Summary

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Indie, Simulator, Strategy
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Red Marble Games
Publishers: Positech Games, Tri-Synergy

Democracy 2: The Ultimate Government Simulation

Released in 2007, Democracy 2 is a government simulation game that puts players in the role of the president or prime minister of a democratic nation. With a focus on realism and complexity, Democracy 2 challenges players to make tough decisions on a wide range of policy issues, from taxation and healthcare to foreign affairs and environmental protection.

The game’s core gameplay revolves around managing seven key policy areas:

Tax: Set income tax rates, corporate tax rates, and sales tax rates.
Economy: Control interest rates, government spending, and trade policy.
Welfare: Determine the level of funding for social programs such as healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.
Foreign policy: Manage relations with other countries, including diplomacy, trade, and military alliances.
Transport: Plan and fund transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports.
Law and order: Set policing and criminal justice policies, including crime prevention programs and prison sentences.
Public services: Determine the level of funding for public services such as education, healthcare, and housing.

Each policy decision has a complex and interconnected impact on the game world. For example, increasing taxes may generate more revenue for the government, but it may also reduce consumer spending and economic growth. Similarly, investing in education may improve the skills of the workforce and boost long-term economic productivity, but it may also require raising taxes to fund the increased spending.

In addition to managing these core policy areas, players must also deal with random events and dilemmas that arise throughout the game. These events can range from natural disasters to political scandals, and they can have a significant impact on the player’s popularity and ability to govern effectively.

For example, a player may be faced with a dilemma such as whether to crack down on dissent in the wake of a terrorist attack, or to respect civil liberties and risk further attacks. There is no easy answer to such dilemmas, and the player must weigh the potential benefits and risks of each option before making a decision.

Democracy 2 is a challenging and rewarding game that offers players a unique opportunity to experience the complex challenges of leading a democracy. With its realistic and engaging gameplay, Democracy 2 is a must-play for fans of strategy games and political simulations.

Key Features of Democracy 2:

Complex and realistic simulation of democratic government.
Seven key policy areas to manage, including tax, economy, welfare, foreign policy, transport, law and order, and public services.
Random events and dilemmas that add an element of unpredictability and challenge.
Detailed statistics and graphs that track the impact of player decisions.
Mod support that allows players to create their own custom content.

Tips for Playing Democracy 2:

Start with a small country. This will give you a chance to learn the basics of the game without having to deal with a complex international situation.
Focus on the economy. A strong economy is essential for a successful democracy. Make sure to set tax rates and government spending levels that promote economic growth.
Invest in education and healthcare. These are two key areas that can improve the quality of life for your citizens and boost your popularity.
Be prepared to deal with random events and dilemmas. These events can have a significant impact on your game, so it’s important to be prepared to respond to them quickly and effectively.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Democracy 2. Experiment with different policies and strategies to see what works best for you.

Conclusion

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Summary

Port Royale offers an engaging blend of economic simulation and naval strategy, set in a richly detailed historical context, making it a rewarding experience for patient and strategic players.

Synopsis

The game allows players to choose any type of career they wish, including trading and interactions with pirates. There are also many other activities in the game besides trading or hunting down pirates. Players can visit governors in towns and accept missions from them as long as their reputation with the country is good enough.

Missions include armed transport and tracking down lost relatives that have been kidnapped by an NPC called Axesmith. The player can choose, eventually, to defeat Axesmith outright in battle. Treasure maps, purchased in pieces from around the game board, can also lead to newfound wealth and even the creation of a private port.

An important part of the game are the colonial nations in the Caribbean (Spain, France, England, and The Netherlands) and their relationships. There are a total of 12 different ship types available to players, of increasing cost, efficacy in battle, and room for cargo. They range from the small pinnace, to a large ship of the line.

The pirate that kidnapped the player’s relatives goes by the name Axesmith and the player must fight his relatives which are found by going to taverns and finding specific people that will give the player a map to his relatives’ location. The player’s mother has turned out to have died but the sister of the player is still alive and is found by the player.