It's a turn-based strategy game. A map of the former Soviet Union is broken out into 23 territories, and there are 8 Soviet factions (allowing up to 8 players to play). Each player has a set of influence tokens, and these are randomly distributed across the territories. Each territory gets 3 tokens. Players then take turns trying to win enemy influence tokens. Players start with money and cards. Cards can be played to get free dice for attack or defense, or sometimes for other benefits (breaking alliances, stealing money). Players buy dice or play cards to challenge a token and roll dice for control of the token. Money is used either to purchase dice directly for a challenge, or to buy cards. Money is earned through production cards (each has 3 territories on it, and players with influence in those territories get money; some territories are more likely to earn money than others). Each faction has a special ability; for example, the KGB can steal a card from any player on the KGB's turn. The player with the most influence tokens / money (money left at the end buys more influence tokens) at the end of the game (a set number of turns specified ahead of time) wins. Their is a fair amount of interaction (at least, there is if it's played right). Alliances form a big part of the game, so who you choose to ally with and how you handle the alliance (and deciding when to backstab your ally 8-) are integral to being successful. That's a quick description. Check our web page for more info, and check the forums in the Gamers HQ section for comments from other gamers.

-- Greg Stelmack, Software Engineer, Red Storm Entertainment

-- I am not a spokesman for Red Storm. These are my opinions

If anyone who has bought and plays Politika wants to add anything in this section, please email me at submissions@clancyfaq.com.