Political Machine is more a lampoon of American politics than a celebration or critique. The game leaves no room for depth or complexity in the candidates’ messages; each ad sounds exactly like the next. “John Kerry (or George Bush) opposes (or supports) drilling in ANWR. Support American values. Vote John Kerry.”

The reporters all look alike, too. And newspaper coverage is as simple and sensational as can be. It’s actually quite funny.

But beneath its cartoonish veneer, Political Machine offers a cynical view of American politics. Every move a candidate makes is based on polling data. Don’t speechify about, say, abortion because you want to protect a woman’s right to choose or save some unborn children. Do it because it’ll help you in the polls. —Jason Silverman

—Campaign Game Mimics Real Life (Wired)