Nervous about the upcoming presidential elections? Not to worry: Game developer Stardock has released Political Machine Express, letting you live out your political fantasies and take Obama, Biden, Palin or McCain all the way to the White House.
The free game is a stripped-down version of The Political Machine, which combined the cutthroat strategies of Risk with adorably articulated bobbleheads. The original game allows players to re-create past political races or dream up entirely new ones. For example, players can pit Al Gore, inventor of the internet, against George Washington, founder of the nation, as the two politicians plan, scheme and pander their way to the highest office in the land.
In Express, which is being offered as a free download, you have a scant 21 weeks to scramble for endorsements, launch attack ads and drum up support while outmaneuvering your political foes and crisscrossing the United States.
Much of the actual political process has made the transition into the game intact: You'll give speeches, take a stand on a candidates' real issues and juggle the costs of running a campaign while securing enough attention and support to win.
While Express is rather limited when compared to the full game (which we reviewed), it's a fun and genuinely informative look at the U.S. political system.
This story has been edited from the original version.
The Political Machine Express [Stardock]
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