Tropico 4

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 419 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 419
  2. Mixed: 118 out of 419
  3. Negative: 27 out of 419
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  1. marqpas
    Aug 31, 2011
    10
    The real score is 8.5 to 9.

    This game really is what Tropico 3 should have been in the first place.
    Great fun and good tutorial. Very recommendable for both starters and fans.
  2. Lugash
    Mar 15, 2013
    10
    Quite simply the best simulation game around. Tropico 4 may not add much new content, but it polishes the *heck* out of the amazing Tropico 3. The Modern Times expansion adds tons of new content. I honestly have no complaints worth mentioning. 10/10
  3. Quasi
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    Tropico 3 was good. This is even better. Even if there's little improvement since Tropico 3, it's not a reason to give this game a bad rating. There are a few new aspects to the game, which make it even more enjoyable to me. I will recommend this game to everyone who asks about it.
  4. shirajzl
    Aug 28, 2011
    10
    This game is just what the fans of the series and the genre in general want and expect. A fun, relaxing game with decent graphics and gameplay complex enough to keep you occupied, but not frustrated. Tropico 3 was nigh on perfect and the developers just built a little bit on that foundation. Some will aruge it's the same old game, but why fix it if it's not broken? A major overhaul oftenThis game is just what the fans of the series and the genre in general want and expect. A fun, relaxing game with decent graphics and gameplay complex enough to keep you occupied, but not frustrated. Tropico 3 was nigh on perfect and the developers just built a little bit on that foundation. Some will aruge it's the same old game, but why fix it if it's not broken? A major overhaul often results in destroying what used to be an entertaining and fulfilling game...If you liked the previous versions of the game, you'll enjoy this one just as much.… Expand
  5. gyrate
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    This game is a true gem with endless replay value. There are so many paths that you can choose. On the surface it will trick a player that is not paying attention. The more you dig into things you begin to realize how much thought actually went into this. Tropico 3 is of course awesome and I would have been upset had they deviated too far from the original formula. A good example would beThis game is a true gem with endless replay value. There are so many paths that you can choose. On the surface it will trick a player that is not paying attention. The more you dig into things you begin to realize how much thought actually went into this. Tropico 3 is of course awesome and I would have been upset had they deviated too far from the original formula. A good example would be my love for Civ IV BTS. When Civ V came out using a new formula I was heart broken. My shock from that fallout led me to this diamond in the rough. Once you really get into this game you'll need a well built gaming machine. I'm here to tell you folks this game right here is hardcore it is not the candy coated shell that you might believe. The modding community is beginning to form, and El Presidente is taking over.… Expand
  6. Mathew952
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    This is much more than a repack of Tropico 3, even if the graphics engine is more or less the same. This game makes minor changes to the GUI, but in terms of appearance, it's mostly the same as Tropico 3. However, the game-play has been improved dramatically in my opinion. The road system is much better implemented, the council of ministers works very well, the 20 added buildings are allThis is much more than a repack of Tropico 3, even if the graphics engine is more or less the same. This game makes minor changes to the GUI, but in terms of appearance, it's mostly the same as Tropico 3. However, the game-play has been improved dramatically in my opinion. The road system is much better implemented, the council of ministers works very well, the 20 added buildings are all good for the most part, and to top it off, the radio show in this game is FAR less annoying than Jaunito or Betty ever were. The humor is much improved, and the blandness of parts of Tropico 3 have been done away with; their is always something happening. The addition of advisers for each faction, each with unique personalities and decent advice is also a plus. The biggest addition, however, is the 20 mission campaign, which unlike the previous games, is a single cohesive narrative that is entertaining and quite funny. Overall, this game is a big step up from Tropico 3, even if it might look the same. The only real downside is that the El Presidente voice actor is very lame, and puts emphasis on the entirely wrong parts of sentences.… Expand
  7. sincity9669
    Nov 17, 2012
    10
    awesome game with tons of re playability and great political movements. The only reason this would not be a good game for and hardcore strategy city building fan is if you had played the very similar tropico 3. All in all and amazing game.
  8. dprkforum
    Mar 4, 2012
    10
    First and foremost, Tropico 4 does have any serious breakthroughs in the graphics department. They are dated indeed, but that does not really matter, because the game is simply a lot of fun. Plenty of challenge to last for countless hours, and once you are done with that, play around with a sandbox mission or two. No, it is not your typical city building game, but that is a positive allFirst and foremost, Tropico 4 does have any serious breakthroughs in the graphics department. They are dated indeed, but that does not really matter, because the game is simply a lot of fun. Plenty of challenge to last for countless hours, and once you are done with that, play around with a sandbox mission or two. No, it is not your typical city building game, but that is a positive all the same. a lot of people say it is like Tropico 3. I never played Tropico 3, so if it is the same, maybe stick with that one.… Expand
  9. zarg556
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    OK... I am aware that tons of people hate this game due to the similarities it shares with it's predecessors - mainly because it is pretty much the same game but with a few upgrades. This however, is completely untrue in my opinion...

    Firstly, there are 20 new diverse, unique missions to explore and conquer while gaining the respect of the population of your island. Random events assist    OK... I am aware that tons of people hate this game due to the similarities it shares with it's predecessors - mainly because it is pretty much the same game but with a few upgrades. This however, is completely untrue in my opinion...

    Firstly, there are 20 new diverse, unique missions to explore and conquer while gaining the respect of the population of your island. Random events assist in making the game more interesting, while not being so common to disrupt the fun and immensity of the gameplay. The fun, exciting spokespeople for each nation are hilarious to listen to, each with their own personalities and voices (although at times these stereotypes may be considered slightly racist!).

    The graphics of Tropico 4 are roughly the same as those of Tropico 3, but seem more vivid and alive, making your island feel more real. For me, Tropico 4 runs much more smoothly on the same graphical settings (detail = medium) as Tropico 3. There are many things to do in Tropico 4 including the campaign, challenge mode (where you can create maps and play other people's!), and sandbox mode. Each of these playing styles are fun in their own way, but for me the campaign is the most enjoyable! Lastly, the actual gameplay of constructing and watching over your country is so great and satisfying (especially when you complete a mission!). The menus are greatly improved since Tropico 3, with ease of access in both finding specific buildings and navigating.

    I honestly cannot think of any downfalls to this games besides maybe the fact the missions usually last at least 1-2 hours, but this increases the overall playing time (so you get more for you money, no?).

    Overall, Tropico 4 is most certainly worth purchasing due to it's fun gameplay, exciting characters and endless playing time and fun factor...    … Expand
  10. Plutarco
    Dec 6, 2013
    10
    Even better than Tropico 3, funnier and far more complex. This version also adds new interesting buildings and objectives. It is an excellent game, don't think it twice to purchase it because it is also a great and peaceful option among so many repetitive and bloody games out there.
  11. JampStealthy
    Aug 19, 2013
    10
    Never played a Tropico game before. I liked Civilization but most city-building games such as SimCity I found very boring. This, however is a perfectly crafted game, with addictive gameplay, a great atmosphere, and the best music in any strategy game I've ever heard. Highly recommended.
  12. MonkeyNutts85
    May 5, 2013
    10
    By far the best single player RTS game ever made. Great graphics and game play. I played Tropico 3 before and fell in love with the series. Although it looks like it can be a repetitive game it isn't. The mission story lines you go through are really good and at time funny if you read the text.

    The added help of the map editor allows those who are good with some scripting to make their    By far the best single player RTS game ever made. Great graphics and game play. I played Tropico 3 before and fell in love with the series. Although it looks like it can be a repetitive game it isn't. The mission story lines you go through are really good and at time funny if you read the text.

    The added help of the map editor allows those who are good with some scripting to make their own missions and upload them for others to play. If you are a die hard RTS player then you will never be put off with this game. Even 3 months after I finished the game, you can still go go back and play and get thoroughly engrossed into the game again.

    Well worth the money....Tropico 5 is in production and Kalypso have said they are start the graphics from scratch. I personally can't wait.    … Expand
  13. gracjanski
    Aug 24, 2018
    10
    This game is a positive surprise for me. Of course I have the Complete Edition with all DLC. I didnt play the Tropico 3, so I cant compare it and cant complain that it is more or less the same.

    The gameplay is great, especially because it has a campaign, that is even well done. In the campaign you need to build up an isle with different strategies, what is exactly, what I want in such    This game is a positive surprise for me. Of course I have the Complete Edition with all DLC. I didnt play the Tropico 3, so I cant compare it and cant complain that it is more or less the same.

    The gameplay is great, especially because it has a campaign, that is even well done. In the campaign you need to build up an isle with different strategies, what is exactly, what I want in such simulations. But the campaign could be shorter or more diversified, because you build up islands from the start all the time. Could be a better idea to take some islands and solve problems (like in the scenarios in the sim city games). But overall I like this game even more than the popular Sim City franchise. In addition all the political mechanics are reasonable to me, especially I like the 8 political fractions and how to handle them.

    The atmosphere is great also with a cool humour and nice hints on the practical side of the politics.
    It is a fun to zoom into the streets and watch the normal day by your citizens.

    The devs could put in much more and better music, but for that I hear to some caribbean/ hawaiian music via youtube.

    And yes, the natural desasters are not fun, especially, when they come so often, very frustrating.

    There are challenges, but they are blank, because you need to download them and the connection to the server is not working.

    The DLC Modern Times is bad, you can read about it in the DLC page.    … Expand
  14. Wizzsama
    Jul 29, 2013
    10
    I like Tropico from last millenia, when first game was released. And this game are not an exception. But comparing first and fourth Tropico I can say that i just love the story here, even if it lost charming rebel's radio from third.
  15. TheKingJpiter
    May 27, 2014
    10
    I love this game i ve played this game for weeks and it was amazing and i love tropico 4 with the Modren Times dlc and it is more exitng than Tropico 5
  16. saxonec
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    Игра в которую я влюбился по трейлерам, игра которая влюбила меня в ходе прохождения. Отличная сюжетная компания, большой функционал микроэкономики и менеджмента. Это очень качественная игра, учитывая её стоимость, рекомендую.Игра в которую я влюбился по трейлерам, игра которая влюбила меня в ходе прохождения. Отличная сюжетная компания, большой функционал микроэкономики и менеджмента. Это очень качественная игра, учитывая её стоимость, рекомендую.
  17. ghos7bear
    Jan 14, 2012
    9
    Despite this game being exactly same as Tropico 3 it doesn't make this game worse. All steps forward and improvements that were done, were done for good. Best city building sim up to date. Beware, can be a bit difficult for complete newbies.
  18. gizm0steve
    Oct 5, 2011
    9
    This is an incremental sequel in the same vein of Civilization V and Sims 3. It adds some buildings, a little touch of graphics improvement, some gameplay additions and some new voice acting. People new to Tropico are encouraged to get #4 but if you've burned out on #3 you won't regret skipping this. It really stands on its own as a solid city simulator - it just has not innovated orThis is an incremental sequel in the same vein of Civilization V and Sims 3. It adds some buildings, a little touch of graphics improvement, some gameplay additions and some new voice acting. People new to Tropico are encouraged to get #4 but if you've burned out on #3 you won't regret skipping this. It really stands on its own as a solid city simulator - it just has not innovated or reinvented itself enough to get a perfect score.… Expand
  19. Reverz
    Jan 5, 2013
    9
    I already owned Tropico 3 but since this was only
  20. notizklotz
    Jan 9, 2012
    9
    I played Tropico 1 + 2 and really loved it, I left out Tropico 3 because it had mediocre critics but when Tropico 4 was released this was a clear buy for me. I think this game is fantastic, the missions are diversified and the good old Tropico feeling is back! Personally, I don't care if there are only minor updates to Tropico 3 because I never owned that.
  21. LogantheRunner
    Sep 29, 2011
    9
    I finished Tropico 3, and Tropico 4 is an improved version. Playing Tropico 4 is like playing an updated, completed Tropico 3, so if you liked that game you should be satisfied with this one.
    Tropico 4 is the best game of its type since SimCity. I paid $40 and as a great fan, well I won't complain. I would recommend this game to Civ fans, Sim fans, but if FPS is your thing, it might not    I finished Tropico 3, and Tropico 4 is an improved version. Playing Tropico 4 is like playing an updated, completed Tropico 3, so if you liked that game you should be satisfied with this one.
    Tropico 4 is the best game of its type since SimCity. I paid $40 and as a great fan, well I won't complain. I would recommend this game to Civ fans, Sim fans, but if FPS is your thing, it might not be for you.
    Tropico 4 is funny, if you think politics is funny, you have a Swiss Bank Account and you can learn how to oppress or enlighten your people - can't wait to get home and play all night!    … Expand
  22. topender
    Apr 4, 2012
    9
    This game has sucked hours of time out of me. Despite the fact its not a huge leap from Tropico 3 I have loved every minute of it. New missions. new islands. New buildings. The humour of the game and missions are excellent
  23. Gabem77
    May 25, 2012
    9
    the perfect follow up to Tropico 3 this game is great for people who have never played the series before the game is exaclty like tropico 3 except for a few revisments and improvments there are more buildings and options to run your goverment. but thats it its a great game because its exaclty like tropico 3 which was amazing and you can buy this right now on amazon for $9.99 for an instantthe perfect follow up to Tropico 3 this game is great for people who have never played the series before the game is exaclty like tropico 3 except for a few revisments and improvments there are more buildings and options to run your goverment. but thats it its a great game because its exaclty like tropico 3 which was amazing and you can buy this right now on amazon for $9.99 for an instant download great deal!… Expand
  24. SamuelB
    Jul 15, 2012
    9
    This is a really fun game. I have never played a Tropico game before and I really love it. I think it's stupid people rate this game so low just because it is similar to the previous one even though they love Tropico 3. I get that they are disappointed but it still remains a fun game.
  25. Zegu
    Jun 6, 2014
    9
    I have sunk so many hours into this game. I bought it right after the sim city fiasco and couldn't be happier. It is a silly town builder with some cool options in edicts.
  26. TheLugano
    Jan 6, 2013
    9
    Very good city builder. You can make many different choices as to from where you want to get your money (food, tourism, mining, industry, etc.), and many different choices as to how you want to treat your people. The graphics are absolutely decent as well. I can't comment on it being the same as Tropico 3 as I haven't played that but it feels like a must have for anyone who likes Sim CityVery good city builder. You can make many different choices as to from where you want to get your money (food, tourism, mining, industry, etc.), and many different choices as to how you want to treat your people. The graphics are absolutely decent as well. I can't comment on it being the same as Tropico 3 as I haven't played that but it feels like a must have for anyone who likes Sim City or the like.… Expand
  27. TheEarthDragon
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    Still the best Tropico to this day. The woke will have meltdowns with soft gender roles adding to the management aspect, but that is also part of the fun and struggle to balance your Tropical Paradise
  28. K7Sniper
    Jul 14, 2013
    9
    As a long time fan of the Sim City series, I was one of the many who essentially was sent off with the latest EA debacle looking for a new form of city simulation. After picking this up on Steam during a sale. It has been worth every penny. While it may not look as pretty as other games like Cities XL, it makes up for it in every other way. The game itself is very smooth, the objectivesAs a long time fan of the Sim City series, I was one of the many who essentially was sent off with the latest EA debacle looking for a new form of city simulation. After picking this up on Steam during a sale. It has been worth every penny. While it may not look as pretty as other games like Cities XL, it makes up for it in every other way. The game itself is very smooth, the objectives add some sort of "Here, try to get this at your leisure" element, and all the construction projects feel that they have some sort of purpose to them. While there are some elements that I wish could be added or changed, such as perhaps a difficulty increase, or an option to set zones instead of actual buildings in some cases (think Sim City vs Sim Town style of construction), but overall, the game has been very enjoyable and it is worth the cost.… Expand
  29. apokalipto
    Aug 13, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  30. Ashton2571
    Sep 16, 2011
    8
    Great game, for first 5 missions. Then when you begin to earn a load of money, spend a little bit and then your the same amount in debt, it adds up. The only thing that keeps you playing is your curiosity about what other things you can build. I enjoyed having a communist farming island nation, especially with a custom avatar resembling Che Guevara, but the game does unfortunately get oldGreat game, for first 5 missions. Then when you begin to earn a load of money, spend a little bit and then your the same amount in debt, it adds up. The only thing that keeps you playing is your curiosity about what other things you can build. I enjoyed having a communist farming island nation, especially with a custom avatar resembling Che Guevara, but the game does unfortunately get old quickly. Even though i played the demo over and over again, the game has limiting game-play. Still it was fun while it lasted.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best PC Game of 2011
60
#60 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
58
#58 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Gamer.no
    Apr 18, 2013
    70
    Taking control over the fictitious banana republic Tropico is still very entertaining. The changes from Tropico 3 are not overwhelming, but for new players the learning curve is a bit steep. However Tropico 4 is an addictive title and a safe alternative to Theme - and Sim -games.
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  2. Games.cz
    Dec 29, 2011
    70
    A well-made instalment of the great game trying not to innovate itself, but pleasing its hardcore fans or newcomers nonetheless – by its new campaign with more assignments, an import option and by a several new buildings addition. One is just wondering why there are still some flaws in the game and why the Tropico 4 does not bear a title of an expansion pack?
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  3. Vandal
    Nov 22, 2011
    80
    The game expands and improves the series, making it more approachable than ever, but without losing depth, so it offers the same fun, but improved. However, it evolves little in comparison with the previous entry, so those who enjoyed Tropico 3 won't find many new things in this fourth installment.
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