We’re on the precipice of another major election, and with it comes an abundance of lazy games attempting to play off the popularity (or lack thereof) of any candidates running. Therefore, it’s refreshing to see a title that attempts to be slightly more nuanced in its attempt to parody contemporary issues. Head of State, which is set to launch on September 8th, puts your character in charge of a fictitious state of Concordia, and through choosing policies and reacting to events that occur within the game, you can rise in power even to the point of instigating a national revolution. There are numerous elements to balance, such as the church, police, and the unions, and elections to win on the way into government. There does seem to be a significant amount of depth to Head of State, as it ensures to be more a political simulation title rather than a cheap cash in to capitalise on current affairs.
If Head of State manages to have enough depth to its core concept, it could conjure up the same level of intrigue that made Reigns ($2.99) so much fun to play, as it appears to have a similar task in balancing numerous different factions in an attempt to maintain influence. However, with any game that involves a relatively linear simulation timeline, there are a few reservations as to whether Head of State will have any longevity beyond the first play-through. That being said, with three difficulty options available, and with Head of State being the brainchild of over four years of ideas from the developer, it should be a substantial experience when it launches as a premium title – with no in app purchases – on September 8th. Be sure to follow our forum thread for any updates on Head of State‘s upcoming release.
