Unless there is something else coming that blows away the console strategy genre, I think Tropico 3 has it about locked up - I don't think the next iteration of Command and Conquer really compares to what Tropico 3 offers in terms of depth.
I finally got a copy of it after looking for it since launch - my local GameStop had 1 copy and sold it the day of launch. They finally got restocked with extra copies, and I purchased it.
Tropico 3 hits all the right chords for being a console strategy game. The interface is great, the controls are perfect, and the core game is vastly superior to most stripped down console strategy games. Its not a Capitalism for PC in terms of scope/learning curve, but its easily the most robust strategy game I've played on a console.
If your wondering what the greatness is, that is Tropico 3:
Tropico 3 is like Sim City combined with Civilization. You run your own island nation, as its total ruler. Your rule can be based on your personal ideological underpinnings, as there is a wide swath of ideological factions you have to deal with - Communists, Capitalists, Religion, Nationalism, Militarism, Envrionmentalism, and Liberalism. Depending on how you rule, you can shape and train your citizens to live their lives in various ways.
Depending on the scenario, you have to leverage various economical activities to earn your island profits - you can go with cash crops, industry, oil, tourism, and other businesses. This takes a lot of strategy, as you need to earn a lot of money to keep your island afloat.
If you do not run your nation properly, people become dissastisfied with your administration, and take up one of two courses of action:
- They demand elections (which you can rig if needed)
- They take up arms against your nation, and attempt to kill you and destroy infrastructure
Both aspects are very fleshed out - electoral fraud is a pretty complex system in the way that if you leverage it, people may find out, and go into open revolt. On the rebellion side, you have to maintain armories, guard posts, and army bases to ensure your nation survives. Rebellion isn't something that happens rarely, I've had to fight off probably 1-2 rebellions per scenario.
Overall, its a fantastic game that is very deep for a console game.
A great aspect of the game is the price - brand new, its just $40 at any store, which is a great price for this game. I've spent about 10hrs on 3-4 scenarios. The game also comes with a sandbox mode with a map-generator that allows for a lot of replayability.
Sales wise, Tropico 3 has done very well with a debut of 25,000 units and has had great legs, as it is still selling ~10,000 copies a week after 6 weeks.
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
