In Episode 7 of Critical Moves, the hosts break down the best strategy games of the year. With 2024 delivering an impressive lineup of new releases, remasters, and long-awaited sequels, Al, Nuno, and Tim debate which titles stood out the most.
Here’s what the episode covered:
- Innovative Takes on Classic Formulas: Games that reimagine familiar mechanics with fresh twists, from pixel-perfect tactical battles to grand strategy experiments.
- Biggest Surprises: Titles that came out of nowhere, exceeding expectations or shifting genre conventions.
- Debate Over Remasters and Sequels: A discussion on whether updated classics deserve recognition alongside brand-new experiences.
Tim kicked things off with a look at a modern take on Heroes of Might and Magic, praising its gorgeous pixel art and well-thought-out combat mechanics. He highlighted the way it streamlines traditional turn-based battles while introducing fresh spellcasting and unit movement systems. Al, ever the sceptic on graphics-first games, asked whether it truly advanced the genre or was just a well-polished nostalgia trip.
Al’s pick was Empire of the Ants, a visually stunning RTS that flips the genre’s perspective—literally. Played from the ground level, it forces players to navigate the world as an ant, limiting vision to what the commander unit can see. He praised the immersion, the stunning environmental details, and the shift away from the standard god-view RTS formula. The discussion touched on the broader trend of RTS games moving toward accessibility and intuitive controller support, with both Empire of the Ants and Tim’s pick benefiting from gamepad-friendly design.
The conversation turned to Manor Lords, one of the year’s most hyped releases. Nuno described it as one of the best medieval strategy games ever, blending city-building and RTS combat with an obsessive level of historical detail. Tim, however, was less convinced, arguing that it straddles the line between genres without fully excelling at either. The hosts debated whether the game’s slower pace and lack of deep replayability would hold it back long-term.
Nuno also highlighted a WWII XCOM-style game that lets players sabotage Nazi forces ahead of D-Day. He praised its tactical depth, stealth mechanics, and compelling narrative layer, while Al questioned whether it was just a reskin of Firaxis’ formula. The hosts agreed that, while not revolutionary, it was a solid evolution of turn-based tactics in a fresh setting.
The debate over remasters resurfaced with Age of Mythology: Retold. Al argued that it deserved its place on the list as one of the best RTS campaigns ever made, now brought to modern standards. Tim pushed back, saying that while fun, it wasn’t truly a 2024 game in spirit. Nuno defended it, highlighting the expanded content and visual overhaul, making it a must-play for newcomers and returning fans alike.
The episode wrapped up with a look at Frostpunk 2, Sovereign Naval Combat, and Sins of a Solar Empire 2. Tim praised Frostpunk 2 for successfully evolving the original’s survival mechanics into large-scale political strategy, while Al worried that it lost the personal touch of its predecessor. Nuno was surprised by Sovereign Naval Combat’s early release, enjoying its balance of realism and intuitive RTS design. The final debate centered on Sins of a Solar Empire 2, with mixed opinions on whether it meaningfully expanded upon the first game.
To close out, Tim gave a quick shoutout to Sovereign: Kingdom of Rivia and Mechabellum, two lesser-known strategy releases worth checking out.
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 tackle “Morals in Wargaming,” exploring how games handle ethical dilemmas in war-based strategy titles. Don’t miss it.
