The Political Machine 2012

Stardock

Rank: #7 / 10
Released: 2012
Studio: Stardock
Genre: government simulation game

At a glance

The Political Machine 2012 is a Stardock government simulation game about campaigning in the 2012 US presidential election. Players can choose from more than 20 candidates or create one, then compete against a computer-controlled opponent or a human challenger over the Internet. The campaign involves taking positions on political issues, traveling around the United States to seek electoral votes, and trying to win voters while handling interviews and opponents. Its election database includes topics such as Afghanistan, the economy, Obamacare, income inequality, gay marriage, and the national debt. Regional issues add choices about appealing to voters without appearing to change positions. The game supports single-player and multiplayer, and lists Steam achievements and Family Sharing. It was developed by Stardock and released for Windows on July 31, 2012. The listed Metacritic score is 54.

Who it is for

It suits players interested in election strategy, candidate creation, and campaigning around US issues. It offers both computer opponents and online competition with a human challenger.

What is good

Choose from more than 20 candidates or create one
Campaign against computer or online human opponents
Regional issues and electoral votes shape strategy
Steam achievements and Family Sharing

What to know first

Windows only
Campaign is centered on the 2012 US presidential election

Verdict

This is a campaign-focused strategy game built around candidates, issues, and electoral votes. Its online human challenges add a multiplayer option alongside single-player campaigns.