Outside, the cold winter rages. But you don’t have to put up with the German temperatures, at least not on the screen. MeinMMO therefore recommends a Caribbean round in co-op with the building game “Tropico 6” as a change from the frosty climate.
Even going outside for just a moment in winter can become a real ordeal. Quickly taking the trash to the bin without immediately feeling frostbite can only happen when you’re well wrapped up – hat, scarf, gloves, long underwear.
But now quickly back into the warm abode. And then that moment when the biting cold gives way to the cozy climate in the apartment … wonderful.
Is there perhaps a game that brings a similar feeling to the screen? Preferably with Caribbean sounds and a dose of autocracy? Yes, there is. What a coincidence. And it can even be played in multiplayer? Well, excellent.
Welcome to Tropico.
Tropico provides Caribbean vibes and catchy tunes
What is Tropico? The legendary building game is now in its 6th installment and has been making Caribbean gamers’ hearts beat in rhythm for over 20 years.
The latest installment in the series, Tropico 6, is very much based on old mechanics and plays essentially like part 1 – just bigger and with better handling.
In the game, it is your task to develop a scarcely populated island into an economic power that educates its residents obediently and does not let itself be pushed around by the great powers of this world.
A large part of the game revolves around building production chains and providing satisfied and trained workers. You need to keep 3 things in mind to stay in power:
- Don’t be too deeply in debt
- Don’t be too cheeky towards the great powers
- Don’t be too harsh on your citizens
But no one is stopping you from testing the limits now and then. Especially the population proves to be a pliable plaything of your whims.
If you’re having a good day and want freedom and prosperity for all Tropicans? Then offer them free housing and allow even the poor population to roam the island in cars.
Do you prefer to rule with an iron fist and take out your daily frustrations on the residents? No problem – a civilized island society can certainly manage for a while without rum.
As long as you always diligently manipulate the elections … I mean … win the elections fairly while maintaining a balanced account, only a great power can overthrow you. And a bit of world politics can easily be handled by an aspiring dictator.
More features of Tropico 6:
- Caribbean sounds tempt you to constantly sway along
- Each of the maximum 10,000 residents is unique, has a name and individual opinions, as well as needs
- Detailed micro-management even in the economy – every dollar can be traced
- You must complete tasks for great powers in order to advance in the ages and obtain new technologies
- If you push the citizens too far, a rebellion may occur
- Through various sources, you gather money for your fixed deposit account in Switzerland
- The military can be indirectly controlled through attack or defense orders
- You can “borrow” well-known landmarks
In co-op, you build a paradise together – or annoy each other heavily
What can I do in co-op mode? The multiplayer mode of Tropico 6 is as simple as it is genius. Because you can play the game without restrictions, simply two players can join. A total of 4 people can be transported to the Caribbean at the same time.
Everyone gets their own piece of paradise and can work undisturbed on their vision of the perfect Caribbean utopia. Unless, of course, they are pestered by envious neighbors.
You can unleash troops on each other, establish trade blockades, aid rebels in their resurgence, and even seize the prized lands of your fellow players.
Nice neighbors, on the other hand, will provide some building assistance or send educated workers to you when the rum distillery is once again suffering from a skilled labor shortage.
To end the game, you set peaceful, military, and/or economic victory conditions before the round. If you just want eternal co-op building fun and to create a perfect island together, you can completely skip the victory conditions.
Personal conclusion: Tropico is a piece of vacation for home
Tropico is one of the best building and city simulation games for me, even in single-player. Experiencing the Caribbean adventure together on an island, however, is the crowning glory … of a mentally challenged dictator.
The depth of detail in the population and the economy, as well as the simple, beautiful construction of settlements and industrial areas makes me return to the island every few months. By now, I even take my girlfriend with me.
You can sink so deep into Tropico together – the Caribbean music is almost hypnotic. Since the game speed can be changed at any time, we are always ready for a quick chat or a brief discussion of the latest reprisals against the population.
Tropico 6 is the first part of the series that I can recommend to you in multiplayer. While it was already possible to create shared islands in the predecessor, the population limit was low, and you had to share the few residents as well.
Now you can jointly oppress up to 10,000 people and toast to a long, glorious reign. Best, of course, with rum from the Caribbean.
Maik Schneider
Freelance author at MeinMMO
