Tropico 3: Gold Edition

K. Fields
2021-04-27T16:01:10-04:00
Video Games

In 2006, I played the original Tropico. It has been far too long. It was time for the return of El Presidente! Consequently, I installed Tropico 3: Gold Edition, which includes the base game and the Absolute Power expansion. I don't remember all the details of the first game but I'm pretty sure version 3 is superior. As expected, the 3D graphics were more advanced. Overall, I think the gameplay is pretty similar. The focus is on city building, resource management, and political maneuvering. I skipped Tropico 2: Pirate Cove and instead rejoined the series when it returned to its familiar settings of running banana republic islands. There are 15 separate missions in the base game and some additional ones in Absolute Power. I haven't tried any of the expansion missions yet. However, I have taken advantage of the additional Absolute Power features, including new edicts and buildings. All of the main campaign missions begin in 1950. The cold war between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. is a factor as you try to maintain decent foreign relations with the two superpowers. In addition to that balancing act, you have to constantly appease the various factions on the island.

I enjoyed Tropico 3 more than the first Tropico. I also own Tropico 4 and Tropico 5 and there is even a Tropico 6. When I get around to those versions, it will be interesting to see how the series matured through the years.

Here is a balloon ride I built on the beach for tourists