Tropico 5 Reviews
A solid, accessible city builder, Tropico 5 gets out of the way and lets you have the fun you came for without pissing around in fiddly details.
Tropico 5 is a real treat – and not just because it's something a little bit different. The game's sharp sense of humour tallies well with its accessible yet intricate economical action, and while it's always likely to be an acquired taste, we're hoping that it sparks a swell of console construction games. If you're even the slightest bit intrigued, you should give this a go. And just so that we're clear: that's an order.
Tropico 5 is a solid and gleefully wicked take on city building and strategy. The game's modes and tone cleverly push you toward the path of power-mad nutbag at every step, but frequent restarts can feel like an insufferable drag.
If you enjoy SimCity, any of the previous Tropico games, or city-building games in general, you'll probably find a lot to like here— unless you get it for PC, in which case you may not be able to play it until its developers get their coding under control.
Tropico 5 stands as the perfect place for newcomers to the franchise to hone their craft, but veteran rulers may not find enough here to demand an upgrade.
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.
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. There aren't any surprises to be found here. But just as familiarity can breed contempt, it can also provide comfort. Returning to Tropico remains a delight, and the drive to plonk down one more hotel, oversee one more year and win yet another election continues to make it the sort of game that can swallow hour after hour.
Tropico 5 on the Ps4 is the first city-builder we have had for the console, and it thankfully does a great job at it. I won't be getting bored of it any time soon, as there are so many ways to play it. It's flaws are quickly overlooked as you have fun with the gameplay and narrative. The graphics are fun to inspect, because every citizen and building are as detailed as the menu system that rules their lives. From the campaign, to the sandbox, and even to the multiplayer, I'm eager to make sure that the Ivles McKittensby dynasty becomes a ruling force to reckon with in my quest to make and govern the perfect tropical island.
Back is the great experience of building your legacy, and "Tropico 5" like a fine rum-based beverage on its own, comes to PlayStation 4 with more features and a solid bundle of options. This version of "Tropico 5" could be considered that fine rum-based beverage with the proper garnish.
Tropico 5 will inevitably keep you going and the dynamic nature of it's gameplay will keep you on your toes. Along with gorgeous graphics and a quirky charm Tropico 5 is a must have for RTS fans.
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. With touchy political subject matter that is completely mocked and music that makes you move in your seat, it's hard not to play Tropico 5 without a smile on your face.
With great gameplay and a funky aesthetic, Tropico 5 manages to turn its dubious subject matter into something enjoyable. It's a pity that it doesn't quite sit comfortably on the PlayStation 4, but it's an engrossing experience nonetheless.
While the combat irks me, the game stays true to itself while making solid steps forward. The music, visuals and comedy keep that vibrant Tropico vibe, while the addition of eras for tiered progress make the game fresh.
Players looking for a fun sim experience could do a lot worse than Tropico 5,
[L]ike with many simulation games there are AI issues, especially with the automated combat that sees single squads of your troops run off to fight multiple squads on their own and in turn, lose. This can be a problem in multiplayer games, alongside no ability to save, meaning that it's a nice 'for the fans' feature that still needs some work to become an actual selling point. But like with any modern game a lot of these minor issues can be fixed in patches, and with any city builder, the game works best when played alone. Just like ruling a tropical island paradise.
Fives games in and the Tropico series has really found its feet, creating a cheery and relaxing ambience that sets it quite apart from other city-builders out there. From the music to the bright and colourful graphics and the irreverent wit of your various staff, it's got a very unique character that makes the simple gameplay very addictive.
Until the rest of the game is released in the form of DLC, at least, it's hard to imagine a good reason to go with Tropico 5 instead of Tropico 4 unless the addition of a tech tree gets you excited.
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.
For those who have never played a Tropico game, I heartily encourage a look at this fine series. For old timers who've always enjoyed the leisurely pace and low difficulty, there's always the opportunity to cheat yourself a little extra money at any time. The graphics are mediocre as usual, but it's more than made up for by the gameplay. I said I'd be pleased with more of the same, and much of the core game remains unchanged, but with just enough that's new and interesting to keep you engaged.
I'm just going to state the obvious to round things up: this is basically Tropico 4.5. There simply isn't enough variation from the previous game to justify its development, let alone the full price tag, so I simply cannot score it too highly. Yet, as mentioned, I can happily recommend Tropico 5 as a game in and of itself. For newcomers to the series the inclusion of multiplayer, the eras system and some decent general balancing work make this the best iteration of Tropico yet. For series fans however, it'll be difficult to see past the lack of innovation. In all likelihood though, like me you'll still have a great time playing it, and isn't that what's most important?