Tropico 4
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2010) |
| Tropico 4 | |
|---|---|
| File:Tropico4-Final-BoxArt-US.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | Haemimont Games |
| Publisher(s) | Kalypso Media FX Interactive (Italy and Spain) |
| Series | Tropico |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Release | Microsoft Windows Xbox 360 |
| Genre(s) | Construction and management simulation Political simulation game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Tropico 4 is a video game developed by Haemimont Games and published by Kalypso Media. It is a construction and management simulation video game, which focuses around a city building simulation. Like the first and third game in the series, the game centers on a customizable main character by the title of "El Presidente" - the dictator that runs the island banana republic.
Gameplay
Islands
The game has 10 maps, but you can make your own island by choosing "Random Island". Upon choosing random island, you may customize the size of the island, vegetation, mineral deposits, and elevation, as well as other game parameters.
There are various expansion packs which will also give you more islands.
Character Creator
After you choose the island, you may choose the avatar. You can make your own avatar. In customize characters, you may choose: gender, costumes, skin tone, hat, hairstyle, accessories, mustache, beard, earrings, traits, quality, and rise of power. After completing one mission, your current traits will level up.
Main View
The following elements are visible in the main view: minimap, population, happiness, current date, speed controls, menu button, HUD buttons, overlays, edicts, Select Avatar, almanac, task. Tropico 4 uses a standard point-and-click interface.
Overlays Button
Crops
Game's campaign comprises of 20 missions on 10 different maps. They start out with the main character, "El Presidente," having seized control of a certain island. Imports can be monitored as well as exports (whereas the previous games in the series only allowed for coverage on exports). Tropico 4 includes more superpowers.[2] A council of ministers exists which the player can consult on a range of different issues. The player will have to deal with natural disasters and the demands of different political factions each with their own ideological outlook. A Steam only version will be made which includes another island for sandbox mode and another pair of clothes for your Custom El Presidente. It is set to come out for purchase 1 day after the release date.[3] In the new game, there will be 20 new buildings including a shopping mall.
Plot
The game follows the protagonist, El Presidente, as he works towards restoring the power that he lost in the Caribbean after averting a Nuclear War perpetrated by the US Vice President to rise to power. It is "Divided" to three different Acts:
Rise To Power: El Presidente arrives at his new island where he begins his goal to build an ideal nation for his people. To do so, he established many forms of economy across several islands that he governs. However, he was ousted from power when he was framed by the UN for the murder of the current president. He was then forced to flee his country and head off to other parts of Tropico.
The Revenge: Forced to take a new identity and fleeing his republic. El Presidente begins his revenge by establishing a base of power at Isla Oscura. There El Presidente targets several conspirators, Keith Preston, the CEO of Fruitas (A parody of the United Fruit Company), The rebel leader Marco Moreno (A parody of Che Guevara), UN Inspector Brunhilde Van Hoof and Generalissimo Santana. It was then he learned of the truth and returns as El Presidente once more.
Return to Power: Now that El Presidente has gained his power back. He begins his attempt to rebuild his nation. However around that time, the Perestroika hits the USSR and Tropico offers their assistance to the nation in exchange for truth about the assassination plot. El Presidente finds out who set him up and Nick Richards was soon assassinated for being responsible in the assassination. El Presidente then puts the final touches and builds an island nation that is one of the better off ones...so long as his rule lasts...
Development
The game was announced in the middle of August 2010 in a press release by publisher, Kalypso Media. Tropico 4 was released on both PC and Xbox 360, as was predecessor Tropico 3.[4]
Demo
A demo version was released on Steam.[5] It contains 4 tutorial missions and 1 campaign mission. Many buildings are not available for construction.
Tropico 4 also has a demo on Xbox 360 with a single campaign mission.
Expansion
Main Article: Tropico 4 Modern Times An expansion, titled Modern Times, is scheduled to release on March 27th, 2012. It will feature a new single-player campaign.[6]
Reception
The game has received generally positive reviews and holds a 78/100 score on Metacritic based on 28 reviews.[7] Most critics had praised the title for its addictive gameplay, great sense of humor and the excess of variety. However a number of reviews had cited Tropico 4 for bearing too many similarities to its predecessor, as well as a lack of innovation. Gamespot commented that "Tropico 4 is a likeable and engaging sequel that expands on its predecessor but doesn't offer much new depth." IGN stated that "if you’re the type that's spent hours with the likes of Civilization or SimCity, or has an unhealthy need to be in control, then it’s time to become el presidente."
References
- ^ "Tropico 4 system requirements announced". New Game Network. August 5, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
- ^ "Tropico 4 Announced".
- ^ "Tropico 4 Product Details". Retrieved 2011-08-14.
- ^ Tim Freund. "World of Tropico". Tropico3.com. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
- ^ "Tropico 4 demo now available". PC Gamer. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ "Tropico 4: Modern Times Expansion Pack Release Date and Details". G4. Retrieved March 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Tropico 4 Critic Reviews for PC at Metacritic.com". Metacritic. Retrieved 10 September 2011.