In Episode 5 of Critical Moves, the hosts explore franchises that could make exceptional strategy games. From cult sci-fi books to blockbuster IPs, Al, Joe, and Nuno share their dream picks and discuss how these concepts could translate into engaging strategy experiences.
Here’s what the episode covered:
- Bobiverse: A Stellaris-style 4X with dynamic AI factions.
- Game of Thrones: Crusader Kings meets Total War in a world of political intrigue and medieval warfare.
- War of the Worlds: A highly asymmetric RTS based on HG Wells’ novel.
- GI Joe: An XCOM-inspired game with customizable heroes and a Cobra-dominated world.
- Star Wars: Squad-based Stormtrooper missions in an isolated corner of the galaxy.
- Mass Effect: Grand strategy meets tactical RTS in the expansive sci-fi universe.
- Planet of the Apes: Grand strategy with diverse factions spanning apes and humans.
The discussion kicked off with Joe’s pitch for a Bobiverse strategy game. Based on the sci-fi book series, it would place players in the shoes of Bob, an AI tasked with exploring and expanding into the galaxy. Joe envisioned a sandbox experience where players build and manage a fleet of “Bobs,” who might rebel and create their own empires. Al and Nuno noted the similarities to Stellaris, but Joe emphasized the dynamic and unpredictable behaviour of AI-controlled Bobs as a key differentiator.
Nuno followed with Game of Thrones, suggesting both Crusader Kings-style intrigue and a Total War adaptation. He emphasized the franchise’s rich potential for strategy gameplay, from unique factions to political manoeuvring. Joe raised concerns about battlefield sameness among factions, but Al and Nuno pointed out the diversity offered by elements like the Unsullied, dragons, and Wildlings.
Al pitched an RTS based on War of the Worlds, featuring an asymmetric design where Martians harvest humans for resources while humans focus on defence and survival. He detailed a unique resource mechanic where Martians must capture civilians to sustain their forces. Nuno compared it to Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance, praising its potential for tactical depth.
Joe brought GI Joe into the mix, proposing an XCOM-inspired game where Cobra has taken over the world. Players would create their own GI Joe character and lead missions to liberate areas, expand their base, and rescue other Joes. Al suggested integrating stealth mechanics, while Nuno pointed out that the bombastic nature of the franchise might lean toward more action-oriented gameplay.
Nuno’s next idea was a Star Wars XCOM-style game centred on an elite squad of Stormtroopers. He envisioned a turn-based tactical game set in a remote part of the galaxy, free from the main storyline. Joe suggested adding a DLC featuring Jedi or Rebels, but Al vetoed the inclusion of Jedi, preferring a more grounded focus.
Al rounded out the discussion with Planet of the Apes. He proposed a grand strategy game with multiple factions, including chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and humans. The group debated the feasibility of balancing the factions and discussed the narrative potential of setting the game during the fall of humanity.
The episode closed with Nuno’s idea for a Mass Effect strategy game, blending grand strategy and RTS mechanics. He highlighted the series’ rich lore and diverse races as ideal for a large-scale strategy game. Al compared it to Stellaris but noted the potential for deeper narrative and tactical elements inspired by the original RPGs.
Listeners can find this episode on on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Next week, the podcast tackles “The Strategy Games That Made Us,” featuring Shane and his insights into the classics that shaped the genre. Don’t miss it.
