Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dictator simulation imposes violence; lots of strategy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Tropico 5
What's It About?
Think you can successfully rule a nation with an iron fist? Put your mouse (or controller) where your mouth is in TROPICO 5, a strategy/simulation hybrid that lets you return to the remote (and fictional) nation of Tropico. This sequel challenges gamers to build an island into a thriving republic, from the early colonial period to beyond the 21st century. Face internal and external challenges, earn new trade partners, develop technologies, and ensure that your people are happy and content (or dispose of them if they're not!). Available for multiple computer and console platforms, Tropico 5 adds a number of new gameplay mechanics, story lines, revamped artwork, and, for the first time in Tropico history, cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to four players.
Is It Any Good?
Tropico 5 is the best game in the series to date. Even those unfamiliar with the previous games, such as 2011's Tropico 4, will find this simulation very easy to get into -- and difficult to stop playing. You'll start your reign during colonial times, attempt to survive 20th-century wars (including the Cold War), economic crises, and assorted domestic and foreign pressures. You'll also strive to become a modern dictator in today's technological age.
Similar to other games in the genre, you'll delegate, research, build, collect resources, and establish strong trading partners for imports and exports. Military action also is part of the plan, because you'll protect your dynasty with whatever means you have at your disposal. For the first time, the game adds cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes on top of the single-player campaign. Between its personality and humor, well-balanced and -paced gameplay, and challenging goals, Tropico 5 is an excellent digital diversion for those who prefer brains over brawn.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about game addiction. Do you think that's a risk with games like Tropico 5? What are the issues with playing games too long? Check out our guide to curbing screen time.
Talk about the use -- or possible abuse -- of political power. Could dictators actually do good things with their absolute rule? Why are dictators ultimately unsuccessful?
Game Details
- Platforms : Linux , Mac , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox 360 , iPhone
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , reading , Social Studies : citizenship , exploration , history
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , strategy , thinking critically , Self-Direction : achieving goals , time management , work to achieve goals , Collaboration : cooperation , meeting challenges together , Responsibility & Ethics : fiscal responsibility , learning from consequences
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Kalypso Media USA
- Release date : May 27, 2014
- Genre : Simulation
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 30, 2022
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