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The Political Machine 2016
Game
(released 9 years ago)
Stardock Entertainment
Stardock Entertainment
TL;DR

It is a political simulation game where players campaign for the presidency of the United States in the 2016 election. Players can choose from real candidates or create their own to win over voters through strategic actions. Expect mudslinging, scandals, and the occasional talk show appearance.


Genres:
Management
Psychological Horror
Turn-Based Strategy
Tags:
Psychological Horror
Strategy
Indie
Casual
Turn-Based
Simulation
Management
Turn-Based Strategy
Political Sim
Multiplayer
Moddable
Early Access
Singleplayer
Funny
Satire
America
Memes
Political
Politics
Likely Inspirations:
Civilization V
Democracy 3
Papers, Please
SimCity 4
The Sims
Steam Review Analysis – Total (updated Mar 14, 2025, 11:59 PM)
Disclaimer: This analysis is independently conducted and is not affiliated with Valve or Steam.
Review Summary - 709
76%
Mostly Positive

453

131

82%

Purchased on Steam

86

39

18%

Purchased Elsewhere

0% Primarily Play on Deck

Playtime Statistics
Playtime Overview
Estimated Playthrough Time

9.37 hrs

Min Playtime
0.08 hrs
15th Percentile
1.25 hrs
Median Playtime
6.73 hrs
85th Percentile
30.57 hrs
Max Playtime
499.83 hrs
Conclusion

Overall, 'The Political Machine 2016' is well-received for its fun gameplay and political simulation aspects, particularly among political enthusiasts. However, it faces criticism for technical issues, lack of depth, and limited content, which may deter some potential players. The humor and customization options are appreciated, but many players feel the game does not significantly innovate over its predecessors, with some noting its repetitive nature and similarities to earlier versions.

Strongly Positive
Fun Gameplay

Many players find the game enjoyable and entertaining, especially for those interested in politics.

~18%
Positive
Political Simulation

The game effectively simulates the complexities of political campaigns, appealing to political enthusiasts.

~4%
Humor

The game includes humorous elements that resonate well with players, enhancing the overall experience.

~4%
Replayability

The game offers enough variety to encourage multiple playthroughs, keeping players engaged over time.

~3%
Customization Options

Players appreciate the ability to create and customize their candidates, adding a personal touch to the gameplay.

~2%
Neutral / Mixed Opinions
Negative
Lack of Depth

Some players feel the game lacks depth and becomes repetitive after a few play sessions.

~7%
Bugs and Technical Issues

Several players report bugs and technical problems that detract from the gaming experience.

~5%
Limited Content

Some reviews mention that the game lacks sufficient content for its price, leading to disappointment.

~4%
AI Difficulty

Players have expressed frustration with the AI's performance, particularly at higher difficulty levels.

~1%
Graphics Quality

The graphics have been criticized for being subpar, which affects the overall visual appeal of the game.

~1%
Strongly Negative
This analysis is powered by OpenAI’s language models and may occasionally contain inaccuracies. For the most precise details, please consult the reviews directly on the official Steam store page.

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Updated on Jul 19, 2025, 6:12 AM
The Political Machine 2016 Analysis on Niklas Notes