The Political Machine

 PC
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Aug 12, 2004
The Political Machine Image
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Political Machine is a new strategy game in which you are the campaign manager for a candidate for President of the United States. Choose a political party, put together the dream presidential ticket and go for it. Based on the real world, The Political Machine gives would-be candidatesThe Political Machine is a new strategy game in which you are the campaign manager for a candidate for President of the United States. Choose a political party, put together the dream presidential ticket and go for it. Based on the real world, The Political Machine gives would-be candidates the taste of the challenge real candidates face. Fund raising, campaigning, building support, going on "The O'Maley Factor" and other cable news shows to answer the tough questions, and more. The Political Machine is both a single player game against the computer and multiplayer against other players on the Internet. Scores can be optionally recorded to the Metaverse here on PoliticalMachine.com. The game is currently in internal alpha and will be released in May of 2004. The beta should be available in mid March. On the other hand, PoliticalMachine.com has been designed not just as place to download and use the game but as neutral ground for political junkies to discuss the issues of the day with other players from around the world. Create your own articles, hang out in the forum, and become part of this new political discussion community. [Stardock]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. Computer Gaming World
    90
    A political campaign would be nothing without dirty tricks, and The Political Machine gives you a whole arsenal of them. [Nov 2004, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PC Gameworld
    80
    A fun, thinking person's game, if you have a taste for politics. Fast twitch skills are useless here. Who wouldn't want to pit Arnold Schwarzeneggar against Hilary Clinton?
  3. GameSpy
    80
    There's no denying that this is going to be another enduring feather in the cap of one of the most exciting strategy game developers since the heyday of Microprose and SimTex.
  4. netjak
    72
    A very well crafted game with great balance and a surprisingly large strategic depth. It offers a long enough gameplay to last well beyond the 2004 Presidential election, and because of the lack of violence and sex, it is accessible to people of all ages.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Game Chronicles
    70
    If you like politics, you will probably find this game is engrossing, if not fulfilling. It is the gaming version of snack food: it may not be good, but it is easy and you are likely to eat a lot of it when bored.
  6. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    Where the game starts to falter is in its handling of the major issues your candidate must address during the campaign. [Dec 2004, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Worth Playing
    40
    First, as a gamer, I give this game an abysmal 1 out of 10. It is dull, uninspired, graphically inferior, sound deserted, and ultimately, unsatisfying. However, if this is marketed as educational software, specifically at the Middle- and High-School level, and not targeted at the gaming community, this could be an exceptional introduction to the world of National Politics, indeed. [As educational software - score = 70]

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 3 out of 6
  1. Cameran
    Sep 7, 2004
    10
    Be sure you have a firm grasp on common-sense politics. I picked up and understood this game within the first 30 minutes, and went on to win Be sure you have a firm grasp on common-sense politics. I picked up and understood this game within the first 30 minutes, and went on to win my first election without reading the manual- I did have it on the easiest gameplay setting. This is a great game for political junkies! There are a variety of issues you can take a stance on, a full campaign, and they promise new downloadable content. You can easily make a new candidate or play a fantasy game where you alter the demographic settings. Highly recommended to anyone who likes strategy games or politics!… Expand
  2. JoeL.
    May 19, 2004
    10
    It's still in Beta, but it's the most fun you will ever have with politics.
  4. EvaD.
    Sep 1, 2004
    10
    This game far exceeded my expectations. I found politics is anything but boring in the Political Machine. Moving John Kerry around the This game far exceeded my expectations. I found politics is anything but boring in the Political Machine. Moving John Kerry around the country trying to defeat opponent Arnold Shwarzeneggar and win the Oval office on Election Day was fun and hectic. Though the game is turn-based, i felt like every moment is precious. I especially like the real life data and issues represented in the game. Gives me an idea on where the rest of the country sits on issues. The longer i played the more comfortable i was building political capitol and strategizing. It wasn't easy but it was fun!… Expand
  5. G.Davis
    Sep 6, 2004
    3
    I found the game difficult and confusing even on the beginner setting. Worst of all, I did not understand why my candidate lost or how the I found the game difficult and confusing even on the beginner setting. Worst of all, I did not understand why my candidate lost or how the different factors of the game affect winning or losing. … Expand
  6. KelliM.
    Aug 21, 2004
    0
    Game only works on a few select brands of video cards and you have to download and re-do all kinds of stuff for it to work even if you haveGame only works on a few select brands of video cards and you have to download and re-do all kinds of stuff for it to work even if you have one of their choice brand of video cards. that is just plain bad programming. compatibility is much needed!… Expand
  7. RobertH.
    Sep 6, 2004
    0
    I've had video card issues as well. Tech "support" has been all but non-existant. If you're not a techie, beware of this game!!!

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PC Game of 2004

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