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How Metascores Are Calculated
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4 Elements
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
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 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]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 90
Computer Gaming World
A political campaign would be nothing without dirty tricks, and The Political Machine gives you a whole arsenal of them. [Nov 2004, p.84]
82
PC Format
Surprisingly more depth than there at first appears.
80
80
80
Cheat Code Central
It's part documentary, part board game, but totally fun.
80
79
75
74
73
PC Gamer
It may not be the most authentic simulation of American politics, but Political Machine does have some educational value in helping you understand the nitty-gritty of how 270 Electoral Collage votes are cobbled together. [Dec 2004, p.96]
72
72
70
70
Game Informer
This title's humorous tone and engaging gameplay are charming, even if the game itself is a bit on the repetitive and shallow side (just like real politics!). [Nov 2004, p.167]
70
Computer Games Magazine
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]
69
60
GamerFeed
Offers the player a startlingly accurate view of the blood, sweat, tears- and, most importantly, MONEY- that goes into running a successful campaign. However, don't expect much in the way of visuals: the graphics are minimal and your avatar is little more than a blob. The game can also get a bit repetitive, especially if you hit upon a winning formula.
55
1UP
It's not a matter of whether it's challenging or not--the difficulty level you select at the beginning of the game determines that--it's that, despite the juicy subject matter that Stardock could have taken and run with, there's less depth here than there is in the average puddle on Pennsylvania Avenue.
42
40
Worth Playing
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]
Cameran gave it a 10: G. Davis gave it a 3: Robert H. gave it a 0: Eva D. gave it a 10: Kelli M. gave it a 0: Joe L. gave it a 10: |
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