Raising the states: Realpolitiks is out now

Realpolitiks is the practice of pragmatic diplomacy based on circumstance. Real politics is arguing with your mum’s friend Derek on Facebook about unisex bathrooms. And Realpolitiks [official site] is a strategy game set in the contemporary world with all its international crises and dilemmas. The first two have been around for a while, but the last one just came out today.

We’ve shown you what it looks like in a previous gameplay trailer but basically it’s a big map with decisions to make, menus to click, countries to bully, diplomats to charm and so on. For a more rounded description of what’s going on, let’s ask this paragraph from today's press release. Paragraph?

Based on three main political systems (democracy, authoritarianism, totalitarianism), Realpolitiks allows you to extend the influence of your country through various means, all in order to win the race for global domination. Use your diplomatic skills, economic advantages, military power and the full freedom of moral and ethical decision-making to become a world superpower and ensure the well-being of your citizens.

Thanks, paragraph. In short it promises financial crises, nuclear jitters, interventionism, natural disasters, terrorism, falling outs, making ups, and some sneaky espionage to boot. There’s a demo for anyone willing to give it a pop before splurdging the £14.24/$18.74 on Steam.