• Summary: As in the original Tropico, the player again is able to play the role of "El Presidente" taking over the control of a tropical island. You decide whether you want to use your army to secure your power base in the best traditions of corrupt, unscrupulous tyrants everywhere, or alternatively to lead your people to prosperity in your role as generous elder statesman. Danger lurks on every corner. There are militant rebels planning a Coup d'Etat for a communistic Junta, while in the background there are two lurking superpowers, the USA and the Soviet Union, who would perhaps prefer a more pliable president in the strategically important island of Tropico! [Kalypso] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 48
  2. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. While it isn't a perfect game it does manage to come rather close to that mark. If you have a PC that is able to run Tropico there is no reason not to run out and buy the game. It is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
  2. Beyond that, Tropico 3 is a fantastically addictive single player game that will have you up until the wee hours of the morning - who knew a Castro sim could be so much fun?
  3. A really involving little sim. [Christmas 2009, p.78]

See all 48 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. This is simply best economic and city-building strategy of today. Game is very well optimized and visuals are gorgeous. Absolute Power is worth getting as well. If you like games like SimCity, Transport Tycoon or Transport Giant, then Tropico 3 is must have for you. Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. KlausF
    6
    Tropico 3 must really be reviewed from two perspectives. For those who haven't played the original, Tropico is among the most creative and entertaining "city sims" ever created, and Tropico 3 does a great job of updating the experience for 2009. However, those who have played the original will find virtually nothing new here beyond a few online features and a better looking (though far clunkier) interface. Tropico 3 adds basically nothing in terms of buildings, edicts, character traits, and the game's basic mechanics. In fact, compared to the expanded Tropico Mucho Macho Edition, Tropico 3 is a drastically scaled back version of the game that offers little challenge or novelty to hold the interest of experienced Tropicans. Honestly, if you still own a copy of the original, you're probably better off playing that. The changes made here are uniformly superficial with the exception of the event editor. While the game looks good, the free-floating camera doesn't work well for this kind of game, though you do have the option of viewing the game in a "classic" fixed perspective. The musical soundtrack is very nice (though short), and the voice acting is fairly poor compared to the original game. Character creation is very similar to the original, though you now have the option of creating a 3d avatar. However, the choices are fairly limited, particularly since many of the available outfits just don't really fit in with the flavor of the game. All in all, Tropico 3 is a very good game for the unitiated. For those of you who haven't played the original, this definitely deserves an 8 or 9. However, those who have played the original will likely feel like they've basically just purchased the same game they bought eight years ago. For these experienced Tropicans, this lazy update warrants a 3 or 4. Expand
    • 3 of 5 users said yes
  3. ChrisD
    4
    Oh well, Kalypso made no effort and Kalypso support are a little too abrupt with their 'valued customers' on the forums for my taste. It's Tropico 1 with a nice loading screen and achievements (in-game, so no ties to Steam or Windows Live). If you didn't play the original, this is the time to get it since it's just as enjoyable, but if you've played it before, don't bother spending money unless they come out with some great addons and release in a bundle. Expand
    • 0 of 3 users said yes

See all 37 User Reviews

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