First, I'm not an American, so I mightn't have quite as much enthusiasm as you guys on the other side of the pond. I've looked at this game quite a few times, and I must say, it really does look fantastic. And you certainly enjoyed it, and I always find your reviews very fair and impartial. But then we come to the problems: time and space. You played the game over two nights, and I assume you didn't put it away when you were doing other things, and you only got through the first six months of the game. I simply couldn't justify all that time being spent playing a solo game. I MIGHT if it was a multi-player game with the banter and socialising that goes with it, but not a solo. And then we have the amount of space required. While I might be able to convince herself to let me use all that space for a few hours, if I tried that one for a few days, I'd be shipped out straight to Guantanamo! It looks like a game that's going to bring a ton of enjoyment to players with the time and commitment to really get into it, but unfortunately this isn't me. Great review, and that's a cool starfield you have on your table there sir.

Loving this game! I have all boards and counter trays set up on my 6 ft folding table in my office. I keep the manuals on an end table next to my work desk. I play 30 minutes here, 45 minutes there. I'm not sure if I'll ever bother putting it back on the shelf.

Sounds like a ton of fun, just got no time myself either. Maybe after I move and get all settled with new classes, I'll try and pick this one up.

This is definitely a monster, and I was not prepared! I got to the "China/Russia acts" space on the first turn and discovered that this one space involves going through a separate 12 page booklet, I knew I was not ready for this game! I will set it up and try again at some point. 🙂

I won't lie, I've been waiting for this review. I love this game. It's supposed to be a monster, and it is. Although I disagree that it is purely a simulation. I compare it to kayaking a river. The forces around you (currents, rapids, rocks) are too big to control. Instead, you survive by choosing the right time and place to put your paddle in the water and ever so slightly try to turn your kayak in the right direction to survive. Sometimes events are just going to conspire against you and keep you from getting reelected (e.g., COVID), but even then it tells a great story.

Got a copy just as it was released. Have not found the time and space to reserve for the game. I read the rules and want to play it over a week, a couple of hours a night. Yes, I agree it is a simulation, less a game. You almost want to have a CNN-like reporter to summarize the game each play. "Tonight Crisis in the Mideast Avoided," says your game log. Thanks for your review; it looks like something I am happy to own.

Really feels like that flip book and set up will all be in an app within a couple of months. Never seen a better case for GMT to try out an AI 'supporter' to help you through a game...

This is a very enjoyable game. Unfortunately, I only have time to play a few segments per session (if that depending on which segment) and have limited space so, while I would love to set it all up, I play the Vassal module so I don't have to keep setting it up and taking it down. As I have two monitors, I have the board on one and the master actions lists (included with the module) up on the other. I also scanned all the charts/booklets and put them in their own tab/page in an Excel spreadsheet so I also have them on the second monitor and can find the necessary chart/table quickly and don't have to dig through a pile of booklets all the time. It also saves them from a lot of wear and tear. However, even on a large monitor, the board requires a fair amount of scrolling around.

A good game to start setting up in November, study until Jan 20th, and play for a few years.

Sounds like a great video game

Wow this looks epic. How much of the game is determined by your rolls? Is this essentially similar to dungeon crawl games where you roll for outcome at every turn?

A fabulous review. Great delivery and great explanation of what the game entails. A monster game/simulation. A must have anyone interested in games, game theory, political history or science, psychology etc. Hats off to GMT on this endeavor! Thank you for an insightful review.

About this tagline: "Will it get your vote? Or should it just get impeached from your game shelf?" I think this review video is meant to persuade (or not to persuade) people to buy it. Therefore, it's not on their game shelves yet, so how can it get impeached from a game shelf? I'd say it will either get your vote from your wallet, or get impeached from consideration.

Well, I got the game and your review will encourage me to get it o the table to play. I was concerned about the scope and all of the charts, booklets etc. and keeping track of it all. If it is just a 5 complexity that is very doable. I imagine the first time you play it would be a lot slower which is usual for most games, but especially so for this one?

What happened to your beautiful filming space dude? Looks like you're stuck in solitary confinement. Great review as always!

If its is so incredibly good I’m sure you will find the time for it. At least you don’t need anyone else for it

6 to 10 hours??? I don't think I can play with myself for that long...

This look’s interesting and I would like to play it but it just look like too much. I would not have the time and the place to play this game. Too bad because from your description this look like a lot of fun

Sounds like a great board game to eventually get turned into a digital version

Great review (as always)! The audio for this was a bit off, sounded a little like you were in a can. Proly just a mic issue.

Would this fit two standard card tables or would that still not be enough?

As president, don’t mistakenly choose an honest VP

Very accurate analysis. This is a SIMULATION rather than a game. I wish I had this when I taught political Science at an elite public high school 17 years ago... My one complaint is that it badly needs a setup booklet. The setup instructions are difficult to find as they are buried on one of the manuals.

Thanks, I just did the P500 for 2nd ed.

It's a 20 hour game not including setup for the 4 years. It is an amazing game though.

Best game ever. Amazing game.

Once more I'd like to talk to you about your most recent post on your other channel, but have to do it here. I wonder how seriously the western allies considered turning on the Soviets after Germany was defeated. Have you ever come across information regarding this? I find it interesting/sad that we have WWI. We call it the war to end all wars, because it was so deadly, and devastating. In 20 years humanity goes down the path of war, which will make that previous war small by comparison. Then, it's only 5 short years before we're fighting again in Korea. This time with multiple countries in possession of the atomic bomb! Ridiculous! I'm a little surprised you didn't mention this in your Consequences of the Second World War lecture. It's somewhat ironic that our bitter enemies Germany/ Japan are now close allies of the west, and our allies Russia/China are now, if not our enemies, certainly our rivals. This is just a small thing, but made me wonder... you showed the slide with all Allied, and Axis deaths. I didn't see Finland on the list, but under Axis there is a "other" category. I wonder if "other" captures Finnish casualties, as they were allied to Germany. Not that they had much choice. Anyway, I watched the whole series with interest.

Looks interesting but I don’t think I’d ever play it. Huge time and space investment. I have other thoughts on the designer and his past crimes.

I'm looking forward in trying to become a millionaire as President via China influence. Great review, looks like an amazing game.

Regarding Bill Clinton and his cannabis incident he claimed that he inhaled but did not smoke ... .... ... .. ... ... Congress held a joint session to decide whether or not he was being truthful.

This looks like a game that takes multiple sessions to finish. If I were to set this up at home, I'd need two tables just for this game plus a third table with another game to distract my cats.

Have yet to unshrink my copy, still building up the courage.

This P500 was a steal. Underpriced. First printing already sold out. Will be reprinted.

Alright i bit the bullet and bought it on sale. Now will it ever get played? I looked over the designer’s indecent touching and jail time. I mean, we’ve all thought about it amirite? I guess he did his time. I just wish people thought this of everyone and not just some people.

No excuse in 2023/2024 for not having a good mic to make a video lol.

Promo_SM

My biggest problem with this game is its very right wing and jingoist politics. Having to prop up terror states like Saudi Arabia and Israel and events that make it clear that giving human rights to detainees in Guantanamo Bay inevitably ends in more terrorism are kind of disgusting inclusions.