Campaign Manager 2008

Customer Reviews

Interesting if you like the theme, otherwise boring Review by Murray

Price
Value
Quality

A more relevant 1960 game by the same designer, Campaign Manager 2008 is all about the cards.

At the start of the game, each player must create their deck by going through all their cards three at a time and selecting only one to keep. Unlike Twilight Struggle, where each side plays differently, both Obama and McCain plays pretty much the same and even have almost the same cards.

Four battle states are placed down and players must play cards to influence voters on a certain topic. They can also switch the topic and appeal to different demographic as part of their strategy in winning the state, adding their votes to their total. The first to reach the crucial majority number of voters win.

There is some hand management in the game and a small bit of strategic play. However, for the most of it, the game falls flat. The cards are uninspiring and play is too straightforward, I wish they did more with the flavour and theme. Every move seems obvious, making the game not that fun.

Unless you are a big enthusiast for the theme, I wouldn't recommend Campaign Manager. Suck it up and get Twilight Struggle instead. (Posted on 2/2/11)