Democracy 2 (2007)

by Nish December 23, 2021

written by Nish December 23, 2021 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Indie, Simulator, Strategy
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Red Marble Games
Publishers: Positech Games, Tri-Synergy

Democracy 2: The Ultimate Government Simulation

Released in 2007, Democracy 2 is a government simulation game that puts players in the role of the president or prime minister of a democratic nation. With a focus on realism and complexity, Democracy 2 challenges players to make tough decisions on a wide range of policy issues, from taxation and healthcare to foreign affairs and environmental protection.

The game’s core gameplay revolves around managing seven key policy areas:

Tax: Set income tax rates, corporate tax rates, and sales tax rates.
Economy: Control interest rates, government spending, and trade policy.
Welfare: Determine the level of funding for social programs such as healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.
Foreign policy: Manage relations with other countries, including diplomacy, trade, and military alliances.
Transport: Plan and fund transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports.
Law and order: Set policing and criminal justice policies, including crime prevention programs and prison sentences.
Public services: Determine the level of funding for public services such as education, healthcare, and housing.

Each policy decision has a complex and interconnected impact on the game world. For example, increasing taxes may generate more revenue for the government, but it may also reduce consumer spending and economic growth. Similarly, investing in education may improve the skills of the workforce and boost long-term economic productivity, but it may also require raising taxes to fund the increased spending.

In addition to managing these core policy areas, players must also deal with random events and dilemmas that arise throughout the game. These events can range from natural disasters to political scandals, and they can have a significant impact on the player’s popularity and ability to govern effectively.

For example, a player may be faced with a dilemma such as whether to crack down on dissent in the wake of a terrorist attack, or to respect civil liberties and risk further attacks. There is no easy answer to such dilemmas, and the player must weigh the potential benefits and risks of each option before making a decision.

Democracy 2 is a challenging and rewarding game that offers players a unique opportunity to experience the complex challenges of leading a democracy. With its realistic and engaging gameplay, Democracy 2 is a must-play for fans of strategy games and political simulations.

Key Features of Democracy 2:

Complex and realistic simulation of democratic government.
Seven key policy areas to manage, including tax, economy, welfare, foreign policy, transport, law and order, and public services.
Random events and dilemmas that add an element of unpredictability and challenge.
Detailed statistics and graphs that track the impact of player decisions.
Mod support that allows players to create their own custom content.

Tips for Playing Democracy 2:

Start with a small country. This will give you a chance to learn the basics of the game without having to deal with a complex international situation.
Focus on the economy. A strong economy is essential for a successful democracy. Make sure to set tax rates and government spending levels that promote economic growth.
Invest in education and healthcare. These are two key areas that can improve the quality of life for your citizens and boost your popularity.
Be prepared to deal with random events and dilemmas. These events can have a significant impact on your game, so it’s important to be prepared to respond to them quickly and effectively.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Democracy 2. Experiment with different policies and strategies to see what works best for you.

Conclusion

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.