Tropico 3. 32 best tycoon and economic video games in 2023

In Tropico 3, we can test ourselves as the dictator of the republic during the Cold War.

The Tropico series was started in 2001 by the PopTop Software studio. Its characteristic feature was the fact that the player was cast in the role of a dictator of an exotic state. Both the initial installment and the pirate-themed Tropico 2 developed by Frog City Software met with a very favorable reception from players. A somewhat a game changer for the series turned out to be Tropico 3 prepared by Bulgarian Haemimont Games after a six-year break, which for the first time in the history of the series moved the game into the third dimension .

In the game we once again take on the role of the leader of the so called banana Republic, that is, a small island state during the cold war. Only our choices can determine whether we create a true democratic paradise on earth or a strong and ruthless dictatorship, intolerant of any political opposition. Before you start playing, you can select the appearance and skills of your virtual alter ego and shape your island in any way you like - both geographically and demographically.

During the game we have influence on a whole lot of strategic, economic or diplomatic elements. We must not only take care of our people (who may rebel and start a riot), gain new resources (including especially important oil), but also contact the heads of other states and political powers.

Both Tropico 3 and all other installments of the series can be easily purchased today on popular digital distribution services and each of these games is still a lot of fun. The Tropico series was complemented by an equally good fourth part from 2011 and a slightly weaker - but also available on current generation consoles - Tropico 5 from 2014. In 2018, a mobile title - Tropico Mobile - was introduced. The next, sixth, currently the last full-fledged part of the series, debuted on PC in 2019 . Recently, in March 2022, Tropico 6 found its way to the consoles. The game received applause from the critics, albeit players rated the title a little lower.

1. The game's page on Steam
2. Game's page on the GOG.com

Zoo Tycoon 2

Zoo Tycoon 2 from 2004 is still the best zoological tycoon in history.

Among various themes and topics that could be used as a main focus of a tycoon, zoo and animals are one of them. The first game that comprehensively approached this attractive venue was Zoo Tycoon by Blue Fang Games, released by Microsoft in 2001, and with the success of this title three years later we received an equally successful sequel . This game, together with the four official add-ons released in 2005-2007, certainly deserves a place in our ranking - as the best zoological tycoon in history so far.

In Zoo Tycoon 2, the player's task is to design and run his own zoo, which already in the basic version of the game can be filled with approx. thirty species of animals. Each of them has its own preferences - regarding the type of animal enclosure, breeding conditions or favourite food. In addition, we must also take care of properly trained staff, including trainers, cleaners, security and guest entertainers, as well as the finances of our zoo (such as ticket prices or employee salaries). To make your zoo more attractive, you also need to decorate it with cosmetic elements such as benches, lanterns, gardens, fountains and bridges. The story campaign is complemented by additional gameplay modes, the ability to photograph animals and a comprehensive Zoopedia, containing information about the animal species.

Unfortunately, the classic versions of the Zoo Tycoon series are virtually unobtainable today, both digitally and in boxed versions. Its few copycats, such as Zoo Empire or the Wildlife Park series - although quite good as such, are definitely inferior to the original .

Nevertheless, this classic brand has not been completely abandoned by Microsoft, releasing a Frontier Developments-created console reboot of the series in 2013, which was met with a fairly mixed reception from fans. This title offers a very attractive visuals, the possibility to visit the park from a first-person perspective and play with virtual animals, as well as provides support for the motion controller (Kinect). It seems, however, that these elements took precedence over the economic aspects that are the fundament of the tycoon genre.