not that what i want matters...
I have no idea how many copies of the "Political Machine" that Stardock Inc. sold. All I know is that I bought one. And I very much enjoyed the game. Of course it had it's flaws and limitations, but overall it was a good simulation experience, in my view.
The game had at least some of the elements I like in my strategy games. It had some depth, like the Avalon Hill games of old or like old "Strato-Matic" sports games. It was politically based, so, of course a political junkie like me could appreciate that. And the game could be played relatively quickly, although sometimes it played too quickly, in my view.
Several months back, I believe Brad announced they would be releasing a new version of the game sometime before the 2008 election. For some strange reason, this morning I woke up thinking about that game, and what I might like to see in a new 2008 version. Here's a few of my suggestions...
*** More evenhandedness in determining how voters will react to stands on certain issues. In the 1st version, I felt the game was tilted to the right a little too far. Especially where it came to independent voters, who always seemed to go with the GOP on most relevant issues where that vote might be more split or left leaning than the game portrays. Also, the candidate selection seemed to be a little more favorable for the republican party. No JFK? RFK? FDR? More candidates and better candidates would be a nice add.
*** At the start of each turn, the computer player has too big of an advantage to "jump" and collect something in a given state before the player even has a chance to scan the map and react. The timing of the beginning of the turn when the computer is being played would help a bunch.
*** In the 2008 version, an expanded mode where one would have to start with the primaries instead of the general election would be cool. And to take that a step further, a mode where one could start with state or local office and "work their way up" - a political "fantasy career" mode, if you will, would add a great dimension to the game.
*** More interviews and things like that. Also, more than 2 questions per interview. Perhaps add a "debate" scenario in the campaign.
*** More involvement of the running mate.
*** Offer a 3rd party or independent candidate option.
*** The more detail the better.
That's all I can think of now. On the whole, my suggestions would all entail what my last bullet point said...the more detail the better. The deeper this game gets, the better it will be i'm sure. I hope that Stardock is still working on this game. I don't hear about it much, but that's probably because the Galactic Civillizations talk tends to dominate around here.
Or maybe they've abandoned the project. I sure hope not.