Is this game fun and how does it compare to Doonsbury 96 and upcoming Power politics III

from PolMach Forums
Ok, I am considering buying this game but have a few questions. One, is the game fun? I noticed you don't have 3rd party canidates. How does this game compare to the Doonsbury series and their upcoming Power Politcs III. I have read its not an election simulator but is it close?
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Reply #1 from PolMach Forums Top
It reminds me of a chess game, only you're playing chess on a board that has states, and your pieces are HQs, operatives, advertising and your candidate. I like the short amount of time it takes to play, as it is more fun playing with another human. But, ultimately its a glorified chess game.

--James
Reply #2 from PolMach Forums Top
Doonesbury was both a heavily biased game in favor of the Democrats and was insanely buggy (it crashed repeatedly, even when you sent away for the new CD). But Doonesbury was deeper than this and more of a strategy game than just a fun romp. This game is very short and produces some very strange results.

I also agree with Iceberg, until they make some changes, it is just a glorified chess game with a relatively few number of pieces and relatively few strategies that you need to emply to be successful.
The Political Machine 2024
Reply #4 from PolMach Forums Top
Power Politics III looks like Doonesbury '96 in almost every respect.

I was inclined to buy it for 19.95 and try it, but I'm really wary of the huge bias of the '96 game (especially since the 2004 election is far more charged than the '96 election; the incentive to be partisan is greater).

I still would say that PP3 will be more detailed and more of a strategy game, while Pol Machine will play quicker (too fast in my opinion) and be more of just a game.
Reply #5 from PolMach Forums Top
Ok, thanks for the tips. One question not answered, Is the game fun and worth 19 dollars. I like doonsbury but sometimes did not want to spend a week playing a game. I agree it was tilted towards the democrats. I also agree it looks almost like the 96 version. I still have it and not sure I want to pay to get an updated version.
Reply #6 from PolMach Forums Top
Political Machine is definetely worth 19.99. As long as you don't expect the next great game, you are getting a game that is fun and quick to learn and play. It doesn't have the longevity it needs, but hopefully Brad and the others will give it that through bonus paks and possible expansions.

I'm very wary of PP3 the more I look it over. I think it is just an updated Doonesbury.
Reply #7 from PolMach Forums Top
what about like president forever? anyone know other political games, and if so, is this the best one? also, is it worth it to get the political operatives pack?
Reply #8 from PolMach Forums Top
This is definately worth $20!
Reply #9 from PolMach Forums Top
I would wait to try the demo before buying this game, though I myself have been waiting and the demo is still not out. President Forever by 80soft is an excelent game and is (I think) a much more strategic game, granted I have not yet played Political Machine. I enjoy this type of game, and am considering trying that other game brought up...
Power Politics III
Reply #10 from PolMach Forums Top
The 2000 version of President forever was kind of horrible. I'll try the demo and see what I think of the updated game.
Reply #11 from PolMach Forums Top
Doonsbury was just terrible. The first Power Politics remains the best political simulation for the PC.

Besides being buggy Doonsbury had that horrible childish interface. I remember around the time that came out all the PC manufacturers were promoting similar Windows overlays that were equally idiotic: your computer screen was a bad drawing of a desk and if you clicked on the picture of the telephone sitting on it, it would "call" AOL or whatever. Compaq, Packard Bell, etc....all were trying to sell people that garbage. What an embarrassing chapter in computing history!

I've only had Political Machine 24 hours but here are my comments: not a political simulation, a board game. Very "gamey." Plays fast, which is a plus, but one of the reasons it plays fast is lack of depth. The game appears to be quite buggy (but no crashes so far), and to be missing essential features (for example the inability to save and load games!! duh...). It definitely has a "fun factor" lurking beneath the surface, but right now I would not recommend it as it appears to be unfinished.
Reply #12 from PolMach Forums Top
Ok, I bought the game and played the beginner level. I won't offer a full review yet since I played it without reading the book. My first impressions are if you are looking for a simulator then this is not the game. I found the game fun and quick. Its not a simulator but then again I don't want to spend a week playing one game. My 9 year old son was watching me and learned quite a bit just from one game. He though I was winning because I owned most of the states i.e. Montana, Utah, big electorial states. There are a few things I would add and as I play I'm sure I will come up with more. Thats it, oh in the end Kerry had me beat so I ran some ads that said Kerry was not a good supporter of abortion. We tied 269 to 269 but the computer declared me the winner.
Reply #14 from PolMach Forums Top
I have beta tested the new power politics and there was some sort of confidentiality clause involved in beta testing... but for me it seems complicated and not a quick game. I would go with President Forever, which I purchased and love because its a good simulator that can be a quick game and not too complicated.