President Forever

Wondering how to occupy your time after the conclusion of one of the most hotly contested presidential elections in decades? Political junkies looking for a new diversion should check out President Forever, a simulation where the polls never close. Chances are that you'll never want them to, either, because this election simulation from Eighty Dimensional Software is very good. All the complexities of a grueling run for the presidency have been narrowed down to core themes, which make the daunting task of claiming the Oval Office addictive and playable while not sacrificing realism.

President Forever hangs its hat on a turn-based re-creation of the 2004 election, although the historically minded can choose from scenarios set in 1992, 1980, and 1960. Presidential wannabes John Kerry, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Jack Kennedy, and, of course, Bush 41 and Bush 43 are included, along with a selection of 2004 also-rans like Colin Powell for the GOP and the likes of Howard Dean and Al Sharpton for the Democrats. Each comes with personal attributes like leadership and stamina that affect both their actions and how the voters view them.

Additionally, the game is so customizable that dozens of historical and fantasy scenarios and candidates have been posted by modders at the game's official Web site. Online offerings range from pitting Lincoln against McLellan in 1864 to staging the first national election of the recently united US and Canada in 2008. There is something available for pretty much everyone.

Features:

* criss-cross the country doing barn-storming campaigns
* setup detailed platforms to outmaneuver your opponents
* unleash foot soldiers to stop your opponents, or get campaign crusaders to rally voters to your cause
* run attack ads to steal voters leaning towards your opponents
* give a fiery custom-made speech, but remember to prepare for the debates!
* craft a detailed electoral strategy to give you a landslide on election day
* 2 - 4 players, vs. computer or hotseat
* play with 12 ready-made candidates in 2004 complete with detailed attributes and skills, or make your own!
* play 2004, or try a Great Campaign of the Past: 1960 (Nixon-Kennedy), 1980 (Reagan-Carter), or 1992 (Bush-Clinton)!