Suzerain

'Suzerain' is the best when it comes to political simulations. The game shows the hardness of political decisionmaking, finding compromises when passing bills, allocating the budget of your administration or focusing on a progressive reform of your country. One of the most important things in your term: reform a with loopholes defracted constitution from times of the military dictatorship. It requires clever changes which will suit progressives and conservatives - you will face potential opposition in other parties or even in your own if you make unfitting changes. Another thing that makes 'Suzerain' so astonishing are the other different ways to lead your country: Go the way of a fascist or communist dictator and dissolve the parliament, reign with emergency decrees and imprison your political enemies. Or lead your nation as a popular democratic president, fighting against corruption and do what the hard-working people in your country need. In summary, this political simulator gives you the ability to lead (or destroy) the country in the way you strive for. It's definitely a game to consider if you're interested in this genre.

A very intriguing and quite tense political, following in the footsteps of Anton Rayne, President of Sordland, set during his first term as president, as he shapes the country in anyway, whilst balancing promises, commitments and political intrigue. A sleeper hit if I say so myself. I can say I am glad to have bought this game on day one. The writing and lore of the strangereal-esqe continent of Merkopa is extremely extensive and worth reading. The characters are well developed and fantastically written, making you love some, and wishing others to f**k off. And in terms of you shape the country is up to you; a democratic republic, a dictatorship, a capitalist paradise or a mixture of everything and nothing. I highly recommend this game. Not only in support of this fantastic developer, but for a well-written political drama!

Sordland needs a wise strongman. To this end, I sided with the Old Guard, enacted emergency powers, banned extremism on the both the left and right, and suppressed ethnic separatism. I rejected any and all bribes from corporate special interests and promoted austerity for myself and for those in my administration. I refused to bail out businesses or give out temporary stimulus, instead I sought long-term goals — investing in rail infrastructure and agriculture. I also invested heavily in education and healthcare, especially in rural areas, while at the same time, introducing privatization to those sectors to make them more competitive and reduce budgetary strains. I reformed the education system to enhance academic freedom and remove political indoctrination. I promoted women's rights for meritocracy, so that citizens of any sex can prevail if they are smart and willing enough. I created an anti-corruption agency, boosted the powers of the police while separating them from the military, and greatly increased the strength of the army. I would also jail the corrupt oligarchs indefinitely without trial, nationalizing their industries and limiting the power of the media. I lowered taxes for small business, increased taxes for larger ones, and passed laws to protect fair competition and workers' rights. I managed to recover the economy with a balanced budget. I made two trade deals with minimal concessions and tightened border security to keep away refugees. I reconciled with and united minorities, and ensured all schools taught a common language while protecting religious freedom. Women and minorities strongly supported my reign by the end. I had consistently promoted peace worldwide and domestically. Due to my tyranny however, my cabinet resigned at the end, so I decided to resign as well and let a new leader take my place — lest I stay in power too long and become another Soll. Good game, but its file size and performance requirements are unnecessarily large.

I am usually not attracted to reading heavy games. But this gem of a game, showing only a map and dialog, has me hooked. I am writing this review at 3:30 in the morning... and I am working in the morning. Need I say more?

This game is must-play for all, who loves visual novels and political topic.