Games

Geo Political Simulator

Publisher: Eversim

Platform: Reviewed on Windows PC

Price: £29.99

Certificate: 16

Released: October 24 2008

Could you better Gordon Brown?

Simulations seem to be becoming few and far between on home computers, with one argument for their downfall being the lack of originality and accessibility offered by the genre.

Now all that is changing as the developers at Eversim bring the world the first true president sim, or as fans call it, an economic and geopolitical simulator game that portrays a real world environment. But can running a nations politics, from the ground up really be any fun?

To begin with it seems unclear as installing 'GPS' is a rather odd, even surreal experience - especially for your average gamer.

The name in itself is intimidating enough and then comes the ominous introduction sequence and foreboding musical score that kicks in once the game begins.

Luckily this excites, setting the appropriate tone for a tense and intriguing title. Yet despite sounding terribly dull somehow 'GPS' pulls anyone with the slightest bit of intrigue in the political world into the single player mode almost instantaneously.

From here on in the presentation and functionality of the map screen and interface that unfolds before the player as they begin their reign of President is superb. And while the graphics may seem simple compared to the likes of 'Command & Conquer', quality gameplay is rarely hurt when visuals have to cope on a budget.

Still, 'GPS' does bare a bizarre resemblance to the 1983 film 'War Games', and its 2008 sequel, with the option to politic or purge, to tow the party line and impress the population, or to start a war with France and nuke Milton Keynes available. What's more, like the film, this is excellent fun.

Perhaps it is simply the power placed in players' hands that makes 'GPS' succeed in this manner, because it clearly isn't the low budget graphics and character model - though they are satisfactory. But more likely it is the sheer variety of what is happening on the screen and the vast number of clear and informative charts, tables and options available to view and interact with.

There is so much going on here it is breathtaking. And somehow this part of 'GPS' is not quite so intimidating. Eversim can proudly say they have created an alluring simulator that can stand alongside crazily in-depth titles such as Microsoft Flight Simulator when it comes to realism.

Eversim know this is one of the game's strengths too and as such they are constantly evolving 'GPS', supporting it with software updates, newsletters and an online world in conflict multiplayer option.

All in all 'GPS' offers up what it says on the tin and more. An extremely thorough and realistic simulation of the planet at every level that a man without a degree in politics can name, it offers up a real treat to the adult market.

It offers the potential to educate too - it's just unfortunate that the name is poorly marketable, condemning it too suffer with the teen audience to whom it could offer the most insight.

As such anyone who watches the political report on the news and can play 'Sim City' could really immerse themselves here, and have a hugely enjoyable time. Due to its nature GPS will never tantalise everyone but to its lucky target audience discovering this game will be like winning the lottery.