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The Political Machine 2020

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2020

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Quick resume

Win the hearts and minds of America’s voters and take the 2020 presidential election by storm in Stardock’s popular political strategy game. Choose a candidate and run against a computer opponent or a candidate controlled by another person over the Internet.

Global score

83/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Strategy

Pros

  • Fun and accessible political strategy
  • Custom candidate and ideology creation
  • Active developer support and updates
  • Humorous and light-hearted tone
  • Multiplayer and modding community

Cons

  • Limited content and replayability at launch
  • Lack of primary elections and deeper mechanics
  • Some imbalance and ai issues
  • Multiplayer player base is small
  • Price considered high by some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can create custom candidates, choose ideologies, and direct campaign strategies freely, indicating high player control and decision-making."

  • Competence
    2

    "The game involves strategic decisions and managing campaign resources, but some reviews mention it becomes easy once mechanics are learned."

  • Competition
    4

    "The game features multiplayer modes, AI opponents, and leaderboards, encouraging players to compete against others."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Some players report addictive gameplay and long sessions, but others note limited replayability and quick boredom after repeated play."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay focuses primarily on individual campaigns and personal strategies with limited cooperative or team-based elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Strong emphasis on creating and customizing candidates, ideologies, and campaign strategies, with modding support enhancing creativity."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Interactions appear balanced with no strong emphasis on exerting control over others; multiplayer is competitive but respectful."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a distraction and fun way to engage with politics, escaping real-world stress through humorous and imaginative scenarios."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with different candidates, ideologies, and strategies, including modding and custom content creation."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some exploration of different political scenarios and ideologies occurs, but the game map and environment remain familiar."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of characters and ideologies allows for personal expression, though visual customization options are somewhat limited."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "The game includes imaginative and humorous elements (e.g., giant meteor candidate), blending realistic political simulation with fantasy."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some multiplayer and community modding foster social connections, but gameplay is largely individual-focused."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn political strategies and game mechanics, though some find limited depth for long-term skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity involved; typical sedentary video game experience."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active attention during campaigns and decision-making; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are surface-level, focused on competition and sharing content rather than close relationships."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead their own campaigns and make strategic decisions, though no group leadership or management beyond personal control."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate campaign resources, unlock candidates, and develop ideologies, showing clear progression elements."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Gameplay is generally light-hearted and fun, but some tension exists in strategic decision-making and competition."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Visuals and audio are simple and cartoonish, providing moderate sensory stimulation without intense excitement."

  • Status
    2

    "Multiplayer and achievements provide some social recognition, though not a primary focus."

  • Story
    -2

    "Lacks deep narrative or story immersion; gameplay centers on election simulation rather than plot."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Strong emphasis on strategic planning, resource management, and adapting to political dynamics."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in election outcomes and competition, but overall a controlled and predictable environment."

  • Value
    0

    "Mixed opinions on value; some find it worth the price especially on sale, others feel content is limited for full price."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violent content; gameplay focuses on political campaigning and strategy."

  • Survival
    1

    "Players must avoid losing elections and manage resources, but no high-risk survival elements."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026