Suzerain
Suzerain is a really interesting story exploring the trappings of power, geopolitics, political dynamics, and the push and pull between reform and historic legacy.
Based loosely on the political situation of Turkey in the 1960s, your character inherits the reigns of a semi-democratic, semi-authoritarian country with a troubled past and present in a world increasingly pulled into the spheres of two superpowers. You inherit a recession, tense political situation, and a large, belligerent country breathing down the neck of your own. Your primary mandates are to resolve the political situation by siding with reform or using the tools of state to secure or expand your considerable powers and put an end to dissent; fix the economy; put an end to threat across the northern border through deft political maneuvering or military build up; and, of course, secure reelection.
– Real player with 210.6 hrs in game
Read More: Best Choices Matter Singleplayer Games.
Excellent political simulator set in a very well crated world. The world-building is excellent. There are countless ways in which you can see the effects of your actions. The first half of the game is pretty boring especially on replay however second half of the game is always great and is worth the lengthy setup. I can’t recommend this game enough if you like games about politics.
– Real player with 62.8 hrs in game
Not For Broadcast: Prologue
Wow! This game has some of the best potential I’ve seen in a game for a while now. I think this is coming from a standpoint that I have experienced working a tri-caster in college, but so far, its a really great story.
I think one thing I would like to see is being able to sabotage the broadcast a bit more than just losing viewers. Like for example, I would like to see some sort of scandal be released the next day or mission because we the player decided to show off some of the colorful behavior the actor shows to the his staff and the TV studio staff. I would also find it funny that during the press conference, that when you go to camera 1 where the staff is gathered watching, it would be funny if there was some sort of reaction.
– Real player with 1.2 hrs in game
Read More: Best Choices Matter Political Games.
“Papers Please 2 : Media Control”
seriously. similar premise. do “boring-workstuff” in an “oppressive” place. reminds me instantly of that. But the good news is, this game is feels pretty fresh. Mainly because of the animations and better pixels, in comparison to the game I mentioned.
ok so since this is just a demo, i guess it’s better to write a feedback than reviewing the good points. But i’ll do both anyways.
(+) First, the gameplay is actually pretty interesting (read=multitasking-challenge). There’s quite a few mechanics in here, and even though this is just the demo I really got the pressure I thought I would. It might even be slightly more pressure than I expected. Guess I’ll explain what you DO, at least, in the demo:
– Real player with 1.0 hrs in game
Shape of America: Episode One
Leaving this review because it’s the least I can do after getting this as part of a $1 bundle which is literaly a steal even for just one episode of this game. There are very few games based on politics and most tend to the statistical simulations vs the push and pull of who-you-know and who-to-help/gain future favor from horse trading that is politics (as opposed to policy) and this is the first/only game I’ve seen that does that and one that offers a pretty decent story and characters to boot. $5/episode is about the right price for the game given the current presentation level but I’d say the core game and ultimate the enjoyability of all is worth $10. This is a developer worth supporting.
– Real player with 7.2 hrs in game
Read More: Best Choices Matter RPG Games.
Eh, it’s ok. I was able to make over a million dollars because a stock fell bellow $0, so they paid me to buy it… which was weird. Also there are tons of grammar and spelling issues, weird endless loops of possible throwdowns among other dialog issues, glitches, and strange designs that just make it feel pretty low-quality. And they canceled the future game episodes, so what they have is barely worth it because it ends right as the story gets interesting. Too bad too, it seemed like it had potential.
– Real player with 5.1 hrs in game
Sovereign’s Will
You are Konrad von Meinhart, the son of the Margrave of an imperial province. Your father has vanished under mysterious circumstances and has bequeathed to you the title and the family estate. Now the burden of power is on your shoulders.
_Trumpets are solemnly playing fanfare while you are ascending the pedestal. You receive the symbols of authority and swear fealty to the Sovereign – the immortal Emperor, who’s lived thousands of mortal lives and governs the known world.
But it’s difficult for you to search your heart. Are you happy? Proud? Or worried? There is a varied crowd of people in the hall – like a many-headed beast that you are meant to curb. Merchants and priests, war and feudal lords, minstrels and courtiers – there are both friends and mortal foes among them._
FEATURES
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Nonlinear story in the vein of the old-school RPG
Take on the mantle of a medieval ruler and face the dangers, challenges and contradictions that come with such a duty. Like a mosaic, this branching storyline is composed of hundreds of scenes and deeds of your own, making each playthrough unique. Not only significant story events are subject to change – links between them shift as well.
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Governance of the domain at every level
Take control of everything: from the minute details to long-term development of your domain. Distribute resources, rebuild the family estate, pardon and punish, maintain relations with neighbours, barbarians and metropoly. Your actions will determine the fate of your duchy - would it become a wealthy trade hub, a culture capital of the realm, or a formidable warmachine?
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Political intrigues
Navigate interests of influential fractions: feudal nobility, the church and the bourgeoisie. Resolve conflicts, carry out reforms, lobby for beneficial solutions – it is within your means to preserve the old ways… Or to crush feudal traditions and turn your duchy into a trade republic or even a theocratic autocracy.
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Roleplay
Start with a blank slate and write the personality of the young margrave through decisions of your own: His preferences, interests and even character traits. Devout traditionalist or enlightened enthusiast, warrior or magnate, recluse or gourmand or passionate hunter – a flexible system of characteristics allows you to get into character and act exactly the way you want.
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Elaborate fictional world
The game takes place in a universal empire that has united the whole of known world. It’s a bizarre fusion of achievements of Modern Era and ancient Roman militarism, permeated with oriental spirituality. Politics is intimately connected to the dogmas of the Church: the priests claim that the Sovereign’s soul is immortal, and that he has been reincarnating in new bodies since the very creation of the world. You are to find out whether there is truth in the holy books or not.
Doomsday Room
Can we have character customization, and also-I don’t know how to actually stir conflict in nations, is it the nuclear testing? Because I’m trying to do the Covert Ops and I don’t actually know how to do the tasks given, nor does it show any indicator saying that the covert op is complete. Can anybody help?
Other than that, this a really good game, I love it already, and you guys should keep developing it! It’s a very educational game, and also fun to know you can lead something! I recommend this game.
– Real player with 13.5 hrs in game
When i was young, i remember a Time where the United States and Europe where in Conflict with the Soviet Union todays Russian Federation. It was West against East and there was fear in the Air, nuclear Fear.
Both Sides armed and armed theirselves up in Fear of each other, having big and enough Weapons to scare the other Side.
It all started 1947 and ended 1990.
What if you are send in to prevent the World from a Nuclear War?
Take a seat and welcome to DOOMSDAY ROOM.
DOOMSDAY ROOM is a fictional take on these Events.
– Real player with 6.2 hrs in game
HEADLINER
Video Review:
Headliner caught my attention with a simple tagline “What if you control the national news?” Interesting premise and a question that made me wonder “What if I did control the national news?” Fact-based reporting? No slant? Spread the writings of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense… I could do so much. So what would Headliner allow me to do?
– Real player with 5.4 hrs in game
I recently got this game for free from a curator connect offer. This 2D simulation game with 2D side-scrolling adventure game elements by Unbound Creations features a custom male/female protagonist Dianne Kalushky who is married to a custom male/female spouse Andrew or Sasha and has a daughter Amber(names of any character can be changed). Dianne has just started work as a Headliner at a news broadcaster Galmedia in the fictitious nation of Galixia.
Amidst the backdrop of a deep polarised divide between the genetically modified population and the non-modified minority known as Purists and an ongoing war in the neighbouring nation of Lerisia with a subsequent influx of refugees to Galixia, Dianne must manage his/her company’s expectations as a corporate entity which needs to rely on broadcasting the type of news to attract interest and subscribers, the conflicting interests from the pro-modified and the Purists as well as on whether to allow or control the number of Lerisian refugees into Galixia, Andrew/Sasha’s declining health, job security and concerns over Amber’s idea on having fun at a festival in a week’s time as well as Amber’s plans to enrol at a secondary and study biology which is beyond the family’s finances.
– Real player with 5.3 hrs in game
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You
Preface
This review is being written before the conclusion of the game in episode five. I’ve played through the first four episodes a couple times exploring different outcomes, however, as episode five is not out yet I’m not able to comment on the totallity of the story.
The Machine
Orwell has a very close Person of Interest vibe. The government of the fictitious country has obtained a Machine, or System, that surveils the populous gathering information however it does not act on the gathered information. The idea of the game is that the system, aptly named Orwell, isn’t able to decern human subtlety, sarcasim, or deciet. As such, the fictious government has outsourced the task of resolving conflicts in the data, and identifying what is relevant and what is not. You as the player take on this role as an outsider to the country, tasked with sifting through the data that Orwell gives you access to inorder to identify person(s) of interest. This is a role somewhat like Person of Interest’s Harold Finch.
– Real player with 14.4 hrs in game
My playtime: 10h (based on steam, 100% achievement; 2.5x playthrough)
Grindy Achievement(s): No.
Optional Achievement(s): Yes (17 achievements).
Difficult Achievement(s): No.
Intro
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You is a massive information gathering system where you, an investigator, is taking a role in sorting the relevant data and fix conflicting data that the system gathered to assist a crime. The game has story branching that persists over 5 chapters.
– Real player with 10.5 hrs in game
Headliner: NoviNews
Ironically, the people review-bombing this game over pronouns did it a huge favour. It seems I’m not alone among those who’d never have found it otherwise. On the whole, I’m glad I did.
THE PROS:
It’s well-produced and easy to play, and it’s a very cool idea. I really enjoy the atmosphere of the streets of Novistan as you trudge home each day and see your decisions reflected in the conversations and events around you. The sound and visual design really sells moments of shock and crisis. I also quite like the vague (or not so vague) sense of meta awareness all the NPCs have of being in a new timeline when you start a new game. It’s a nice touch.
– Real player with 28.1 hrs in game
Overview
The great fun that was Headliner has returned and is better than ever. First the player controlled the news in the nation of Galixia, but now in Headliner: NoviNews, the player controls the news in the nation of Novistan which receives a similar number of immigrants from Learis as Galixia, and where the issue of healthcare makes for as much of a debate as in Galixia. What’s different is that Novistan has issues with a new synthetic alcoholic beverage called BetterBuzz, and has a xenophobic Prime Minister who dislikes Learis and is easily alienated by dissent. Unlike in Galixia, the purists (people who haven’t been genetically modified) aren’t persecuted by Novistanian society.
– Real player with 23.9 hrs in game
I Am Your President
Congratulations, Mr. President, you have just won the elections! Now the lives of seven billion people depend on your decision, world leaders reckon with you, industry kingpins have to follow your orders, and you have the whole army at your beck and call. No pressure. Take it slowly. It’s not like you can be impeached, die during the nuclear bombing or in assassination. Not like that at all.
So, as we have completed the formalities, let’s talk about your new prerogatives:
Personalize your political views and create the presidency which America – or you - need.
Wisely choose your advisors and cabinet members. Hire and fire on a daily basis.
Every decision matters – choose your way of ruling and embrace consequences!
Make friends or enemies. Talk your way out of difficult situations.
Use social media and read the news – maybe this time they wrote something nice.
Provide sustainable development, or simply watch your country fall into chaos.
Try to survive as the President. If an impeachment occurs, you must start the entire presidential term again!
Be sure to wishlist the game to be notified when it is released.
You are the Commander in Chief of the army and it is entirely up to you if you want to conquer the world, or abstain from violence. Remember – whether you send a group of soldiers on a secret mission or start a regular war – people will be watching your actions closely. Journalists, other politicians and leaders, justices, even common voters, they will all react to the situation.
Use special agents, steal technology, assassinate inconvenient leaders, move troops, send nukes or try to maintain status quo – all of these action can be performed right from your office. What will you choose – peace or war? Make no mistake, the fate of the world rests on your shoulders.
How should you respond – jokingly, seriously or ironically? Different options can help you make allies, but also enrage your previous supporters. Be careful with words and make sure that you don’t neglect any of the prominent groups or important people… or do and deal with the problems later.
Follow the narrative and react to events. Talk to your advisors, receive visitors and make decisions. There are no wrong answers… unless there are? Check for yourself and repeat the game if you fail – new dialogues await your discovery, so don’t worry about repetitiveness. After all, America was not build in one day.
Every encounter has its effects, some of which can be really long-raged, so wait patiently and hope for the best. Your citizens surely will.
An excellent entry in social media can be the key to a great popularity among the public or a nail in the coffin for a careless person. Your actions have impact on the world and even the most innocent post can ruin someone’s career!
Use the most well-known social media platform - Screecher. Screech about your plans, attitude, call somebody names or maybe praise the voters. It is entirely up to you how you want to come across in the internet – as funny, empathetic, factual or maybe weird? Being the president you have a will and a power to create your own image and write schreeches to your liking. But remember - there are always going to be responses from other users. Prepare for a public backlash!
Touch people’s hearts with your writing abilities. Create the most compelling speeches and statements to achieve your goals. Want to calm the enraged strikers? Show the party that you’re the most efficient president? Raise everyone’s spirit at the state funeral? All of these can be done with a proper composition. Receive the title of the most charismatic leader ever!…
…or fail and make things even worse by being tactless. But hey, at least you had some fun writing about that salad you’d eaten in the Supreme Court!
No teddy bears allowed. Everyone must stay at home from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. You cannot say a bad word about president. See? This is the real power.
Create executive orders that will change people’s lives. Throw your weight around when it comes to guaranteeing the rigid rules or put the freedom of the Americans first. Reject the acts that don’t appeal to you and check what will happen then. Outline new borders of democracy with your abilities, but remember – no one is untouchable.
YOUR REGIME STARTS NOW
You wish to start a war or maybe make peace? Take care of the poorest or support capitalists? Advocate for gun rights or stand against them? Support cats or maybe increase the dogs population? Everything is possible!
Why, you may ask?
Because you are President of the Goddamn United States of America, that’s why.
Intelligence Trader
I’ve been playing this for about 4 hours and I like it so far. It definitely feels like the game is unfinished and there’s more to come, but the basic premise of the game is clear.
Pros:
Fun concept
Interesting story lines and missions
Nice graphics (I like the look of the agent photos)
Clear interface/map
Lots of potential for expansion by tying in the missions completed with the news headlines
Cons:
A little unorganized. You can’t click on an agent placed in country and get information about them. When intel comes in to sell, you have to scroll around to figure out the highest bidder. (easily remedied with an icon indicating high and low price, or maybe highlighting with certain colors to shoe high or low)
– Real player with 6.7 hrs in game
Bought it hoping find something similar to Kremlingames products. Unfortunately realised that it’s too early to buy it. Started the game and understand nothing. Russian translation is not finished, in some places in place of words I saw just black strips… Surprise… Cannot return an agent back from a country to base. News are very interesting, but I’d like to see it in a new window. Time moves too slow. There is no explanation what is specialization of agents.
Perhaps it’s only in Russian version, didn’t play English one. Hope to see something remarkable and interesting in future)
– Real player with 5.9 hrs in game