I'm playing a custom candidate against the Democrats in campaign mode. I'm up to LBJ in level 6... but can't get further without cheating. Are there any real winning strategies? I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work.
This unrealistic AI really bothers me. The designers have a great concept, and except for this point, you have a great game here. However, at higher levels the AI turns it into more of an arcade and less of a simulation. Really takes the realism (and for me, the fun) out of it.
A few points here:
1) In reality, barring a complete disaster, Republicans should be able to hold on to the Midwest with relative ease. The challenge to the Democrat is to flip one or two states. In the higher levels, playing as the R candidate, you are not only are likely to lose one or two of these states, you're lucky if that's all. Playing as the D candidate, you don't have a shot (at least I haven't yet...)
2) Why does it keep having to come down to winning California? If California goes red, the rest of the map ought to look like a hemorrhage patient. As it usually plays out, we're sending in as many operatives as we can to flip CA and hold on to 215 votes elsewhere. That's not a real-world strategy, and that just isn't the way the game should be played. I have no problem with California ever being in play, but it should be representative of a convincing GOP victory, not a squeaker. Where's the realism in losing the popular vote by 10 to 15 million votes, but winning because you won CA 50 - 49?
3) How the heck is the AI getting so much money/stamina to take such a lead? This is ridiculous, bordering on insane. How can I lead on the top three issues by 70% or better, yet still trail in the national polls by over 10 points? Not to mention that the AI candidate has over 50% Awareness by week 3...
Short version, where's the authenticity? There has to be a better way to make the AI tougher as the campaign progresses. I like a challenge, but both sides need to play by the same rules. That includes the computer.
