Prime Minister Review

Introduction

If only modern-day politicians were more like their Victorian forbears, then maybe we could accept the corruption, lies, and incompetence as par for the course, for those Liberals and Tories of Queen Victoria’s reign are a power-crazed bunch doing whatever they can to crush their political rivals, and at times, their allies, too.

Prime Minister charges players with running, and hopefully not ruining, the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Players must propose and debate bills, pass acts, manage crises, flatter the monarch, and be ready to fend off challenges from the opposition and their own backbenchers as fragile governments cling on to power in the face of mounting pressure. It is as much a game of timing as anything else, and knowing when to tear up that pact or challenge for party leadership – or the premiership itself – can be the difference between victory or defeat at the polls. Grab your coat and hat, and ready your ballot paper, and I’ll meet you at the hustings to debate this topical game.

Object of the Game

Designed for 1 – 4 players and ages 12 and up, Prime Minister is about amassing victory points and being the PM himself (no female Members of Parliament in Queen Victoria’s time) when the points target has been reached. How the points are amassed is up to the government and their opposition as they propose bills, debate them, and pass some as acts, either working together or not.

Components

GMT tend to produce good-looking games and a lot of development has gone into this one to be sure it fits the period. Cards are adorned with historical portraits of famous characters, including the leading Liberal and Conservative politicians who served at one time or another as Queen Victoria’s premiers. Wooden counters populate the numerous tracks charting the players’ and their respective parties standing and position. There are player aid cards and displays, a mounted board, and a reasonably thick rule book that if a little wordy and opaque, is nicely illustrated and also includes a comprehensive example of play at the back. All in all, the game looks the part. The polls are showing a favourable outcome so far. But what about the gameplay?

Gameplay

Well, Mister Speaker, the issue how I see it is as thus:

There is an argument to be had that this is more of a game playing the players rather than players playing the game, and much of this is down to process and the nature of victory point pooling, in which opposing players are in a pact and every point scored is shared. The first player to reach 100 points as Prime Minister is the winner, which throws sharp emphasis on making sure that is you. The process is much to do with the manipulation of the numerous tracks, from projected number of seats your party will win at the next election, to your party’s standing on the contentious matter of Ireland, or with Farmers.

Mister Speaker, if I may? What the Right Honourable and Gallant gentleman has alluded to in his comment is that maybe this game is best played solitaire, in a mode called “Clockwork”, where it is less a matter of timing and racing an opponent to a victory point total of 100 points, and more of enjoying the parliamentary process and the drama of the events of the day in one of several historical scenarios.

‘Hear hear’ is sounded and boisterous shouting ensues.

‘Order!’ bellows the Speaker.

Now, I could go on, but it would be unfair to write this game off as a multiplayer experience when this reviewer has not played it with four players, for maybe that is truly where the system shines, and all that backstabbing and teamwork brings out what in essence is an intriguing look at a fascinating period of political upheaval and change. The only way to truly find out is to vote for Prime Minister (the game I hasten to say) with an “X” on polling day, and then, with a coalition of friends, you can tackle the issues of the Victorian day head on. And maybe, unlike Her Majesty Queen Victoria, you will be amused.