Tropico Is Now On iPad, iPhone Version Coming Next Year

Over the past few weeks, developer Feral Interactive has showcased several gameplay footages of the iPad version of Tropico, and now it has finally become available on the App Store.

 
Tropico iPad launch trailer

If you are not familiar with the title, Tropico is an island building simulation series that was originally released on PC way back in 2001 and was regarded very highly in its time. In these games, you will take on the role of “El Presidente” (basically the President) of a tropical island located somewhere in the Caribbean. Of course, just like any other simulator, you are tasked with turning the island into a prosperous paradise. To achieve that goal, the first thing you must do is constructing farms and ranches to bring food to the people, as well as building houses for them. This is vital, as if you fail to meet even their most basic needs, they will riot and overthrow you. Additionally, they will also have higher demands for things like entertainment and religious beliefs as well.

To have the income needed to provide all that, you need to develop your island’s industry by setting up production chains. For example, farms can not only grow crops, but also other kinds of plants like tobacco or sugar canes, which you can use to make cigarettes or rum at factories. However, you must have some other infrastructures before you can do this, such as a power plant to generate electricity. Of course, more complicated jobs will demand higher-skilled workers, so education is another important aspect you need to pay attention too.

Besides building, Tropico also features a politic element. As the President, you have the power to issue various edicts. Each edict has its own benefits but will come at a cost as well. For example, you can ban alcohol on your island to keep the citizens sober and thus they will work more effectively. However, doing so will also close down all the pubs, nightclubs, and rum distilleries while the crime rate will increase due to illegal liquor distribution.

If you ever dream of becoming a President, Tropico is the game for you. You can get it for your iPad on the App Store right now for $11.99 (Rs 847). This iPad version has had its interface redesigned to be suitable for the touchscreen, and it is a premium game with no in-app purchases. The iPhone version is also promised to be coming next year, although a specific release date has not been announced yet.