In Episode 36 of Critical Moves, Tim, Al, and Joe celebrate "Indie-pendence" Day by diving into indie strategy games that prove small teams can outclass corporate studios. From space combat simulators to medieval mercenary management, the hosts explore what makes indie developers tick and why their games often hit harder than AAA releases.
The Last General: Theater-Level Modern Warfare
Al opens with The Last General, a one-person project tackling modern military combat at the strategic level. Unlike Broken Arrow's botched launch, this game positions you as the theater commander controlling companies, regiments, and logistics across procedurally generated battlefields. The developer is learning from Broken Arrow's mistakes—no AI skirmish, broken infantry mechanics—and building something that actually works. Million-plus battlefields, post-Cold War setting, and arrow-drawing mechanics for synchronized operations. It's what modern military strategy should be.
Nebulous Fleet Command: Space Combat That Makes Sense
Tim discusses Nebulous Fleet Command, which strips away Star Wars fantasy for realistic space tactics. The focus is sensor warfare—finding enemies before they find you, managing detection ranges, firing missiles across massive distances. Combat is deliberately slow and methodical. Ships can hide in passive mode or risk detection by going active. Still in early access since 2022, but the developers keep adding features like carrier mechanics. It's space combat for people who want physics, not magic.
Star Traders Frontiers: Developer Engagement Done Right
Joe praises Star Traders Frontiers, made by two brothers who respond to Reddit bug reports within 24 hours. You start as a ship captain with customizable backgrounds affecting your starting conditions. Multiple paths available—trading, combat, exploration, piracy. The boarding mechanics are particularly well-developed: disable enemy ships rather than destroying them for better salvage. Turn-based combat resembles a card game with abilities tied to crew skills. Cross-platform compatibility and consistent content updates show what dedicated developers can achieve.
Fallen Frontier: One-Person Space Opera
Al returns with Fallen Frontier, sporting an industrial aesthetic inspired by The Expanse. Utilitarian ship designs where every component serves a function. The solo developer brought in artists for detailed ship models. Procedurally generated solar systems suggest open-ended gameplay rather than linear campaigns. The challenge will be creating strategic decisions in the emptiness of space. Originally planned for 2025, but solo developer timelines are meaningless. Strong Steam wishlist numbers and Discord community indicate serious interest.
Battle Brothers: Medieval Mercenary Brutality
Joe rounds out the discussion with Battle Brothers, where you manage a mercenary company in a low-fantasy medieval setting. Turn-based tactical combat combined with persistent world management. Economic pressure creates meaningful decisions—recruits are expensive, experienced fighters are irreplaceable, and the world becomes increasingly dangerous. From Overhype Studios, who are working on Menace, an XCOM-style game published by Hooded Horse.
The Indie Advantage
The team agrees indie games share strengths AAA titles can't match: risk-taking on unusual mechanics, developer passion over corporate formulas, direct communication with players, and willingness to iterate based on feedback. The downside is unpredictable development timelines and limited resources. But when indie developers nail their vision, they create experiences impossible in corporate environments. It's not about cheaper prices or retro nostalgia—it's genuine innovation that corporate risk-aversion kills.
Final Thoughts
The hosts conclude that indie developers can take risks and iterate in ways corporate committees never allow. These games succeed because they're built around clear visions rather than market research. The pattern is clear: when small teams focus on what they want to build, they often create something more compelling than focus-grouped AAA releases.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. Or find us on your preferred podcast service by searching Critical Moves Podcast.
The Last General: Theater-Level Modern WarfareAl opens with The Last General, a one-person project tackling modern military combat at the strategic level. Unlike Broken Arrow's botched launch, this game positions you as the theater commander controlling companies, regiments, and logistics across procedurally generated battlefields. The developer is learning from Broken Arrow's mistakes—no AI skirmish, broken infantry mechanics—and building something that actually works. Million-plus battlefields, post-Cold War setting, and arrow-drawing mechanics for synchronized operations. It's what modern military strategy should be.
Nebulous Fleet Command: Space Combat That Makes SenseTim discusses Nebulous Fleet Command, which strips away Star Wars fantasy for realistic space tactics. The focus is sensor warfare—finding enemies before they find you, managing detection ranges, firing missiles across massive distances. Combat is deliberately slow and methodical. Ships can hide in passive mode or risk detection by going active. Still in early access since 2022, but the developers keep adding features like carrier mechanics. It's space combat for people who want physics, not magic.
Star Traders Frontiers: Developer Engagement Done RightJoe praises Star Traders Frontiers, made by two brothers who respond to Reddit bug reports within 24 hours. You start as a ship captain with customizable backgrounds affecting your starting conditions. Multiple paths available—trading, combat, exploration, piracy. The boarding mechanics are particularly well-developed: disable enemy ships rather than destroying them for better salvage. Turn-based combat resembles a card game with abilities tied to crew skills. Cross-platform compatibility and consistent content updates show what dedicated developers can achieve.
Fallen Frontier: One-Person Space OperaAl returns with Fallen Frontier, sporting an industrial aesthetic inspired by The Expanse. Utilitarian ship designs where every component serves a function. The solo developer brought in artists for detailed ship models. Procedurally generated solar systems suggest open-ended gameplay rather than linear campaigns. The challenge will be creating strategic decisions in the emptiness of space. Originally planned for 2025, but solo developer timelines are meaningless. Strong Steam wishlist numbers and Discord community indicate serious interest.
Battle Brothers: Medieval Mercenary BrutalityJoe rounds out the discussion with Battle Brothers, where you manage a mercenary company in a low-fantasy medieval setting. Turn-based tactical combat combined with persistent world management. Economic pressure creates meaningful decisions—recruits are expensive, experienced fighters are irreplaceable, and the world becomes increasingly dangerous. From Overhype Studios, who are working on Menace, an XCOM-style game published by Hooded Horse.
The Indie AdvantageThe team agrees indie games share strengths AAA titles can't match: risk-taking on unusual mechanics, developer passion over corporate formulas, direct communication with players, and willingness to iterate based on feedback. The downside is unpredictable development timelines and limited resources. But when indie developers nail their vision, they create experiences impossible in corporate environments. It's not about cheaper prices or retro nostalgia—it's genuine innovation that corporate risk-aversion kills.
Final ThoughtsThe hosts conclude that indie developers can take risks and iterate in ways corporate committees never allow. These games succeed because they're built around clear visions rather than market research. The pattern is clear: when small teams focus on what they want to build, they often create something more compelling than focus-grouped AAA releases.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. Or find us on your preferred podcast service by searching Critical Moves Podcast.