14 DAY TRIAL // The Political Machine 2008 is easy to pick up and play if you have a modicum of knowledge regarding the American political system and the way the United States picks its presidents. You can choose from a wide array of candidates and try to outmaneuver the nominee of the rival party to get President. Here's how my first one hour with the game went.
15:00. I played the previous installment in the series, called The Political Machine, which dealt with the elections from 2004. The game made me believe a guy called Kerry would win. Although the game lied to me, I liked it very much.
15:05. I don't think I'll play campaign as it involves beating increasingly difficult opponents as you advance through the game. No, I want something quick and dirty. So, it's Quick Play for me.
15:07. Whom to choose, whom to choose? Some of the characters are locked and I don't bother to create one from scratch. Hmmm, who's this Conservative called Lord Kona? I think I have my candidate. Of course, even though I can mess around with Drengin elections or with a Civil War scenario, I choose to play the 2008 Election scenario.
15:08. Kona is really impressive in media appeal and fund raising, but he has little independent reach and is not very charismatic. I think his cape should make him popular. Also, he hails from Delaware.
15:09. I choose to fight the most awesome of Democrats: Bill "The Peacemaker" Clinton. He's got the experience and the looks, but I have genocidal tendencies going for me.
15:10. So, it begins.
15:17. I must be seriously retarded as I can't move my little bobble head around. I shall inquire further.
15:20. RTFM. I was there. Right click moves bobble head, left click selects.
15:25. Even if the game is turn based, because the candidates and other operatives move around and there's a scroll bar with news at the top, it all feels real time. Now, excuse me, I have some winning to do.
15:35. I picked up a Definer, which results in lower standings on issues for my Clintonian rival. Each campaign operative sits in one of the states on the game board and quietly does his thing. There are also endorsements to be won. I am aiming for that of the National Riffle Association.
15:50. As an alien lord running for President of the United States, whom would you pick as running mate? I have been watching that Dick Cheney since I started the game. Yup, he really is an alien.
16:00. I seem to be in the lead. My judicious use of money and ads seem to be putting me ahead in all but the bluest leaning states. Stay tuned...
I have secured the presidency as Lord Kona, with the trusted Dick Cheney at my side. I felt really good playing the game and, at first sight, it has solid mechanics and clear replayability. Check out our review later this week.