2022 brought a massive change to the political sphere and sent shock-waves around the world, and this year looks set to be no different. If you’re looking to scratch that itch and see if you can do better than our current leaders, then take a look at these political games that are sure to answer your question of whether or not you can “do any better”.
Geopolitical games are hard to come by with the market for such games being very niche; however, we’ve managed to uncover ten gems that we consider to be the best political games that you can play in 2023.
What are the Best Political Games to play in 2023?
10) Realpolitiks II
In Realpolitiks II, players can take charge of any contemporary nation as you strive for global dominance. As the leader of your chosen country, you must manage your nation’s economy, tackle global threats, engage in diplomacy and espionage with other nations and if needed, engage in warfare to secure your goals. The economic aspect in particular has seen an overhaul on its predecessor which aims to give players more control over their country than before. Within this, players can construct buildings for their nation while also choosing from a range of laws and abilities that can affect your citizen’s lives. Realpolitiks II offers a lot of replayability – turn any nation into a totalitarianism state or perhaps pushing democracy is your thing. While far from a perfect game, it does at least offer more than a lot of other political games on the market.
Release Date: 2021
Price: £27.99
Want to buy Realpolitiks II? Click Here.
9) Suzerain
Suzerain is not your typical political game and may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re looking an engaging and immersive political experience, look no further than Suzerain. As a text-based RPG, Suzerain places players in the shoes of Sordland president Anton Rayne who has just won election to his post. Set in a fictitious world with real-life inspiration, players are taken on a political journey with all the twists and turns you’d expect from politics. From deceit and back-stabbing to looming conflict, growing movements pushing for reform and a potential economic crisis, you must decide who you listen to, who you appease and how far you’re willing to go to do what you believe to be right. Can you keep your election promises while protecting Sordland’s sovereignty and integrity?
Release Date: 2020
Price: £11.39
Want to buy Suzerain? Click Here.
8) Supreme Ruler Ultimate
Supreme Ruler Ultimate does exactly what it says on the tin as it places you as the supreme ruler of any country of your choosing. There are also various scenarios included which allow you to start the game in a number of different years allowing players to play a historical or futuristic game. As expected, Supreme Ruler Ultimate gives players the freedom to lead their country how they choose with a variety of internal policies and actions on offer to tailor your country to your vision. Not only that, but foreign policy and trade also play a big role in the game, giving even more options to lead how you want. The game does place a lot of its focus on warfare but it’s still a solid contender for anyone wanting to play out their ambitions of leading a country.
Release Date: 2014
Price: £22.99
Where can I find out more information? Click Here.
7) World Warfare & Economics
World Warfare & Economics is an up-coming political strategy game where players can take control of any country in an attempt to lead it to greatness. To do this, players must control the economy through construction and management of trade resources as well engaging in diplomacy with other countries. Not only that, World Warfare & Economics also features real-time battles as players fight wars against other nations using a variety of real military units. If you have your sights beyond the confides of Earth, the game will also players to explore the universe in a 3D space environment by sending probes, rovers and crews to other planets to win the international space race. There’s also more for those players who want more “politics” from their game as you’ll be able to win elections, form coalitions and negotiate cross-party support to pass your laws. This is definitely a game to keep an eye out for and may become of the best political games…only time will tell.
Release Date: 2023
Price: N/A
Where can I find out more information? Click Here.
6) Urban Empire
Urban Empire is a cross between a city builder and a political simulation game. You play as the mayoral dynasty of a city and must lead your citizens through 200 years of history. As the mayor of the town, you grow from humble beginnings into a thriving city by establishing infrastructures and placing key buildings, creating city districts, bringing in new laws and technology, as well as debating in the town hall to get your laws and funding passed. There are also various other options available to players, including being able to bribe and blackmail opponents to get your laws passed.
Be warned though, Urban Empire is a tough game and can be infuriatingly frustrating depending on whether or not you’re looking for a political game that makes it easy to get stuff done or if you’re happy to constantly face challenges getting your policies through, just like in real life. Unless you’re a dictator in which case I’d assume it’s rather more straight forward.
Release Date: 2017
Price: £22.99
Want to buy Urban Empire? Click Here.
5) The Political Process
The Political Process is truly a unique game in the political gaming space as it places you in the shoes of a politician who must etch out your own career in politics, rather than playing as a nation. What’s great about The Political Process is its depth and simulation of American politics. You create your own political character and you get to decide their stance on a range of political issues as well as their political party. Democrat, Republican or Independent? It’s entirely up to you. The Political Process simulations elections from the city, state and national level including the School Board level all the way up to the president – you can work your up from the very bottom in a career that can span decades. You can also run for election in all 50 states and from over 3000 counties, with each district being unique and based on real life data. The Political Process is the ultimate political role-playing game and definitely one of the best political games.
Release Date: 2019
Price: £11.39
Want to buy The Political Process? Click Here.
4) Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is similar to Europa Universalis IV; however, instead of allowing you to start the game by ruling an empire or kingdom, Crusader Kings III allows you to create your very own dynasty. From here you can expand and create your very own empires and kingdoms with more focus placed on you as an individual ruler. Some of the things players can do in Crusader Kings III include filling your coffers, appointing vassals, rooting out traitors and heretics, introducing laws, as well as interacting with hundreds of nobles, each with their own agendas. If medieval politics is your thing, look no further than Crusader Kings 3.
Release Date: 2020
Price: £41.99
Want to learn more about Crusader Kings III? Click Here.
3) Rogue State & Rogue State Revolution
Rogue State is a gem of a game that has gone relatively under the radar since it came to Steam in 2015. Unlike most geopolitical games, Rogue State puts players in the shoes of the “Glorious Leader” who has been successful in leading a revolution and gaining power in a Middle Eastern country. After gaining power, players must begin by rebuilding the People’s Republic of Basenj while co-operating with your nearest neighbours and keeping your citizens happy. There are various different groups, including the liberals, nationalists, capitalists and religious fanatics. Each group has their own agendas and react differently to each of your policies and decisions, making Rogue State a game about trying to keep everyone happy while trying to bring stability and prosperity to your country.
Rogue State Revolution takes the core concepts from the first game and improves them further by giving players even more control over the running of their country in a 3D map consisting of five different provinces. Each province has their own cultural background, voter types and expectations meaning difficult decisions will have to be made with regards to the direction of the Glorious People’s Republic of Basenji.
Release Date: 2015 / 2021
Price: £10.99
Where can I find out more information? Click Here.
2) Democracy 4
Democracy 4 is one of the best political games currently available and allows players to take the reins of a political party of their choice and become president or prime minister of their chosen country. From here it’s your job to lead your country and keep your citizens happy, although that’s easier said than done when they all want different things. It’s therefore up to you to create a strong economy and improve the lives of as many citizens as possible while bringing down your national debt, crime and unemployment. There’s also terrorism to deal with, as well as random events including global financial crashes.
Release Date: 2020
Price: £20.99
Where can I find out more information? Click Here.
1) Power & Revolution: 2022 Edition
For us Power & Revolution: 2022 Edition is the best political game that you can currently play in 2022. While a bit on the pricey side, what you do get is an in-depth simulation of the current world, featuring every country and the latest global conflicts and issues. However, not only can you play as the leader of your country, but you can also choose to play as the opposition and attempt to get yourself elected. Even better though, you can try and start a revolution and take control by force.
While there are of course some bugs and issues, nothing comes close to offering the size and realism of Power & Revolution, which is a shame as you feel that the game would benefit from having some tough competition. Alas, that’s not the case but if you’re looking for a game that allows you to take part in modern politics, Power and Revolution is the most in-depth political game on the market. The 2022 edition builds upon the additions made in the 2021 edition, which included the Coronavirus pandemic, by introducing conspiracy theories and fake news and allowing players to choose how best to combat these. Not only that, there’s further development of the pandemic as well as tasking players to help tackle the climate crisis.
Release Date: 2022
Price: £39.99
Where can I find out more information? Click Here.
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