government simulation game
The Political Machine 2012
By Stardock, released 1 Jan 2012
- Microsoft Windows
What it is
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.
What players like, and what they don't
- 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
- Windows only
- Campaign is centered on the 2012 US presidential election
Who it suits
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.
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.
