Presidential video game to hit retail shelves

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama faces many difficult tasks when he enters the White House, and now people who want to face similar challenges can give the U.S. presidency a try, too, in a video game.

Game maker Eversim will start selling "Commander in Chief" on January 20, when Obama is sworn in as president, the company said on Monday.

"Commander in Chief" is played on a three-dimensional world map, and contestants must pick a cabinet then tackle problems ranging from terrorism to economic woes.

The game is also available in several countries around the world, including Spain where it is called "Yo Presidente."

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)