Tropico 2001

Released: April 21, 2001
Anniversary: Turned 25 on April 21
Genres: Simulator · Strategy
Platforms: PC · Mac
Developer: PopTop Software
More info: Wikipedia IGDB

Where to buy

On sale: $1.49 $5.99 -75% as Tropico Reloaded on GOG The lowest price we've seen on GOG since September 2026 More deals on GOG Fanatical, and in Strategy
Digital: GOG Fanatical $1.57-78% Steam
Physical: Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: GOG, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, ININ Games and Amazon

Is it still worth playing?

You are El Presidente, ruler of the fictional Caribbean island country of Tropico during the Cold War era, in this construction and management simulation from April 2001. It is tongue-in-cheek about banana republics and uses plenty of humor while touching on totalitarianism, electoral fraud and the interference of powerful companies. Whatever else is set as a goal, the main aim is to stay in power. A displeased populace can vote the leader out, rebels can storm the palace and an unhappy army can stage a coup. The Soviet Union and the United States send foreign aid when pleased, and may invade when not. There are scenarios and a custom or random map mode. Ruling a small island with a sense of humor is a change of pace that still works today.