GamesRadar+ Verdict
Pros
- +
Tons of realism
- +
Great sense of humor
- +
Plenty of deep strategy
Cons
- -
No consequences for flip-flopping
- -
Annoying random events
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Only two parties?
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Political junkies (defined as anyone who’s not already sick of the 2008 presidential race) will find this tongue-in-cheek strategy game based on the upcoming election a great diversion. As an armchair campaign manager, you’ll shuffle bobble-headed candidates (real life, historical, or custom-made) around the country in an effort to elevate their popularity, fundraise, and scam/convince the voters of each state (whose preferences are informed by actual polling data) that you’re on their side in various issues - from fixing the economy to Iraq to videogame violence - with ads, speeches, talk show appearances, and political operatives. If contemporary America isn’t your speed, you can play one of the three extra scenarios which include 1860’s America, Europe, or the alien world of Drengi from Galactic Civilizations II.
Even so, there’s so much charm veiling the spreadsheet that lies beneath the game that these quibbles are easily forgiven. PM08’s sense of humor, topical subject matter, and discount price ($19.99) make it a candidate I’d happily endorse.
PC Gamer scores games on a percentage scale, which is rounded to the closest whole number to determine the GamesRadar score.
PCG Final Verdict: 81% (excellent)
Jun 27, 2008
