Doonesbury Election Game - Campaign 96

Doonesbury Election Game: Campaign ’96 is a bizarre combination of management, simulation, and political spoofing rolled up into one video game that was designed by Randy Chase and published by Mindscape in 1996. Based on the political humor of cartoonist Gary Trudeau, this is a hilarious look at behind-the-scenes political adventures.
Choose the party to represent: Republican, Democratic or Independent, then manage the campaign of the chosen candidate. The user can choose from a list of historical presidential candidates, those that were current at the time of the game’s inception, or they can build their own.

While the user has control over his or her candidate, AI controls the opposing campaign managers who will stop at nothing to thwart your campaign and make your man look bad. (Other managers can also be played by up to three human players through network and Internet connections). Carefully choose your candidate’s stance on the most important political issues ranging from war to abortion to either reflect your own beliefs or follow the popular opinion. Once your candidate and his attributes are in line, it is time to delve deeper into the political world.
To start with, every presidential candidate requires a running mate who will complement his or her stances. There needs to be a staff to help with the details of the election campaign. These advisors are chosen from a list of Trudeau’s traditional Doonesbury characters and need to fill the positions of Spin Doctor, Financial Advisor, Communications Director and Strategy Advisor. These staff members will play a crucial part in the presidential campaign, with each having strengths or weaknesses that suit them for particular tasks. Of course, the Doonesbury fan will be likely to choose his or her favorite characters instead of choosing the correct profile for the job. The human factor plays a part in Doonesbury Election Game: Campaign ’96, just as it does a real presidential election.
The game is turn-based, and each day the manager must peruse news of other campaigns and strategize. The manager must arrange appearances and events that will emphasize the candidate’s strengths and make him look positive in the public eye. Some events help with exposure while others add to the funds needed to keep the campaign running. Statewide polls will let you know how your man is faring.
There is a lot of humor and micromanagement attached to DEG: 96C. A politically oriented gamer will find this one just as fun as the pure strategist. There is a small learning curve, but the interface is easy to master, and the graphics are true eye candy, featuring the work of Gary Trudeau. This is a definite must for download.