It starts out well, until they reveal their crappy political agenda. Apparently, games with historical fictional settings are not allowed to portray slavery. It must be fun living in denial of historical facts...

Informed experienced strategy game fans talking about what they know. Unlike nearly every games podcast this isn’t the exact same discussion every week about the same 3 big budget games stating the same boring viewpoints over and over. These are genuine, informed, experienced fans and professionals discussing games they love in a genre they love. It’s detailed, interesting, and exactly what games podcasts should be.

I’ve been a fan of Rob Zacny and his reviews and opinions of strategy games for years, in print and other podcasts. Although he isn’t on every cast the crew, Len/Ian/Rowan, are doing an excellent job. I’ve only recently rediscovered my love of RTS and strategy games and I’ve been binging on older episodes. Highly recommend this cast

If you want to talk politics then be a political podcast (but first please learn to think for yourselves). If you want to be a gaming podcast then leave your whiny hive mind political opinions out of it.

Holy cow the dude typing violently in my headphones during the discussion is so distracting and unprofessional.

Keep your evil politics out of discussing strategy games (ep. 549 was insufferable).

This is a long running podcast covering strategy games. The subject matter is fantastic, and you're not likely to find another podcast offering as deep a dive into this type of gaming anywhere online. However, the hosts are hit and miss. Some of them seem to over-reach with their use of the English language a bit, which often results in "word salad" as opposed to a clear point. And if you're not a fan of vocal fry or progressive politics agendas, steer clear. Fraser is the best co-host; unfortunately he's not on all the time. If they made a super cut of just Fraser moaning about strat games, I'd give it five stars.

But I can't really find insightful game podcasts other than this and they sometimes cover stuff I care about.

The dysphoria and confusion set in. The only reason to ever listen is because of Dr Bruce but he hardly shows at all anymore.

I’m going through the oldest episodes available (circa 2009) and I’m loving it. So much nostalgia hitting me. Please don’t burn yourselves out guys. Just play what you want when you want.

Best strategy-centric pod I’ve come across by a considerable margin. Only complaint is there’s not another fifty or so more Civ eps. - Josh, Imperial Scrolls of Honor Podcast Dude

This show easily became one of my favorite podcasts of all time, because it reignited my interest in strategy games and helped me understand many of the layers built into these complex games. This show also makes me listen to it differently than other podcasts. The extensive archive of episodes is so rich in information that it’s easy to dive deep into the back catalog and create a list of must-have episodes. This is thanks to the singular focus of each episode on a particular game or deep dives into systems and mechanics. These episodes come in a sort of lecture/round table format that is super easy to listen to. This show has my highest recommendation.

Top shelf strategy games content.

Two episodes in and I am hooked. Mature guys talking about strategy games, clearly know what they are talking about and it's just.. It's just exactly what I was looking for. Civilized discussions! Absolutely loving this, and I am glad there is so much content to catch up on. Please keep it going.

Absolutely love this podcast!! I wish there were episodes released more frequently. From EU to Stellaris to Total War, TMA hits all the bases from grand strategy to more tactically nuanced games. Keep killing it!

Rob is a top notch host, and the guests are always insightful. Absolutely one of my favourite podcasts!

I've tried a few different podcasts devoted to strategy games on the computer or the table. This one by far outshines them all. If you like strategy and have time for a podcast, you should absolutely subscribe (and listen to their back catelog!).

There aren’t too many podcasts (or even websites for that matter) devoted to the topics of historical gaming and war gaming. But even if there were, I can guaranty that 3MA would be the best. This is simply phenomenal as a podcast, and I eagerly await new episodes every month. They always seem up-to-date on the newest games, and they know their target audience well enough to anticipate everything that we’re playing. Plus, I really enjoy their banter, which always seems to stay laser-focused on their topic (something which most podcasts desperately need). Notably, the opinions of this team are always fair, honest, and hard to debate. They offer intricate reasons for their viewpoints, and they discuss both the good and the bad of every game - even the most hyped games. Overall, they make historical gaming extra enjoyable and give me something to do when not actually playing. One comment though: the frivolous (and sometimes sudden) swearing seems very out-of-place and does nothing to enhance the otherwise extremely intelligent conversation. (It kinda feels like a professor swearing in the middle of a lecture because he or she’s coming up short on what to say. Very strange.) Also, I’ll be listening in the car, and then suddenly have to turn it off or down so that my young daughters don’t hear. This is something I expect to deal with when listening to home-brewed podcasts about first person shooters - not really something I’d expect to deal with in (what is otherwise a very professionally run) gaming podcast. Notwithstanding my one issue, this podcast is an absolute blast.

Your friends don’t want to discuss the best game of 1997 for two hours, but these folks certainly do

I actually really liked the podcast. Unfortunately there has been a slow shift away from the gaming/entertainment side of things; towards a more social and political focus in gaming. Like some other gamers I use gaming as an escape from the politically charged and divisive nature of our society. Of course I’m concerned about the issues facing our society, I just don’t want to deal with it 24/7. It has been very disappointing to see the political and social issues becoming more prevalent in the podcast. It is a signal to me that this podcast will no longer allow me to take a break from grinding politics and rhetoric of our society

Great to have a gaming podcast that takes itself and its subject matter seriously. There's always a variety of opinions and mature discussion without friction between participants. I love that they occassionally revisit games that have been previously reviewed. Games change and mature and it shows that TMA is not just focussed on the latest shiny thing.

These guys love so say "like" way too much. They also make statements, but pitch their voice up at the end as if the statement was a question. I found the game challenging? I installed the dlc? That speaking habit is very annoying? Also, the hosts try too hard to sound smart, using long sentences instead of clear meaning. They don't seem to realize that when they say things such as "reduce down" and "join together" their stock is already down. They tend to self-reference and describe the current game by referencing other games. This is not very useful if you aren't familiar with their previous shows, or haven't played those games. At the end of the show, the listener gets the best info. I think the speakers get tired. They drop their "need to sound smart" and communicate their opinions effectively. So if you can put on your "like" filter and hold on to the end, you might find some good information.

Very well done - in-depth & intelligent discussions.

Not a fan of one of the voices, but the discussions are usually great.

I regret profoundly not knowing about Three Moves Ahead years ago, their thoughtful and well-informed review and analysis of games would have literally saved me hundreds of hours and dollars! Further, the production values are very sound and the hosts have clearly put attention to the craft of podcasting. Disagreements are meaningful and well-explored. Just fantastic in every way≥

Focused on strategy PC video games, with the occasional strategy board game thrown in. Really tight podcast too: no fat, no banal chitchat, no intro/outro filler, they prepare ahead of time...just lots of strategy game content. Certainly for a game designer it's a required listen. Even the episodes from years ago are worth a listen.

The content is great. However, the host sounds like he is in a tin can. Usually most podcasts have their audio issues worked out by episode 300.

If you like strategy games, you should be listening to 3MA. It's a great place to get deep discussion on games both new and old. Great guests, excellent hosts.

I really like this show. The panelists treat a fairly niche interest with respect and knowledge, and the various guests speak well. I wish the show featured more women as guests, but it's a male-dominated field and the discussions are always interesting in themselves. Well worth a listen if you enjoy strategy games of any stripe.

This is the best podcast on the planet for strategy gaming. No question. Well spoken, informed hosts delve into every aspect of the games, the industry and more. Don't miss it.

Listening to the more recent episodes of this podcast, I'm very pleased to find that games are discussed intelligently and in-depth with little nonsense, so even though I don't have much interest in video games, a board game fan intrigued by design considerations might find much to appreciate.

Board game, video game, strategy game

They cover PC games, they cover board games, they cover mobile games, they cover wargames, and they have a crew, anchored by Rob, that knows more about strategy games than anyone I know. "Hello gamers" gets me every time!

Thoughtful, fun discussion of various strategy games. I hear about some great (and not so great) games on the podcast and the frank appraisals of games by Rob, Troy, Bruce, and others is a pleasure to listen to. Keep it up!

If you enjoy strategy games and are looking for detailed, intelligent conversation that dives in deep about a game or sub-genre one at a time; this is the show for you. Good audio quality (some smacking at times though), 'timeless topics' most episodes can are still relevant years after release, varied guests.

Friends move around, get weird schedules or marry non-gamers (horrors!). That's why I like this podcast. It's fun hearing the regular hosts and odd guests talk about games I love, games I'm curious about or surprise me with some I never heard about. Friendly voices to keep me company when I go on my 3.5 mile walks (srsly, gamers the chair is not your best friend) or if I'm working on something, helps make the time fly. Along with my other podcasts, these are great buds when my girlfriend just has to watch Househunters or isn't up for a walk. Thumbs up!!

Being someone who loves playing RTS but having neither the time nor money to spend on all the games out there, this is an excellent podcast that has long surpassed on-line reviews when helping me decide if a game is worth trying or not.

So I was introduced to this podcast through the Paradox forums when TMA previewed HOI4 in the Summer. After that I found out they reviewed Order of Battle Pacific, then they talked about and questioned long time Strategy mechanics, board games which I never managed to experience, told amazing stories from the games they played, and so much more. I have loved strategy games ever since I was kid, playing iconic games like Warcraft 2 (on the PSOne), SW Battlegrounds, C&C Generals, Rome Total War, COH, World in Conflict, Hearts of Iron 3, and so on to this day. It's my favorite genre but I never really found people who I could talk or listen to regarding strategy games. If anything, it's usually about Starcraft 2 or MOBAs :/ But TMA fills that void and more. It has made me become more aware of gameplay mechanics, how gameplay or factions are designed, what's going on in the board gaming section, and the stories they tell keep me enticed. I listen to them while I play games (usually Strategy games :P ) or when I go for a jog. The podcast is filled with very interesting, smart, and engaging hosts and guests and they have given me a lot of insight and enjoyment since the Summer. Thank you! :) 5/5

Troy stutters. Rob bores. Bruce rants. Julian jokes. Tom disagrees. This is my favorite strategy games podcast in my house.

The content is always well researched and interesting. They are clearly experts in strategy war gaming. However I cannot listen to more than one episode every month because of Rob smacking his lips in my ear. It is always worse near the end of the episode. Please stop.

Insightful strategy game discussion. Highly recommend.

I am a recent convert to TMA from Rob’s time on GWJ. Thank you for a gaming podcast on a little noticed side of gaming, strategy. I may not be interested in the games you are talking about but I always find the conversation interesting and worth my time.

The best podcast hands down for thoughtful discussions of strategy gaming.

These guys are really into strategy games. I don't know if they're good at them but they really love them and they sure can talk about them. Really great listen if you're into games that will challenge your noggin and want to be on the cutting edge of strategy without losing sight of its past.

Good gaming news for players of video games.

My go-to podcast for all strategy games. Accept no substitutes.

This is a fantastic podcast. It combines everything I love: history, strategy, gaming, and smart people discussing all of those. This is the only podcast I've ever wanted to go back and listen to all the old episodes. Subscribe and start listening!

Started listening a month ago , loved it so much I went all the way to first episode and am up to 79! Great team of guys ( and occasionally girls). Very in depth look at my genre of choice in PC console or board game variety. Look through the feed, find a favorite game listed, get hooked, then tell a friend!

Great stuff here, and the topic is really focused. This may lead to certain episodes not being interesting, but I've enjoyed what I heard.

Thoughtful commentary on strategy gaming-can't get enough!