Globe & Mail games reporter finds the video game version of politics to require just as much personal compromise as the real thing. From the story:
"....I stepped into the shoes of Barack Obama and ran on an extremely liberal platform, giving speeches about gun control, promoting universal health care, and running ads about cutting carbon emissions-views parallel to my own political beliefs. I lost in a landslide that favoured my Republican opponent, a Mr. Dick Cheney....
I thought, I'm just a political n00b. Surely with a little more experience I could do better....
However, in order to win it seems as though I would need to completely abandon some of my more progressive views and embrace centrist positions on others. In short, I would need to compromise my beliefs and principles in order to win the votes of people whose beliefs and principles I don't agree with....
The Political Machine 2008 is remarkably accurate simulation of the political process. But it's also a reminder as to why I have so little faith or interest in real world politics and politicians."
WorthPlaying writes: "The mass media has summed up the 2008 presidential race in a variety of fairly negative terms. While words like "acerbic" and "dirty" were certainly batted around, developer Stardock has attempted to add a few more favorable adjectives with its charming entry, The Political Machine 2008. Set during the frenetic 41-week run up to Nov. 4, the game allows you to step into the shoes of an aspiring presidential hopeful, take a firm stance on the issues, and throw your hat into the ring for the most important office in the land."
SBG:
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Beyond the standard mode, you also have the additional modes of playing in an 1860 American election where you may need to do some research to see who actually cares about tariffs and equality movements. Or you could play on a twisted European theatre version of the game or the equally ludicrous and hilarious alien Drengin Empire elections. All have their different skews, but ultimately are the same core set to different themes. Graphics and sound are appropriate for its 20 dollar price tag, but it is a vast improvement over the 2D representations of the first game.
The Political Machine 2008 unfortunately will be forgotten by the end of the year, which is a shame because it is a solid turn-based strategy game that has big potential to educate younger generations into how the political process actually works."
Thunderbolt: "It's an interesting concept given the competition, although The Political Machine 2008 isn't billed as a simulator, and will certainly entertain those tempted by the lower price point. You've a solid game that, whilst incredibly similar to its forerunner, brings the series up to date, especially in such a historic US election. Just don't expect too much deviation as every play-through is anything but a winding road."
