Tropico

PopTop Software's Tropico is a management strategy game in which you assume the role of dictator of a small island in the Carribean. You'll start the game with a low population, very little money, and very little in the way of technology. You'll need to build up your economy to develop your island - you can build more than 100 different structures, including mines, hotels, and factories, to make sure your territory prospers.

But turning your tiny island into a prosperous nation isn't going to be as easy as erecting a few buildings or establishing a few trade routes. Tropico will also feature a great deal of social, economic, and political tension among the citizens of the island. The people of the island aren't happy about the fact that they live in a dictatorship and will revolt without hesitation if the country's economy suffers enough to plunge its citizens into poverty and debt. Likewise, other tensions exist among Tropico's citizens; the army and the church are constantly at odds, and the indigenous people themselves are very much opposed to the influx of visitors to the island. According to PopTop CEO Phil Steinmeyer, "PopTop specializes in creating "virtual world" replicas of real life. With Tropico, we will provide gamers with a slice of political life, topsy-turvy third-world leaders and the nations they rule."

Aspiring despots will be able to seize control of Tropico and wrestle with its rowdy citizens early next year, when the game is scheduled for release.