Tropico

"Buenas Dias Presidente"

As the newly elected (or for people considering buying this game, future newly elected) presidente of a small tropical island, there are a few things you need to know. Specifically 4 Sub-Scores of Tropico.

Graphics 9/10 : Here in Tropico, most of the buildings do look amazingly life-like, and the people and scenery are quite realistic. The motion is very smooth, and when zoomed in at a close or far range, the island does not lose detail. Even for presidente's who like their cities to be big and booming or small sleepers, there will always be something to look at. The only reason i dock it a point is because I am not crazy about their water-graphics. I'm not saying they do not look good, but they are not up to the quality level with the realism of the rest of the game.

Sound 10/10 : This is one of the games highlights. Authentic-sounding Carribean music is played though out the game (with a long song track, so not often are songs repeated), the tunes are catchy, and add an aura to the game. They help give it its Tropical feel. Sound effects are also very well, the butt kissing advisor to your all-mighty-and-powerful-self, is as crisp and clear as it is humorous. People and buildings do make sounds too, which are quite realistic. But definitely one of the highlights of this game is the music.

Control 10/10 : Tropico is by no means an action game, so split second reactions are not needed. The controls are for the most part based like most Sim City Games. The menu's are easily navigated, and everything works the way it is supposed to, so there is no reason to take away anything from this category.

Fun Factor 9/10 : To me, this is the most important category, so In averaging a games total score, this factor gets triple weighted. The game as a whole has a humorous overtone to it. Gamers who tend to lack a sense of humor may want to avoid this one, because as good as this game is, a small portion relies on you just looking something and laughing. From Picking your hilarious flaws as a leader (Flatulence is my favorite), to rigging elections (People dumb enough to vote out el presidente dont deserve to vote anyways), you can even put out hits on people (hey, accidents CAN happen). There are plenty actions you can take as a ruler of your own island, you can be their beloved benevolent friend, or their despised despot who needs plenty of well paid armed guards to watch over your compound. To me, the biggest downfall of this game (and the only one really) was the lack of objects. There are about 80 different types of buildings, and once you've got everything on your island, theres not a whole lot left to do. The game however comes packed with scenerios, a scenario creator, and a definitely good sense of humor.

Overall, this game is humorous, not too intense, and will entertain for a few weeks. It's certainly not a blockbuster, but a sleeper hit none the less.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/03, Updated 02/22/03