. From ancient battles to modern conflicts, historical events have provided a fertile ground for game developers to create immersive and educational experiences. The influence of history on strategy games is profound, as it not only shapes the narratives and mechanics but also educates players about significant events and periods. This...
Read More
Real Time Strategy

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

Released in November 2007, Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is an expansion to the original Supreme Commander, a real-time strategy game developed by Gas Powered Games and directed by Chris Taylor, the mind behind Total Annihilation. Forged Alliance built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, introducing a new faction, new units, and a more refined gameplay experience. Let’s dive into the elements that made Forged Alliance a landmark title in the RTS genre, its enduring legacy, and its continued relevance...
Read More
Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Episode 13: Stellaris 4.0 and Steam RTS Fest

The latest episode of the Critical Moves Podcast dives into the recently announced Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix update and highlights from the ongoing Steam RTS Fest. If you’re a fan of strategy games, this episode is packed with insights, recommendations, and a bit of our usual banter. Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix Update: What’s New? The Phoenix update for Stellaris 4.0 is shaping up to be a game-changer. The most notable change is the overhaul of the game’s performance, particularly in the late...
Read More
Turn Based Strategy

Significant Mods for Rome: Total War

The modding community has played a crucial role in extending the lifespan and enhancing the experience of Rome: Total War. Over the years, numerous mods have been created that add new features, improve graphics, and introduce entirely new gameplay elements. This section explores some of the most significant mods for both the original game and its remastered version, highlighting how they have contributed to the game’s enduring popularity. Mods for the Original Rome: Total War Europa Barbarorum Europa Barbarorum (EB)...
Read More
Load more