The Political Machine 2008

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. IGN
    73
    For twenty bucks, The Political Machine 2008 isn't necessarily a bad deal, but it's a one-note affair that inhabits that misty gray region between comfortable familiarity and dull predictability.
  2. Wired
    70
    The combination of clever, strategic gameplay with hopelessly niche subject matter almost guarantees cult classic status for this one. But Political Machine 2008 is definitely worth playing, particularly if you're a fan of politics -- no other game to date better represents our embattled system.
  3. GameSpy
    70
    A really solid "beer & pretzels" strategy game.
  5. Computer Games Online RO
    70
    Political Machine has a major flaw, its low replay value, as each game varies very little, and aside the "unlockable" content, there are few reasons to play single-player.
  6. Gamervision
    70
    Aligning yourself with special interest groups, hiring different political aides, and participating in television interviews add even more depth to the already somewhat convoluted experience, but without these options it wouldn’t really feel like politics.
  7. Gamers' Temple
    70
    The Political Machine 2008 is best suited to those in the board game crowd with a decided interest in politics.
  8. Thunderbolt
    70
    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.
  9. Gaming Nexus
    67
    A new Political Machine for 2008, this turn-based election strategy game is light, fun, and amusing. While it may not have a lot of lasting appeal, it certainly makes for a fun way to spend a few afternoons.
  10. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    60
    Simplified and exaggerated simulation of the most important elections in the world. You can learn a lot about the American electoral system, but if you are familiar to the previous installment you won’t find much new content. [Aug 2008]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. 1UP
    50
    With more focus on the real-world conflicts and unpredictable events that plague campaigns, running for office might be a bit less tiresome.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best PC Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. Andrew
    Jul 23, 2008
    3
    This is a game that has great potential. The first version of the game was pretty simplistic, but still a lot of fun. This time around,This is a game that has great potential. The first version of the game was pretty simplistic, but still a lot of fun. This time around, everyone expected a more refined version, with deeper features.
    Unfortunately that didn't happen. The game is (somehow) a resource hog - largely because of the "patriotic glow" on the map, and the animated bobble heads. I have no idea why they would demand so many resources, but regardless.
    Secondly, the game dynamics are pretty much exactly the same. The same endorsements, the same political hires, mostly the same issues. The determinations as to who is "strong" on what issue are still very arbitrary.
    There are no debates. There are no primaries. There are very few questions on the "TV Interviews" that you can have. There are no independent happenings or events that impact the campaign.
    This game had great potential, but they didn't bother to actually act on it. Sad.    … Full Review »
  2. DrIron
    Sep 16, 2011
    3
    The Political Machine 2008 is, sadly, the one awful game (beyond its predecessor) to come from Stardock, a blemish on an otherwise goodThe Political Machine 2008 is, sadly, the one awful game (beyond its predecessor) to come from Stardock, a blemish on an otherwise good company history.
    It's graphically ugly: The interface is atrocious and the bobbleheads hardly look like anyone they're supposed to.
    The game mechanics are clunky and at times confusing, there's some horrible balance issues, the candidate creator is terrible...
    All together this feels like an alpha for a game we never got. I refuse to believe this is really a finished game.    … Full Review »
  3. CharlesLentz
    Jul 28, 2008
    9
    For a $20 political game, you get quite a lot of gameplay. The single player experience is pretty cool and the 3D bobble heads and map areFor a $20 political game, you get quite a lot of gameplay. The single player experience is pretty cool and the 3D bobble heads and map are nice updates from PM2004. The candidate editor is great. There's more replay-ability than before with the campaign mode and a few different scenarios. Then you can play LAN or online multiplayer. Since release, the developers have added some features, tweaks, bug fixes, and more candidate body parts. Updates are always appreciated.

    I'll give it a 9/10, because there's always room for improvement.    … Full Review »
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