This Is the President

This Is the President: A Political Thriller-Satire Management Game

This Is the President is a narrative-driven political management simulation available on mobile and PC platforms. Developed as a satirical thriller, its core experience places you in the role of a recently elected U.S. President who also happens to be a corrupt businessman desperate to avoid prosecution. Unlike conventional political sims that focus on legitimate governance, this game distinguishes itself through its dark humor, criminal undertones, and branching storylines where unethical choices are often the most effective path to survival.

Exploring This Is the President: Core Experience Overview

This Is the President unfolds in an alternate 2020 where you, a shady millionaire, have unexpectedly won the presidency. Your singular objective isn't to serve the public but to escape justice. To achieve this, you must orchestrate the ratification of a constitutional amendment—Amendment 28—that grants the president lifetime immunity from prosecution. This premise sets the stage for a experience filled with moral compromises, strategic maneuvering, and absurd political theater.

The core gameplay is a mix of resource management, crisis handling, and narrative decision-making. You must balance three key resources: your public approval rating, your personal cash reserves, and the effectiveness of your "crew." Each day brings new crises, from official presidential duties to illegal operations that must be covered up. Your actions directly influence the story, leading to wildly different outcomes ranging from tragic to ridiculous.

The Team Behind This Is the President and Supported Platforms

This Is the President was developed by a creative team focused on narrative and satire. While specific developer details are limited, the game is published by HandyGames, a company known for supporting diverse and innovative titles. This Is the President is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and PC, ensuring broad accessibility. Its system requirements are modest, making it playable on most modern smartphones and computers.

Key Gameplay Systems and Functional Design

Presidential Power Management

At the heart of the game is the management of your power base. You don't just govern; you operate like a mafioso. This involves hiring a shadow cabinet of Specialists—including hackers, assassins, lobbyists, and fixers—and deploying them on missions. These missions can be approached through legal channels or, if that fails, through illegal means. Sending a lobbyist to legally persuade a senator might be your first option, but if they refuse, you can always dispatch a hacker to dig up dirt or an assassin to apply more direct pressure. This system creates a dynamic where every problem has multiple solutions, each with its own ethical and practical consequences.

Narrative Branching and Crisis Resolution

This Is the President is driven by a compelling interactive narrative where your choices have significant, often irreversible, impacts. You will deliver speeches, draft executive orders, manage press conferences, and even craft tweets to manipulate public opinion. Each decision branches the story, leading to escalating situations that can become absurd, terrifying, or tragic. A failed mission might lead to a public scandal, requiring a rushed cover-up that creates an even bigger problem. The narrative constantly forces you to choose between your ultimate goal (immunity) and the daily distractions of "presidential duties."

Resource and Relationship Dynamics

Three primary resources dictate your options: Cash, Approval Rating, and Crew Loyalty. Cash funds your illegal operations and bribes. Approval Rating affects your political capital and ability to pass measures legally. Your Crew's effectiveness depends on their skills and morale. You must also manage relationships with various factions, including the media, political opponents, foreign leaders, and the establishment. Blackmailing, bribing, and bullying are all valid tools to turn enemies into pawns, but each action risks backlash.

User Feedback and Practical Highlights

Players and critics have highlighted several key aspects of the experience:

  The game's writing is frequently praised for its sharp satire and engaging, branching narrative that encourages multiple playthroughs to see different outcomes.

  The blend of management sim and narrative adventure creates a unique tension between strategic planning and reactive decision-making.

  Some users note the learning curve can be steep, as managing multiple crises simultaneously while pursuing long-term goals requires careful attention.

  The art style and presentation effectively complement the game's darkly humorous tone.

  The mobile version's controls and interface are generally considered well-adapted for touchscreens, making complex management accessible on handheld devices.

Why This Is the President Is Worth Trying

This Is the President is best suited for players who enjoy narrative-driven games with deep moral choices, strategic management, and political satire. Its primary strength lies in its unique premise and the freedom it gives players to approach problems with either cunning or brute force. The game offers substantial replay value due to its branching storylines and multiple endings. For anyone looking for a management sim that prioritizes ruthless strategy and dark comedy over honest governance, This Is the President delivers a memorable and thoroughly engaging experience.