Tropico 5
Overview -
The 'Tropico' series began in 2001 as a development and management sim created by PopTop Software, which would later fold into Firaxis. The idea being that the player had to dictate the running of an island nation, and the series has persisted on the this fun concept ever since. After several developers and publishers worked on the series over the last decade, 'Tropico 5' was released on the PC earlier this year. It is now available on the Xbox 360, having been developed by Bulgarian studio Haemimont Games. Like its predecessors, the game is a real-time strategy (RTS), with the player in charge of the development of a small island nation.
Video Review
For a release so far into the Xbox 360’s lifecycle, I had expected a prettier presentation. Even for a more budget-oriented series, 'Tropico 5' looks a bit old. There hasn’t been significant progress on the visuals since 2009’s 'Tropico 3'. Models are blocky and simple, the lighting is anemic, and the smoke and water effects are dated. Objects have a habit of popping in and out as the camera is moved around.
Audio Review
There is a Latin- and jazz-themed soundtrack that fits in perfectly with the game’s banana republic aesthetic. It is rather short though and plays itself out quickly, soon becoming background noise. The voice actors ham up their stereotyped roles very well, especially the young girl who does the propaganda broadcasts with aplomb. She serves as both comic relief and an advisor by making fun of citizens when they complain about services that are insufficient.
Final Thoughts
'Tropico 5' is less of a sequel and more of an update for the franchise, as could be said of its immediate predecessor. It is more accessible to a grizzled 'Tropico' fan, but the gameplay is still as addictive as ever. The limited multiplayer and lovely sandbox mode give the game legs, even if it’s hampered by some visual and tutorial issues. Deep city building mechanics and a sardonic sense of humor make it stand out in the sparse field of simulation titles on the 360.
