Tropico 5

It will probably hold my interest far longer than Tropico 4 did. But at the same time, it's rough edges are a continual annoyance. The larger issue is that while Tropico 5 definitely introduces some new challenges and ideas, it's still a dangerously simple city-builder.

In technical respects Tropico 5 feels more like an expansion rather than a successor in the series. Many parts of the gameplay feel similar to past titles, but the inclusion of the era system, an overall campaign that is brimming with choices and consequences, as well as a plausible maiden attempt at multiplayer gives long time fans something new to try out.

Outside of the campaign, playing the sandbox mode, which also provides players with periodic goals ranging from export targets to constructing certain types of buildings, proves to be a more well-rounded experience - even if it lacks the amusing overarching story elements of the campaign.

It is unfortunate that, with exception of the constitution and the present ages, the other innovations seem to bother Tropico 5. The dynasty mechanism is useless and is devoid of any personality. The multiplayer works when players work together peacefully, but falls apart once the game is approached as a competitive strategy game. Despite these setbacks, Tropico 5 does convince us. The core of the game was already strong and eras form a logical and organic progression in complexity. It is not the revolution that was promised, but Haemimont Games also get our vote of approval with part five of the series.

Tropico 5 is a nice city builder. It is not as deep as fans would like, but is still enjoyable to play, fun and quite nice graphically.

At number 5, we’re still seeing iteration rather than revolution. Everything that’s great about Tropico 5 is built on the same foundation that all the previous games have built on. That’s a solid foundation, of course, but it’s become a bit too familiar.

A stop-gap measure, another coat of paint on a series designed for a specific audience that’s looking for a specific experience. The freshly streamlined interface may court some new blood, but a lackluster campaign and a failure to branch out from the micromanagement-heavy core sim experience makes this a tough sell for outsiders to the genre.

It works well for now, then, but Tropico 5 is clearly more concerned with introducing new concepts atop the old than it is with overhauling its base mechanics. Looking ahead to the future, this long-running series would benefit from having the fires of revolution lit beneath it.

The game definitely a lot going for it. Its new graphics and revitalize the look of the series, and some of the updated building make better use of the limited island space available. Additionally, the eras help take away the sense that Tropico is stuck in a time stasis bubble. Mid to late game empire management can get crazy, but that's nothing new. Still, it's hard to shake off the feeling that there's a lot missing, especially after putting in so many hours into the predecessor

There's an undeniable tension between the player, in the role of The Dictator, and the citizens. Tropico 5 fails to reconcile that conflict in a mature way, missing its shot at changing the series from a thoughtless getaway to a memorable, meaningful trip.

Tropico 5 is a good niche game, well into the series but without any revolution. The small evolutions are enough to justify the buy from a fan of the IP, but most gamers that want to discover a dictator's life will be better off with Tropico 4 which you can find with all DLC for less money. On the other hand, if you do want to try ruling the island with friends, there should be no hesitation: you need to get the last game of the Tropican dynasty.

Dictator sim Tropico 5 offers a good strategy experience that is fairly easy to get into, compared with many of its competitors. The colorful graphics and music sets a nice tropical island tone and occasional laughs can be had due to the funny dialogue. However, compared with the best in the genre, Tropico 5 feels a bit monotonous at times, in particular towards the end of a round.

If the price was halved and the humour less forced, then the game would be worth it. This is just a rehash, albeit a good one.

Tropico 5 is a noticeable, if subtle, revision on the Tropico formula. The new Eras and the Dynasty system create additional gameplay layers without disrupting the balance of the experience. The multiplayer, while fun when it works, mostly doesn’t.

The new Tropico can be recommended only to those who aren't familiar with the series. For everyone else (especially for fans of this tropical dictatorship) buying Tropico 5 will be a missed investment - the developers are offering the same bottle of rum with a different label. It's still the same good, old Tropico - without significant changes in gameplay, flawed merchant routes system, technical issues and the addition of a multiplayer mode.

It's passable and functional, but doesn't elevate the franchise or add the magic that'll bring El Presidente to a wider audience. It is what it is: Another evolution in a franchise that needs a revolution.

While the great entries to the Sim City series, the Civilizations of the world, even Ubisoft’s Anno series and Galactic Civilizations II all give more back the more you put into it, Tropico 5 is unable to do that. And a lack of longevity in a game that should last so very long is just, ultimately, disappointing.