Tropico 4 Reviews

fun and addicting

Solid game, lots to do, reminds me of classic Tropico

A unique and very different take on the genre of city builders. Its also a political simulator in the sense that you manage both internal and external groups that effect your island nation. How much and to want extent you can adjust to your liking in the random island setup. RPG elements are present in the form of your avatar, El presidente. There are dozens of preset historical figures, but you can make your own. Rule as a Communist, Capitalist, Dictator or a gangster boss. There are structures and edicts that you can build and pass that will enforce these positions, along with random choices that come up in game. There is a great deal of depth not just in structures but the ways you can develop your island. Industry, agriculture, minerals, tourism, or a combination of all. Its why I like the random map generation over the campaign because it allows for different builds and play styles. Its the reason I keep returning to the game, year after year. The replay value offered here is incredible. Its aged very well I think. The music, graphics, Latin-American music are all very good. The humour is also very good, and I never get tired of reading the setting choices for my shopping mall, always makes me laugh. Voices overs are of very good acting quality and also make me grin. Its a serious game/simulation though, there can be war and revolution, not good, unless thats what you are aiming for. But the game has its own charm about life things. I bought the collection when it was on sale years ago, and I'm still coming back to this. Its got a learning curve due to its depth, but that depth gives it its longevity. I still havent built a stadium or airport, maybe next game. I know there is a Tropico 5 and 6 now, but I'm not convinced if they are that much better than this to the point that I should spend my massively debased currency on it. When this is on sale its very affordable and I need to watch my dollars these days given food and rent have gone up 400%, so Tropico4 wins for value in my book. In conclusion and in the light of Tropicos humour, if you are rich and have access to your moms money tree, go buy Tropico6. If not, then put this game on your wish-list and wait for the sale. You wont be disappointed. Adios Comrade...

Get this one instead of 5 or 6. It has everything but better.

Its fun, humorous, creative and seems to cover the "island" life. Take hours to make a perfect town or far less to complete task, you play your way.

An absolutely addicting game of strategy, manipulation, thinking-ahead, and improvisation. The scenarios can keep you entertained for hundreds of hours (as evidenced by my numbers, and I still have some scenarios to clear) and provide meaningful differences in every play that keeps the game feeling fresh. The humor and voice acting are top tier. Whenever you lose a scenario, it feels fair, and when you win and create a thriving city, it feels amazing.

Tropico 4 is the pinnacle of the Tropico series. Could it be improved upon? Of course, but Tropico 5, unfortunately, did not improve upon it. In fact, Tropico 5 was far worse. I came back to Tropico 4. It oozes charm with it's wacky characters, it allows chaos by not requiring you to build roads, and the military system actually made sense. If you want to truly experience the Tropico series at its best, play Tropico, Tropico 3, and finally, Tropico 4.

Plain city builders can get dull. Not this one! You have a lot going on but you can get by without going super in depth. Different challenges and events keep things interesting as well. My only problem is not knowing when to quit. It;s easy to get caught up trying to build the next thing or resolve an issue. I stay up too late playing.

7/10; -Good follow up with expanded economic and political systems. -Minimal technical issues. -Game play loop is more of the same, with some added depth for population and economy. -"Still no education for the children" I would recommend this game on sale at 70% or greater.

A cheeky city builder. Decent Campaign mode/story. Gets a little redundant after a while, but overall scratches that city builder itch while adding a comedic tone!