SimCity 4 was released 6 years ago, leaving many to wonder what has become of the world simulation genre.
This is what SimCity 5 was supposed to look like.
Tropico 3 is a welcome new entry into the once-crowded field. Those with a little time to kill, and a fat hard drive, can download the 1.1 gigabyte demo and try their hand at running a small island nation in paradise during the Cold War. The retail game will be released Oct. 16 for PC and Xbox 360.
Tropico was a fun diversion when released in 2001, but seemed to lose its way with subsequent titles. Tropico 3 seems to get back on the right track by retaining the tongue-in-cheek humor of the original.
A new 3D engine brings the visuals up to date (and at resolutions up to 2560×1600!), and the engaging but not too-deep core gameplay remains intact. When creating an avatar (El Presidente) players have to create a background that includes two strengths and two weaknesses, which really affect island ‘history.’
And the soundtrack practically begs you to fire up the margarita machine.
If the game is as good as the demo, Tropico 3 will bring a smile to long-suffering SimCity fans.
Here’s the press release:
BALTIMORE, MD, September 11, 2009 – Kalypso Media today released the demo version of the upcoming strategy management game TROPICO 3. Players can immediately download the demo and take control of El Presidente to experience the game tutorial and the first two missions of the full version that is due out on October 16.
MISSION 1: Bananas
The abdication of the old Presidente of St. Helena provided the perfect opportunity for your rise to power. Now as the head of state it is your job to lead this small island nation to a new age of prosperity.
St. Helena is a modest island with rich and fertile lands, which have attracted the attention of the American food conglomerate Fruitas LTD. You should make use of the gringos to secure the financial future of the island as well as your own Swiss Bank Account.
MISSION 2: Second Chance
The band of rebels led by your twin managed to drive you out of your own island. Taking the entire treasury, you hitched a ride on an old fishing boat, seeking refuge in your summer residence on the island of El Acantilado.
Chased away from their own homes, your most loyal supporters have followed you. Taking the burden of leadership once again you have promised them a fresh start. Your new island is a poor and dry hunk of rock. Several rich iron ore deposits are its only viable resources…..
Developed by Haemimont Games, Tropico 3 brings the series back to its roots and puts players in the role of ‘El Presidente’, the two-bit dictator of a strategically positioned banana republic in the Caribbean during the time of the Cold War. Players assume control of every aspect of island life, deciding whether to unleash the army to secure their power base or lead their people to prosperity as a generous elder statesman. Will absolute power corrupt, or will the humanitarian approach spur progress? Find out this September as gamers become part of the political machinations of Tropico as they determine the fate of this island nation.
TROPICO 3 is being developed by Haemimont Games and will be available on PC and Xbox 360 on October 16. For more information, screenshots and videos please visit the official game website www.tropico3.com
About Kalypso Media
Specializing in the publishing of interactive media, primarily computer games, Kalypso Media was founded in summer 2006 by industry veterans Simon Hellwig and Stefan Marcinek. The following year, a sister company, Kalypso Media UK Ltd., was established in England and is currently led by Andrew Johnson and Charlie Barrett, two experienced members of the Kalypso Media Group management team. In 2009, Kalypso Media USA Inc. was established under the leadership of veteran video game executive, Deborah Tillett. Kalypso Media owns two development studios, Realmforge Studios GmbH and Gaming Minds Studios GmbH, both of which are located in Germany. For further information see www.kalypsomedia.com.
About Haemimont Games
Haemimont Games is an independent games development team brought together by a common passion: to thrill, engage and provoke gamers worldwide. Since 1997, the studio has developed eight original titles with numerous add-ons. It is currently working on Tropico 3 among others. More information on the company can be found by visiting www.haemimontgames.com.
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