The game that broke a studio - Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War Kaluven The British 2024-11-11 | Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War was the third title by Stainless Steel Studios - the creators of Empire Earth. Unfortunately it didn't turn out that great, the developer went under and it was finished by the publisher. Not only did it have some really interesting ideas, it also had a story behind it that's often mispresented whenever it is retold. Let's look at the game, examine what happened in detail and see if the whole "amazing studio crushed by bad publisher" narrative holds up.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Introduction and Menu02:34 Part 1- Running and Capturing the Game04:27 The Game - Features16:36 Gameplay Conclusions19:33 Part 2 - Development and what happened36:13 Kaluven's Theory (not fact)39:02 Wrap Up and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes - FTL but with Cylons Kaluven The British 2026-07-26 | Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes is described by PC Gamer as "the best FTL-like since FTL". But what does any of that mean, and more importantly, is it any good? In this video I'm going to cover what the game is, what the game isn't and hopefully give you some indication if it's the sort of game you might want to play.---00:00 Intro0047: Overview04:11 Fleet Management10:12 Pausable Real-Time Battles14:00 Thematic Match15:29 Summary and OutroAttributions:All other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me. Unless specified, I don't use AI for any images, video, narration, scripts or editing.
Demos from Steam Next: Dust Front, Panzer Strike and Iron Nest Kaluven The British 2026-06-29 | The June '26 Steam Next Fest brought strategy fans several interesting looking titles. Let's take a quick look at three of those - Dust Front, Panzer Strike and Iron Nest - and see if anything takes our fancy.If you're wondering why I didn't look at Zerospace - the release date is less than a month away so I thought I might as well just wait for the full package.Dust Front: store.steampowered.com/app/2610770/Dust_Front_RTSPanzer Strike: store.steampowered.com/app/3305930/Panzer_StrikeIron Nest: store.steampowered.com/app/2950790/IRON_NEST_Heavy_Turret_Simulator---00:00 Intro00:23 Dust Front03:51 Panzer Strike05:52 Iron NestAttributions:All other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me. Unless specified, I don't use AI for any images, video, narration, scripts or editing.
The Anatomy of Red Alert: What Made The Campaigns So Good? Kaluven The British 2026-06-20 | 2026 marks 30 years since the release of Command & Conquer: Red Alert. As part of our little birthday celebration we're having a look at what made it great. In this video we do a deep dive into the campaign mode - not in terms of an overview of the missions, but instead a look at the single-player experience as a whole, and what elements pushed it towards success.---00:00 Intro00:39 Overview03:20 Secrets07:18 Expansions08:57 Missions16:44 Opposition AI23:32 The Mission I Hate26:05 Units27:53 Conclusion + OutroAttributions:All other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me. Unless specified, I don't use AI for any images, video, narration, scripts or editing.
30 Years of Red Alert: Westwood Studios at their Peak Kaluven The British 2026-06-07 | Red Alert was created and released in 1996, that's three decades ago this year - so it's time for some celebratory Red Alert content. In this video I'm going to avoid the usual topics and instead look at the path that led from Dune, to Command & Conquer to Red Alert. I'll explain why selling 250k copies in 1992 is a big deal, why the move from VGA to SVGA was actually a gameplay improvement rather than a graphical one and touch on a 1950's book also titled Red Alert.---00:00 Intro00:50 Early Westwood06:44 Understand Sales Figures09:30 Command & Conquer12:44 From expansion to new game.14:28 Gameplay Improvements from Grahpics17:44 The New Product18:51 Why "Red Alert"?20:50 Messy Lore23:53 Closing thoughts and outroAttributions:Hillsfar Box Art May be found at the following website: http://www.mobygames.com/game/hillsfar/cover-art/gameCoverId,23264, Fair use, en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23663207Hillsfar Game ImageBy http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/original/1190453186-00.png, Fair use, en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18507361All other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me. Unless specified, I don't use AI for any images, video, narration, scripts or editing.
All aboard the Last Train Home: Real-time Tactics and Strategy (2023) Kaluven The British 2026-02-21 | Last Train Home is a real-time tactical game that follows the story of a small detachement of the Czechslovak legion as they make their way towards Vladivostok. It's not just a collection of missions, but a full story built around a long campaign that has you managing your forces, searching for fuel and food and overcoming many obstacles along the way. It's also pretty good, so lets have a little look.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT More about the Czechslovak legion: youtube.com/watch?v=nASMUMDaWyg---00:00 Intro01:25 Historical Context03:32 Campaign Format08:03 Force Management10:04 Real Time Tactics16:00 Personal Touch + Pacing18:59 The Narrative21:22 Closing thoughts and outroAll other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Expansion Packs - Making your favourite strategy game better. Kaluven The British 2026-01-17 | Additions for games changed when everything went digital, but for a long time boxed expansions containing major content updates were expected, anticipated and the only official way to expand a game. I'm going to talk about how we arrived there, and how things moved on when boxes on shelves became a thing of the past.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro01:20 Early Additions05:40 The Shovelware Era08:53 Bring on the Official Expansions13:18 Expectations15:27 DLC, the good and the bad19:32 Closing thoughts and outroThe two screengrabs of the old Traveller content by FASA come from Wayne's Books (waynesbooks.net). If you're looking for old supplements for old games, that should be your first port of call. All other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Both better and worse - KKND2: Krossfire - RTS (1998) Kaluven The British 2026-01-06 | KKND2: Krossfire is a game rammed full of contradictions. There were huge improvements in some areas, regressions in others - some problems were addressed, others were ignored - and it was declared a better game than its predecessor but given a far lower score. That sounds just interesting enough to talk about!Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and overview01:16 A clone of a clone02:52 The better08:21 The worse12:03 Conclusion14:12 Closing thoughts and outroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
An action/strategy game with actual strategy - HighFleet (2021) Kaluven The British 2025-12-29 | HighFleet is one of those rare games with the action/strategy label that actually has equal parts of both. The rich strategy layer has you thinking about what route to take, when to fight and how to gain all of the fuel, supplies and repairs that your fleet requires. The action gameplay has you shooting big cannons at things until they explode. I happen to thing both of these things are awesome, so lets take a look.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro02:23 What is HighFleet?04:30 The Strategy13:54 The Action16:03 Successes19:22 Failures24:39 Conclusion and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
From the tabletop to the desktop - Final Liberation (Warhammer Epic 40k - Turn Based Strategy) Kaluven The British 2025-12-21 | Final Liberation is a great recreation of Epic 40K and until Dawn of War came along one of the only 40K games that was actually good. It was a pretty good adaption from the tabletop, and even after all of this time is still fun to play. Also the cutscenes were amazing. I love this game, so I'm going to spend 20 minutes talking about it.You can buy Final Liberation on GOG here: gog.com/en/game/final_liberation_warhammer_epic_40000It's currently 50% off until 3rd Jan. Well worth it!Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro01:20 My lack of objectivity2:43 Features and Mechanics07:30 The Campaign10:00 Amazing Cutscenes13:55 Replicating Tabletop17:15 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
The C&C we have at home - KKND - RTS (1997) Kaluven The British 2025-12-13 | KKND (Krush Kill n Destroy) is an early RTS very much modelled on the Westwood way of doing things. We get to do battle on a post-apocolyptic earth with missle crabs and gatling tanks as Survivors or Evolved, in a fully featured campaign complete with FMV and real actors. But is it any good and do we have any fun? Perhaps not. Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and overview03:00 Features07:00 The "Humor"10:26 A C&C clone?15:22 Understanding its success18:59 OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Scenario #9 King of the Hill - Brutal (Updated Nov 2025) Kaluven The British 2025-11-07 | A fresh look at the Beyond All Reason single player scenario: King of the Hill. I'm told there have been some changes since my last attempt at this scenario, so I wanted to provide an updated guide to reflect that - and also one that works on brutal difficulty.Get BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Opening01:24 Game Plan03:14 Defend09:00 Eco11:29 Attack13:23 CleanupUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better Ep.12: Supreme Isthmus Kaluven The British 2025-11-07 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, it looks at the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doing the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. Today we'll look at Supreme Isthmus, BAR's most widly played 8v8 map and probably the first thing you'll encouter when you decide to give large team games a try. We'll go over the layout, strategy and the meta - and spend a bit of time on front and sea positions looking at common openers and objectives.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Position Overview05:26 Front09:08 Geo19:52 Pond22:33 Sea Overview26:23 Geo Sea29:22 Beach Sea34:29 Tech and AirUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better Ep.11: Anti Air Kaluven The British 2025-10-14 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, it looks at the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doing the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we talk about Anti-Air defenses. We'll look at finding the right tool for the right job, and how to get the most out of your turrets.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Overview00:30 Passive Defense02:35 Turret Options07:42 Positioning etc11:14 Targeting Priority13:29 Closing thoughtsUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better Ep.10: Your first time in the tech position Kaluven The British 2025-10-09 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, it looks at the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doing the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we talk about your first time in the tech position on All That Glitters. We'll be talking some theory in terms of metal, energy and build power requirements and your overall objective. We'll also be looking at a very simple and forgiving build that can help you though your first few games as the tech player.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Overview00:37 Theory07:27 Beginner Build25:44 Closing thoughtsUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 9: All That Glitters (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-10-02 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, it looks at the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doing the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at the the popular map, All That Glitters. We'll go over the basics, talk about the lanes, positions and some of the map features. Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Overview00:46 Lanes06:56 Position: Front14:58 Position: Air25:53 Position: TechUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 8: Turrets and Towers (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-22 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks at the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at the Tech 1 defenses, how and where to use them - and more importantly show how overcommitting to them can lead to disaster.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro01:03 Overview of Ground Defense07:49 Quick note on AA08:38 The purpose of T1 defenses10:20 Don't overbuild12:40 Real-game examplesUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
The Perfect Isometric Sim - Transport Tycoon Deluxe Kaluven The British 2025-09-16 | Transport Tycoon was a great game, but Transport Tycoon Deluxe took this solid foundation and turned it into one of the best isometric sims ever created. I've always been a big fan of this game and have returned to it many times over the three decades since it was released. So lets look at the original, the deluxe and the open source version that keeps the dream alive today - and also talk a little about it's development and the people behind it.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro00:37 The Three Titans of Sim02:06 The Original09:28 The Deluxe14:45 Continuations19:00 Open TTD20:24 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 7: Assorted Info (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-13 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at some assorted info - odds and ends that you may not know that could one day prove useful.Recommended BAR ChannelsRogueL1keyoutube.com/@roguel1keSuper Kitowiecyoutube.com/@SuperKitowiec2BrightWorksGamingyoutube.com/@BrightWorksTVCONQUERyoutube.com/@C0NQERRTick Armyyoutube.com/@tickarmy-t1 Unit Code List:github.com/beyond-all-reason/Beyond-All-Reason/blob/master/language/en/units.jsonSingle Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro00:42 How to test things03:28 Transports07:10 Landscaping09:33 Repairs11:17 Finding further infoUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 6: Knowledge is Power (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-11 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the things you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at scouting, why it's important and the different options available.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Spam03:42 Planes as Spam04:40 Cameras and Stealth Bots06:45 Naval Options + ExampleUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 5: Doing More With Less (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-11 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the thigns you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at efficiency, and how you can achieve the same outcome with less expendature - leading to faster progression.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and explanation02:10 Repair, repair, repair07:06 Replay example16:13 Recap and SummaryUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 4: Unemployment (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-05 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the thigns you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at unemployment and why it's important to actually use the things you produce.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro05:07 Replay example11:36 Recap and SummaryUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 3: Economies of Scale (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-03 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the thigns you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at how scaling works, why jumping the gun can lead to problems and the best time to focus on it.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro01:20 Stages of scaling09:24 Replay example15:34 RecapUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 2: The Opener (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-09-01 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the thigns you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this episode we look at the first few minutes of the game, and how you can optimise your opener.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro02:00 Refining your opener16:24 Replay Examples25:03 RecapUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Better - Episode 1: Resources (Beyond All Reason New Player Guides) Kaluven The British 2025-08-30 | Learn BAR. This series is for brand new players, and instead of focusing on unit stats, interface buttons and build orders, looks the theory behind the basics. It helps to know why you should be doings the thigns you're told to do - and hopefully this series will help with that. In this first episode we talk about the basics of BAR's resource system.Single Player Scenario Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS0flTL4EESeMKI2MvdOWRLKkbOjjXdwDGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro01:00 Upkeep04:00 Building the affordable07:47 Build Cost and Build Power17:30 OutroUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
That time they tried to give an RTS bot emotions Kaluven The British 2025-08-29 | In 2006 four researches attempted to give an Age of Mythology AI bot emotions to study the effects on it's competency and play style. They wrote a paper about it, so lets take a look at that and the earlier research that inspired it. Perhaps we might learn something about real-time strategy bots and what happens when you take an idea and add time, money and curiosity.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro01:43 Background - Emotional Agents07:10 Main Study09:19 The emotional model12:15 Four Personalities14:34 Conclusions and OutroUniversity-of-twente-letters.jpg by Pollus Fornerod, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsEnschede, binnenstad.jpg by Kleuske, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Age of Mythology - A legendary RTS from 2002 Kaluven The British 2025-08-18 | Age of Mythology was one of the finest entries in the "Age of" series, and perhaps Ensemble Studio's best work. In this video I'm going to give a little bit of backstory on how it came to be, and talk about some of the things that make it such a solid release. Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro00:30 Background04:28 Features11:03 Keys to Success13:46 Post-Release15:39 Goodbye Ensemble16:36 Conclusion and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Learning about game dev by learning game dev - using Godot to make a strategy game / RTS Kaluven The British 2025-07-27 | Alternative Title: "Kaluven ties to makes an RTS"I talk a lot about game development, but I've never tried to make a game. It's time to change that, by spending a month learning some basic game development and finding out where it takes us. Natrually I had a crack at making an RTS, using Godot as my game engine of choice. I tacked the basics, plus some pathfinding, avoidence, a fog of war system, building, harvesting, tilemaps, sprite sheets, tilemaps and everything inbetween, and in the end I made something that at the very least has a passing resemblence to a strategy game.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro01:00 Context02:00 Week 1 - Some Learning08:32 Week 2 - Fog of War and a Progress15:22 Top down RTS17:15 Week 3 - Isometric Projection24:39 Week 4 - Collision, Avoidence and AI brain31:00 Welcome to Isometrica32:53 Closing thoughts and outroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Z: Steel Soldiers - The Frustrating and Disappointing Robot RTS (Bitmap Brothers, 2001) Kaluven The British 2025-07-14 | Z: Steel Soldiers was the follow up to 1996's "Z", a real-time stratergy game featuring fun but dumb robots in an unspecified future war. The 2001 version is more akin to a regular RTS, but due to a long list of problems was never any fun to play. Let's take a look at Steel Soldiers and explain at a base level why it's more frustrating than it is fun.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro00:30 The Original Z01:30 Steel Soldiers Overview03:00 Problems, problems, problems06:40 Interfacing with Failure13:10 Unfunny14:30 A glimmer of hope16:00 Conclusions and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
RTS pre-release examples need more than skirmish / versus - The Dangers of Demos Kaluven The British 2025-06-27 | Game demos, early access or beta releases can be problematic if you don't properly represent your game. You might have great plans for campaigns, story and single player missions - but if your demo just consists of skirmish mode and your mechanics are unremarkable the no-one is going to give the game any consideration whatsoever - and you might end up hurting prospective sales.Lets talk about that.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro04:53 Mechanically similar06:56 So why the frustration?08:02 Games are more than their mechanics.11:12 Why the hard focus on skirmish/multiplay?15:12 Some sort of point17:33 OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
A rather safe fusion opener for eco position - BAR for Beginners Kaluven The British 2025-06-09 | It's another BAR for beginners guide, focusing on a safe opener for the eco position on team maps like "All that Glitters" that have a defined eco spot. This uses a fusion opening instead of fast afus and doesn't require sacrificing your commander or reclaiming your T2 lab - so you've got room to adapt to unexpected problems early on in the game.New to BAR? Episode 1: youtube.com/watch?v=9RnCSqF-WKYGet BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and explanation04:55 The build19:36 Closing thoughtsUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Axis & Allies: The WW2 RTS from 2004 Kaluven The British 2025-06-05 | Strategy gaming is no stranger to the Second World War, but this setting was more often the purview of turn-based grand strategy or tactical games. This changed in 2004 with the release of the first proper base-building RTS set during this period: Axis and Allies. Lets take a little look at that shall we?Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and background02:53 What's included and game modes06:56 The RTS game engine13:55 The Problem18:45 Graphics, Sounds and Features21:20 Closing thoughts and outroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Scenario Guide Part 5 - Outsmart the Barbarians [Updated June 2025] Kaluven The British 2025-05-31 | A fresh look at the Beyond All Reason single player scenario: Outsmart the Barbarians. Things have changed since my previous video a few months ago, and as such that tactic is no longer viable. The scenario is certainty still doable (on hard difficulty at least) but it's no walkover. In this video I'll talk you though a replay using a strategy that I have had a decent level of success with. Get BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro01:45 Opening09:48 Protect and Secure16:56 Stabilize19:10 Eco21:45 Attack28:18 FinishUnless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Turn Based Tactics and Stealth in WWII - Classified: France 44 Kaluven The British 2025-05-24 | Classified: France '44 is a turn-based tactics game from Absolutely games. It's got stealth, stabbing, shooting and sticking it to the boche, so let's have a little look at the game, see what it offers and ask ourselves if it's worth playing (it is).Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and overview01:42 Mission Types06:22 Combat Basics10:18 Campaign and Metagame16:31 Graphics and Presentation19:54 Problems22:33 Conclusions and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
BAR Scenario Guide Part 6 - Tick Tock (Brutal) - Updated May 2025 Kaluven The British 2025-05-23 | I've given this one a quick revisit as a few have reported that the previous guide is no longer applicable. Still very achievable, although you might have to be a little faster as it seems there is a great deal of variation in how long it takes for the Behemoths to reach your base. This method should be suitable for anything as early as the 6:20 mark.Get BAR here: beyondallreason.info/download#Download-Play (Win/Linux)Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---Unless otherwise specified, footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Unless otherwise specified, Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock, Public News or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library or the games themselves. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
My perplexing experience with Phantom Doctrine Kaluven The British 2025-05-15 | I played 2018's Phantom Doctrine and it was a bit of an odd experience. I'm going to talk about that for 15 minutes so I can finally get some closure on the ordeal and move on.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and game summary03:28 My experiences13:44 A conclusion?All footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
A new RTS, and its a good one! - Lets talk Tempest Rising. Kaluven The British 2025-05-06 | Tempest Rising is a brand new RTS, and a pretty well rounded one at that. It has a couple of very enjoyable campaigns as well as skirmish matches, custom games and ranked play. In this video I talk about the game, what you get, what it does well and highlight a couple of areas that need improvement.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and overview01:41 Story and campaign layout04:59 Mechanics08:45 Problems15:49 The thing we all have to mention17:14 Conclusions and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Empire Eternal and Spiritual Successors (to Empire Earth RTS) Kaluven The British 2025-04-21 | Empire Eternal is being touted as the "Spiritual Successor" to Empire Earth. Let's talk about what we know so far, look into the studio and publisher and then have a little chat about spiritual successors, expectation management and how we have changed over the years.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro00:25 What are Spiritual Successors anyway?02:13 What do we know about the game?05:39 What about the studio/publisher?10:56 Expectation management matters13:30 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Z - The Other, Other, Robot RTS (Bitmap Brothers, 1996) Kaluven The British 2025-04-11 | Z is a real-time strategy game from 1996, it's got robots, rocket fuel and a lighthearted touch. Not often celebrated but frequently remembered, it's a classic RTS that is well worth talking about for just over 10 minutes.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and Background03:40 Mechanics09:31 Campaign 10:16 Not a C&C Clone13:07 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Game Reviews: Correct, Corrupt or just Controversial? Kaluven The British 2025-04-04 | Just like all reviews, the words written about our favorite games don't always seem to make a great deal of sense for us. This channel might focus on RTS and strategy, but it's a problem faced by the entire sector. Let's take a look at what might make reviews seem out of place to us and talk about how things can go wrong. And yes we'll discuss Gamespot.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Overview03:31 Perspective04:45 Time06:46 Baseline08:40 Conflict of Interet11:01 Studio Meddling13:20 Bad Practice14:13 The Gamespot Incident18:46 Rumors and General Problems20:28 A look at some scores24:22 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.Jeff Gersmann Photo By Yatpay - I took this photo at the panel, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38869731
Realistically Tall - A thematic Stellaris build that works in an average game Kaluven The British 2025-03-27 | The idea of roleplaying a "tall" empire can be pretty alluring, but building one that actually works in a standard, unmodded single-player game can be tough - especially as no-one can agree on exactly what tall means. I would like to introduce the "Bastion State", a small but powerful empire that punches way above the footprint it has on the galactic map.Astral Planes DLC is a must, as the Sovereign Guardianship civic is a key part of this build for reduction in empire size and defensive bonuses.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and Overview01:46 Building the Empire06:50 First Steps17:12 Middle of the First Century21:44 End of the First Century25:32 End of the Second Century29:14 Closing Thoughts and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Sid Meiers Colonization - My Favourite Turn-Based Strategy 4X of the 90s Kaluven The British 2025-03-24 | I've talked about this game several times on my channel, but never taken the time to dedicate a proper video to it. Today that changes, as I think a little look at Sid Meier's Colonization is long overdue. I was fascinated with this little piece of turn based strategy joy as a child, and still play it occasionally today.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro00:37 Background03:00 Mechanics08:30 Historical Note09:56 More Mechanics14:45 Less is More16:55 Secrets to Success18:50 A Midi Aside21:21 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Censorship in Video Games (From a Strategy / RTS Perspective) Kaluven The British 2025-03-14 | The censoring of games is commonplace, not so much by governments, but more by publishers looking to ensure their games reach the widest audience. Lets take a look at censorship, the basis on which it started to by applied to games and where it is today in the form of ratings. We'll focus on strategy as that's what this channel is all about, and we won't forget to talk about Germany.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro00:45 Very, very, brief history of media censorship03:14 Games were different05:20 Censorship in Germany10:28 Rated not banned13:06 Online interactions14:33 Outside of North America / Europe16:46 Summary and OutroMortal Kombat Footage from the Arcade version, recorded by ArcadeGamesFreak youtube.com/watch?v=qwZQikCk4N0All other footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
The other robot RTS - Metal Fatigue Kaluven The British 2025-03-02 | Battle on surface! Battle underground! Battles everywhere! Let's take a brief look back at Metal Fatigue - the RTS with three brothers, three factions, three layers and a whole host of fighting robots. Managing three real-time strategy battles at once in a single game is a bit much for most of us, but innovation always comes with plenty of risk - and as such is interesting and worth having a look at.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and Overview01:55 Features 04:35 Multiple battles - the "layers"07:14 ComBots11:18 Minor issues14:54 The key problem17:25 Does it hold up today?18:22 Conclusions and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Playing the Baddies: Problems with playing the Germans in Second World War Strategy Games Kaluven The British 2025-02-20 | There are various problems with strategy games set during the second world war that allow you to play as Germany - something that gets even trickier when there are Axis focused campaigns. In this uncharacteristically serious video, we look at the problems with WW2 in strategy, tactics and RTS games. We talk about common myths, and how these games tend to further them every time they distort reality to make gameplay palatable. We also talk about the reality - which is unpleasant but necessary context.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT ---00:00 Intro and Overview02:36 The "Clean Wehrmacht" myth03:50 The reality06:04 How does this relate to games?08:00 An example using Company of Heroes14:10 Playing to Lose15:41 "Naive but Professional Solider" trope16:44 Conclusions and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Empire Earth 3 - We know WHY its bad, but HOW did this happen? Kaluven The British 2025-02-10 | Empire Earth 3 was coughed up onto the shelves in November 2007, and ever since plenty of people have talked about why it's bad. They have highlighted every dubious feature, questionable interaction and tiresome voice line, but very few of them have asked "how?". How did a respectable development studio with a proven track record make so many poor choices in a single game. Let's speculate a while.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro00:39 Context02:08 Why is it bad?08:38 How do these things happen?12:38 A theory14:47 Sone notes, and outroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
They wont make this RTS (but its fun to imagine) Kaluven The British 2025-02-04 | It's a celebration! 2000 subscribers feels like a good number, twice as many as I had just six short months ago! But what do you do for a milestone video? I didn't want to put out one of my regular uploads, so I thought I would create something a little different.I spend a lot of time talking about strategy games and the people who make them. But what would I do in their place? This is my attempt at an elevator pitch for such a game, if the elevator was particually slow and the building unrealistically tall.Thanks for watching, thanks for subscribing and I hope you all continue to do so.KaluvenCome say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro01:53 Our Story10:30 Some Mechanics18:46 Key Design Philosophy10:49 Campaign Play24:16 Thanks!All footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
An RTS like no other - Original War Kaluven The British 2025-01-22 | Persistent Soldiers, Alien Technology and the mother of all time-heists. Yes it's time for Original War, the RTS from 2001 that's quite unlike any other. As far as strategy games go it's fondly remembered and pretty distinct, but what is it, how does it work and why are ape men wearing bomb vests?Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Story04:29 Interesting Mechanics07:08 Varied Vehicles09:03 Buildings and Resources10:49 Campaign Play14:16 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Strategy Sequel Considerations - Frostpunk 2 Kaluven The British 2025-01-15 | With the original Frostpunk 6 years and 3 DLCs old the sequel was never going to be the same game, and rightly so. Let's look at some of the difficult decisions you have to make when trying to follow up a pretty unique experience and see how Frostpunk 2 stacks up against it's predecessor.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Overview03:52 Modern Sequels07:14 Original Limitations09:17 Not So Different10:45 New Elements12:20 Some Problems16:10 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Frostpunk - Something chilly for the Christmas Holidays Kaluven The British 2024-12-16 | The original Frostpunk was released in 2018, an event I totally missed and as such I didn't get the game until a couple of weeks ago. Now that I've played it, and it's currently on sale at a heavily reduced price, I would thoroughly recommend it for anyone looking for something to keep themselves occupied with over the Christmas holidays.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Overview02:14 Game and Features07:33 Summary and OutroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
Quality RTS on a Budget - Starship Troopers: Terran Command Kaluven The British 2024-12-06 | Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a smart little single-player RTS that's very much worth playing. Let's take a look into what the game is, what it isn't, and how leaving out multiplayer and skirmish modes allowed a small studio to accomplish some great things with a limited budget.Come say hi on Discord: discord.gg/7DAfZ794dT---00:00 Intro and Background01:55 The Game06:35 Resource System09:39 The Campaign11:14 Graphics, Setting and Sound13:10 Why no multiplayer?15:41 Closing thoughts and outroAll footage is either recorded by me or taken from official game trailers or demo reels. Images are either my own, AI generated, Free and Royalty-Free Stock or from Wikipedia. Backing Music is from the YouTube creator audio library. The script is my own work, and the voice over is me.
