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Tropico: Mucho Macho Edition

Score: 85%
ESRB: Teen
Publisher: Take Two
Developer: Pop Top
Media: CD/2
Players: 1
Genre: Simulation

Graphics & Sound:

Tropico: Mucho Macho Edition doesn't bring anything new to graphics from the previous game and add-on. There are 12 new scenarios which add to the fun, and they look as wonderful and lush as the original game.

Tropico had an award-winning soundtrack that was added on to in the sequel. Unfortunately Mucho Macho didn't have any new songs or sounds added in. Still, it's a blast to listen to as its one of the greatest Latin soundtracks I've ever heard!


Gameplay:

You're the dictator/president of a tropical island (El Presidente would be your title). You are met with a variety of scenarios that will test your effectiveness to rule, run a tourist paradise and export/import. Mucho Macho adds 12 new scenarios from exporting bananas to making the gold miners and tourists get along. They're as good as scenarios have ever been in Tropico.

Difficulty:

This varies according to the scenario you pick. Out of the 12 new scenarios, they are balanced as far as Easy, Medium, Difficult and Very Difficult. If you run into trouble though, fret not. Included on Tropico: Mucho Macho Edition is the official strategy guide. Is it good? Yep. It's almost 200 pages devoted to helping you become the most efficient ruler this side of the English Channel. The manual also takes you through each building and tourist type on the island. When all hope starts to deplete, then you can go to the 'cheats' section, and you'll be floating on money in no time. All in all, it's a great guide because it will help you beat the game, but it is expertly written. It's easily one of the funniest things I've ever read. The strategy guide is in a .pdf format, so make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader. If not, then don't worry as it is included as an install on the disk.

Game Mechanics:

Tropico: Mucho Macho Edition uses a mouse and keyboard pretty well. The control scheme is very fluid. Also, the manual is great for two reasons. One it reads well. How do I know? I asked it. Two, if you should lose it, there is a website on the CD where you can get an electronic manual to view as well. Not only do you have the strategy guide, but the manual as well. Hey, you've got to love it. Install is rather large, since it's three games worth of scenarios, but it's well worth it.

Riot Rundown: The 12 new scenarios are great. The strategy guide is great although it feels as if I'm cheating to use it. Use it only if you get stuck, as it can take some of the fun out of the game. There's also a feature on this CD that lets the developers tell their side of the story. They explain everything from the making of Tropico to the concept art and music. It was a good listen, but the fact that their words are two sentences ahead of what their mouth is doing was a bit aggravating. I got past that for some good laughs. They're some zany guys. All in all, if you don't have Tropico yet (haven't you read my other reviews?), then you need to get Tropico: Mucho Macho Edition! My only regret is that more buildings or tourists weren't added which takes the game's score down just a bit. If I get a new box, I want something else new to the game as well. Scenarios and manuals are fun, but I needed a little more sour cream on this taco.


-Sydney Riot, GameVortex Communications
AKA Will Grigoratos

Minimum System Requirements:



100-percent compatible processor, Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP, Pentium II 200 or equivalent processor, 32 MB RAM, 4x Speed CD ROM, 1400 MB Hard Drive, 4 MB Video Card, Direct X 7.0 Soundcard, keyboard, mouse
 

Test System:



Windows XP, Duron 1 GHz processor, 320 MB RAM, 52x CD ROM, 1400 MB Hard Drive Space, 64 MB Video Card, Direct X 8.1 soundcard, keyboard, mouse

Windows Star Wars Starfighter Windows Tropico: Paradise Island

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated