The game itself is despicably difficult, no matter how you set the game up. One mistake and you can ruin your chances of retaining power (see Hamilton, Gary "Monkey Business" Hart, Jonathan Aitken, Spiro Agnew et al). And in this sense, it is very realistic as a politics sim. It can be very tough to be working on career as El Presidente for 30 years and one moment of madness (see Ron Davies) and you have ruined your career and reputation. To make things really difficult, you may limit yourself to just the barely legal tactics for keeping in office like giving your people large tax cuts, emptying the jails or a Mardi Gras the month before the election. More effective, in the short run, but less pleasant in the long run (and oddly less satisfying) are the tactics of political assassination, jailings, bribery, strongman tactics and intimidation (see Mabuto).
It is unfortunate that the game has been aimed at the teen market. It would have been nice to have more adult themes in the game (there are some but they are well hidden). One wonders whether wags will produce new add-ons for the game including drug labs, crops such as cannabis, coca and poppies and brothels. One is not allowed to run drugs, arms or even refugees through the island. This is a great pity because it would have added realism of the game. However, political correctness affects games too. Rather ironic considering the content, especially since one of decrees available is the burning of books.
That said, Tropico is bloody good fun. One has to give it the time and a few practice runs. Rest assured like the Sims (allegedly) and Railroad Tycoon II, this game is a total time sink. Hours and hours just disappear with absolutely no effort. As you would expect with this sort of game, you need to give lots of time to the game in order to get anywhere near competent at running your own island. You will get used to losing nearly everything before you get to the point where you are able to stay in the game. Staying in power for over 30 years is a great achievement. Ironically (or not) the '80s seem to be the most difficult decade to survive. Getting into the 90s is a major achievement. In the early years, there is so little going on that it?s possible to read something while developing your island.
In order to help you develop your governing skills, the docs contain many profiles of memorable and notorious dictators of old. Thankfully, the authors have been good at keeping a good balance between the left and right. Pop Top cannot be accused of prejudice in their selections of dictatorial rogues. It is amusing to see that the star of the in-game cut-scenes bears a striking resemblance to a Mr. F Castro from an island named Cuba. In your office, you will find a lit cigar. For those of us who smoke cigars, it is very tempting to have one in the mouth as you play the game. A glass of rum (a possible product of Tropico) would surely make the scene complete. But back to reality.
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