tropico-5
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Tropico 5 delayed on PS4, now arriving in 'early 2015'
Despite prior word that Tropico 5 would reach the PlayStation 4 during 2014, a new announcement from publisher Kalypso Media bumps the banana republic simulation to "early 2015." Kalyspo offers no explanation for the PlayStation 4 delay, but does note that the Xbox 360 version of Tropico 5, which has long been scheduled for a November 2014 release, has not been delayed. In more positive news, the aforementioned message issued by Kalypso announces the launch of both Mac and SteamOS versions of Tropico 5. "Starting today, Mac & SteamOS users can now visit the island paradise of Tropico in the award-winning dictator sim," the announcement states. Those suddenly interested in picking up a copy of Tropico 5 can find the game either on the Mac App Store or Steam. [Image: Kalypso Media]
Tropico 5 plans a trip to Xbox 360 in November
El Presidente extends his dictatorial rule to consoles once again, as Kalypso Media announced that its island-subjugating sim Tropico 5 is coming to the Xbox 360 in November. Tropico 5 introduces a string of new and expanded features, including improved trading mechanics, an island exploration element, and cooperative and competitive multiplayer that supports up to four players. The Xbox 360 version will include a free copy of "The Big Cheese" bonus DLC, allowing amateur dictators to promote and manage their own brand of artisanal cheese with a new sandbox map and standalone scenario. The retail Xbox 360 version Tropico 5 will launch in a Limited Special Edition package that includes a bonus postcard, faux passport, and the "Bayo del Olfato" DLC. A PlayStation 4 version of Tropico 5 is also slated to premiere later this year. [Image: Kalypso]
Dictatorship simulator cuts too close to the bone for Thailand's dictator
In Tropico 5 you play El Presidente, the dictator of a small island, given free reign to build the world according to your whim while violently suppressing your opponents. Unfortunately, tongue-in-cheek games about that sort of subject don't go down so well with an actual military dictatorship, like the one running Thailand right now. The junta, which has already censored the internet and banned Facebook and Bitcoin, has now outlawed sales of the game. The only reason given is that Tropico 5's content might have somehow affected peace and order in the country -- possibly by showing the wider population how dictatorships work. Stefan Marcinek from the game's developer says that the move sounds like it "could have come from one of El Presidente's own edicts." Between this and Manuel Noreiga's decision to sue Activision, it's time the military dictators of the world learned the meaning of that phrase about glass houses and throwing stones.
Thailand's military junta blocks sales of Tropico 5
Tropico 5 won't appear on store shelves in Thailand thanks to fears that the game's themes of iron-fisted dictatorship might spark unrest in a country that lost its civilian government to military coup less than three months ago. According to Nonglak Sahavattanapong, marketing manager at Thai publisher New Era Games, censors employed by the country's junta government banned Tropico 5 due to fears that "some part of its content might affect peace and order in the country." Sahavattanapong says the government offered no further explanation for its decision, but New Era Games will not attempt to seek an appeal. This isn't the first time Thai censors have blocked politically incendiary creative works - a 2012 Thai production of MacBeth was shuttered over similar fears - but it is the first time they've blocked a Tropico entry due to the series' freeform themes of ruling a small banana republic. "[Tropico is] a good game with positive reviews," Sahavattanapong told the Associated Press. "We've had licenses to distribute Tropico 3 and 4 before, but in the fifth installment, the story line has developed further and there might be some part of it that's not appropriate in the current situation." Tropico 5 made its PC debut on May 23, and is expected to reach consoles and mobile devices later this year. [Image: Kalypso Media]
Put those goats to use in Tropico 5's 'The Big Cheese' DLC
Mmm, cheese. Tropico 5's first DLC pack is called The Big Cheese, and it involves actually making cheese in El Presidente's very own artisan factory, The Creamery. The Big Cheese is available now for $4, or free for those who pre-ordered the game via Steam or purchased a physical boxed copy. "'The Big Cheese' DLC, available today, challenges players to create and promote an artisan cheese brand by introducing a new production chain with The Creamery: a new building that enables you to make the most of Tropico's local goats and llamas," Kalypso says in a press release. "Put on the chef's hat and face international competition in an epic quest to create the best cheese in the world!" Update 1.04 is live today as well, enabling saves in multiplayer and squashing some bugs. We can't have bugs in the cheese factory, after all. [Image: Kalypso]
Tropico 5 launch most successful in series history
El Presidentes around the world have elected with their wallets to make Tropico 5 the most successful launch in the franchise's history, according to publisher Kalypso. The game reached sales of "over six figures," topping the Steam sales charts and showing impressive debuts in the UK and Germany. We mentioned in our review of Tropico 5 that we felt Tropico 4 remains a better experience, but it's still good to see players voting to play the sunny banana republic simulation series. The Xbox 360 and Mac versions of the game are planned for summer, with the PS4 expected to welcome the Tropico delegation this autumn.
Tropico 5 review: New presidente, same as the old presidente
Tropico 5 is another fine example of why the franchise is at the forefront of the simulation genre, but now, more than ever, the series has clearly gotten lost in its own iteration. For veterans of Tropico, the latest installment is a continuation of the evolution we've seen since Tropico 3, but newcomers to the series would be best served by Tropico 4, which had a clearer sense of self. The premise of the banana republic sim remains the same. You are El Presidente, glorious leader of the Tropican people, attempting to build a paradise of your design in a now-persistent island nation through various multi-hour missions. Pushing back against your ambition are the world powers (now from various eras). You will maintain control and prosper by having your citizens plant farms, herd cattle, create institutions of higher learning, revel in bureaucracy, mobilize a standing army ... and embezzle some cash in your personal Swiss bank account. Some of the key enjoyable components of Tropico remain. The writing is playful and brings a colorful narrative to a simulation game. Placing buildings is still a dream and cleaner than ever. It also continues to be a nice touch that if you play as La Presidenta (instead of El Presidente) there's a well-executed female voiceover. The mechanics are sound. If you're a casual fan of the series and all you're looking for is a fresh sandbox with salsa music, El Presidente's got your back. The inescapable itching irritation that becomes a burning flaw in Tropico 5's campaign is the introduction of time periods. An idea meant to ease new players into the world by creating a tiered progression, it gets in its own way with awkward results. Represented by the Colonial, World War, Cold War and Modern Eras, they act as artificial barriers to technology development. The addition of a tech tree not only makes systems convoluted, but is done with the elegance of a three-year-old using markers to draw a Frida Kahlo painting.
Joystiq Streams: Everybody wants to rule the world in Tropico 5 [UPDATE: Relive the stream!]
"What are we going to do tonight, Joystiq Streams?" "The same thing we do every night: TRY TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!" Tropico 5, the latest installment in Kalypso and Haemimont Game's series of cultishly adored management/tyrant simulators, thankfully makes taking over the world an attainable goal. Out on Friday, Tropico 5's spin on the formula is sending you back in time to build a nation from its founding on through World War II. Joystiq's resident Tropico presidente, Alexander Sliwinski, is going to give a guided tour of Tropic 5 in a one-hour stream right here and on the Joystiq Twitch channel starting at 4PM EST. Not only that, Joystiq's giving out Steam codes for the full version of the game in the chat. Swing on by for a chance to snag one. Joystiq Streams broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4PM EST on Twitch.tv/Joystiq and at Joystiq.com. [Images: Kalypso Media]
70 minutes of Tropico 5
El Presidente believes in transparency in all things except for his personal Swiss bank account. Here is nearly an hour and 15 minutes of Tropico 5's gameplay. No voice-overs, just some of the devs playing the game. The game will be available to the masses next Friday, May 23.
Tropico 5 imports multiplayer trailer for false democracy
El Presidentes rule alone. The only power is absolute power. But, sometimes, it's in their best interest to work in partnership with someone for an objective. The part about betrayal and a firing squad come later
Kalypso unveils Tropico 5 Limited Special Edition, pre-orders now available
As if ruling your own banana republic with an iron fist wasn't tempting enough, publisher Kalypso has announced a swag-packed special edition of its upcoming island nation simulator Tropico 5. Alongside the core game, Tropico 5 Limited Special Edition includes an additional map for Sandbox mode, an "authentic" Tropico passport, a postcard from the faux island and an El Presidente avatar costume. Best of all, you won't have to shell out extra cash for these items. According to Kalypso, the Tropico 5 Limited Special Edition will be available at no additional charge to anyone who pre-orders the game or purchases a boxed copy at launch. If you'd prefer a digital copy, you can now pre-order Tropico from Steam or the Kalypso launcher. While this version will lack the items included in the Limited Special Edition of the game, the digital release comes with its own bonuses including a separate, exclusive map for Sandbox mode and a "Businessman" avatar costume. To further sweeten the pot, those who pre-order Tropico 5 before May 23 will receive a 10 percent discount, though that price break jumps to 15 percent if you order the game directly through Kalypso. Tropico 5 is slated to make its PC debut on May 23, with Xbox 360 and Mac incarnations following at some point this Summer. A PlayStation 4 version of Tropico 5 is also in the works, and barring catastrophe should be available this Fall. [Image: Kalypso Media]
Tropico 5 elects May 23 launch date on PC
El Presidente's time travel adventure in Tropico 5 has an official release date of May 23. But it's never so straight-forward with his glorificus. Penultimo, the ever-loyal toady of Tropico's magnificent ruler, would like to point out there are a few platform and date details to work through here: the May 23 date applies to digital distribution on PC, with the US retail date set for May 27. Xbox 360 and Mac versions of the game are set for the summer, with a PlayStation 4 planned to keep you warm as the fall chill sets in. El Presidente isn't afraid of trying new things either. He's also got a Steam OS version planned for Steam Machines. [Image: Kalypso]
Tropico 5's latest trailer embraces piracy
Tropico 5 sees El Presidente experiencing a Lazarus existence, traveling through the many historical phases of the island, from pirate times to modern socialism (under dictatorial rule, of course). The latest teaser has El Presidente sparrowing no expense for Russian nuclear weaponry.
Tropico 5 trailer takes quick tour through time
Tropico 5 is all set to keep you safe from the sun this summer, as you rule a banana republic paradise through the ages from the comfort of your shaded domicile. The game's beta test is scheduled to begin this month.
Tropico 5 soaks up early summer rays on PC, Xbox 360
Tropico 5 launches on Xbox 360, PC, Mac and Linux early this summer, Kalypso Media announced today. A PS4 version is due to launch later this year. Tropico 5 places players in the role of El Presidente on the island of Tropico, beginning in colonial times and aging into the 21st century. This is the first Tropico game to feature cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. The Tropico 5 beta test is scheduled to begin in March (yes, this month). [Image: Kalypso Meida]
Tropico 5 enters beta in March, would-be despots urged to register
Whether you're a benevolent ruler willing to sacrifice everything for your island nation or a greedy sociopath looking to get rich on the backs of the working class, Kalypso Media wants your help. Tropico 5, the latest entry in Kalypso's banana republic management series, enters beta testing at an as-yet-undetermined date in March. The beta test wouldn't be very effective without players to stress the game, thus Kalypso has issued an announcement inviting interested players to visit the game's website where they will find a simple beta registration page. "We're looking for gamers who have a huge enthusiasm for city-building titles and with a wide experience playing within the genre," noted Kalypso in this morning's announcement. More details on what you'd be getting into by joining the Tropico 5 beta test can be found at the game's website. Unlike prior series entries, Tropico 5 sees players grooming a tropical country from the colonial era to the modern day, a change that both expands the game's scope and offers new, historically accurate ways of grinding the proletariat masses under your megalomaniacal bootheel. [Image: Kalypso Media]
El Presidente's trade embargo with PlayStation ends, Tropico 5 coming to PS4
Nobody puts El Presidente in a corner. If El Presidente wants to be on more platforms, El Presidente is on more consoles. Publisher Kalypso announced this morning that Tropico 5 will be the first installment of the dictator sim to arrive on a Sony console, making its way to the PlayStation 4. Curiously, there's no mention about when the banana republic adventure will make its way to PlayStation. Following up with Kalypso, the publisher told Joystiq, "The PS4 version will follow after the launch of the PC, X360, Mac and Linux version. We haven't announced a release date for any format just yet." The game's developer Haemimont had previously scheduled it for April 2014. We've asked Kalypso for an updated release window, but these tin cans with string we're trying to communicate on aren't very efficient. Kalypso has no confirmed release date.
El Presidente releases Tropico 5 screens, citizens rejoice
El Presidente is set to create a dynasty when he returns for the multi-generational saga of Tropico 5 next April. Here is a gallery of screens from the game's "all new art," meaning that assets shouldn't be recycled for the latest game, like they were from Tropico 3 to Tropico 4.
Tropico 5's revolución begins April 2014
Banana republic (not the retail store, but the political science term) simulator Tropico 5 will be available in April 2014. Speaking with developer Today at Gamescom, Haemimont Games' CEO Gabriel Dobrev talked us through some of the changes in the game's latest installment. Much like Tropico 4 was an evolution of Tropico 3, the latest installment is taking a similar visual route and streamlining the management of the island nation. Building support is now handled by one slider to designate investment and factories can have managers help out and dole out bonuses (like extra production or siphoning more to El Presidente's Swiss bank account). Tropico 5 will also span the colonial era to the modern times, with El Presidente's heirs taking up the cigar once he's buried in the ground and feeding the tobacco crops. Players will be able to create a constitution for the island, choosing various bonuses depending on their style of rule. For example, players can keep foreigners out through a visa program or open the island to those yearning to be ruled for free. Tropico 5 will also feature greater transparency in its trading mechanic, which has also received an overhaul. Although there will be standard cargo ships as always, picking up import and export goods from the island, players can also purchase vessels and create trade routes for bonus cash with specific nations for political capital.
Tropico 5 annexing Xbox 360, PC, Mac, Linux in 2014
People of Tropico, rejoice! Or rather, since we're the ones in charge of your little island nation, despair! Kalypso Media has announced that Tropico 5 will debut on Xbox 360, PC, Mac and Linux sometime in 2014, which means that you'll soon be as overworked and underpaid as we've always (mostly inadvertently) made you in the past. Tropico 5 will span centuries of the nation's development, from colonial times all the way through the present, so you'll be stuck with our shoddy leadership forever, essentially. The game's new "Dynasty" features also allow us to appoint our in-game extended family to positions of power, for better or worse. Furthermore, our use of Tropico 5's new maritime fleet-based global trading system will almost certainly result in the loss of all of your livestock, as well as the vast majority of this proud nation's natural resources. But hey, we'll have plenty of imported limes! Delicious, expensive limes! Meanwhile, the game's new cooperative/competitive multiplayer mode allows up to four people to build cities on the same island map, after which they can either share resources, or declare war on each other. In related news, we're pleased to inform you that all of your ramshackle apartments have been demolished in order to make room for several more completely unnecessary airports.
