In Episode 6 of Critical Moves, the hosts take a personal journey through the games that shaped their strategy gaming paths. Shane, Al, Nuno, and Tim discuss the first strategy games they ever played, the ones that cemented their love for the genre, and the titles currently keeping them engaged.
Here’s what the episode covered:
- First Strategy Games: The hosts share their introductions to the genre, from iconic RTS classics to hidden gems that sparked their interest.
- Hook Games: Each host reflects on the game that solidified their passion for strategy, highlighting innovations in gameplay, scale, and immersion.
- Current Games: A look at what they’re playing now, showcasing everything from cutting-edge pre-alpha projects to narratively rich historical simulations.
The discussion began with the hosts recalling their earliest experiences with strategy games. Al’s introduction to RTS came with a ground-breaking classic that combined fast-paced gameplay with a memorable aesthetic. Nuno praised a medieval strategy staple that set the bar for years to come. Tim reflected on a city-building game that introduced him to the joys of resource management, while Shane shared his affection for a turn-based historical title that resonated with his interest in American history.
The conversation shifted to the games that truly hooked them. Al described the sci-fi RTS that expanded his horizons with massive maps and innovative mechanics. Nuno highlighted two pivotal titles—one that brought medieval siege warfare to life and another that defined WWII strategy for a generation. Tim dove into a modern RTS project driven by community passion, while Shane recounted his obsession with a turn-based game that added depth to his favourite historical period.
Finally, the group shared their current gaming ventures. Al offered insights into a pre-alpha RTS he’s involved with, showcasing its ground-breaking mechanics like dynamic terrain changes. Nuno explored the leadership challenges of a narrative-heavy WWII strategy game. Tim lauded a political strategy-RPG hybrid for its fresh take on decision-making. Shane detailed the vast scope of a WWII Pacific campaign game, noting its unmatched depth and historical realism.
Listeners can find this episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. For ways to get involved visit the Critical Moves Podcast website.
Next Week: The hosts will explore the best strategy games of 2024, recapping standout titles from the year. Don’t miss it.
