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You schmucks out there may think that being a Galactic Patrol Combat Ace is the zenith of achievement. Well, it ain't. In Election Trail you go for the real Big One. Yessir, you can run for President of the US of A itself, greatest nation on this backwater planet.

The campaign is fought across a very detailed map of the U.S. - you play the Republican Candidate. The action is menu-driven, and for each round of play (you can choose how many campaign rounds you're going for at the start of the game) you can decide whether to spend money on a media blitz, a walkabout in a selected state, or 'buying' a celebrity (corrupt stuff this). You have to watch the campaign funds, because celebrities and media blitzes don't come cheap. Money can be saved by going for a simple debate or press conference. I liked these, they ask you trick questions. If, for example, you state that you wish to cut car exhaust emissions, you'll get the unions on your back for wanting to cut motor industry jobs. So mind what you say!

Budding psephologists note that each state is classified according to its real electoral bias, so no Democrat should spend money and time fighting in Utah. This adds an educational tinge to the game.

I enjoyed the game, it's witty and a lot of thought has gone into it. I do feel it might be better as a two person game - the machine isn't a great opponent - neither am I sure how long it will keep my interest, but it's an awful lot better than the British Election game Westminster.