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Tropico - Game Facts
The game has slipped to
February 2001 "We wanted to make Christmas but the
game wouldn't be ready. Unfortunate but rather have it
right"
Tropico will support
Windows 2000.
Distasters can include
weather, rebellion, accidents and forgien
- intervention. You don't really deal with other
countries besides the USA
- and USSR.
It will be an open ended
game, but there will also be a scenarios
You can be tossed out of
power by a rebellion or military coup.
- It's based on your popularity. If your people hate you
they will rebel. IF
- your MILITARY hates you they will stage a coup
There will be a map
editor
Feeding your people is a
land use issue. The land will have
- generated usefulness qualities for certain crops. If it
is suited for a
- cash crop (Coffee or Tobacco) then you'll get good
production for that crop
- but not necessarily for say wheat, which can be eaten
OR shipped for money.
tropico uses a new
generation of the S3D engine (S3D is Railroad Tycoon II's
graphic engine). The trucks, planes and
- ships will use full 3D sprites. Mind you, this is not a
Transport game
- though it does come into play. It's a political builder
and social sim.
a quote from the
transcript "Tropico will support 800x600 to 1600x1280
. potentially 640x480 too".
Time is rather ambiguous
as it's not true time. However it's
supposed to be 1950-1970 or so
Computer Games magazine
will have a large story on Tropico
- this month.We'll be showing them everything that we've
got so far. The
- Computer Games Magazine article cover much of it and
the rest we'll be able
- to show someday soon
No playable demo coming
in next few months
Tropico works like this.
You're given an evironment with a small
- population of thinking, feeling and motivated people.
You introduce things
- into their environment to get them to act.
Tropico has Gems, Gold,
Silver, Iron and Tin for natural minerals.
- These can be used to ship out of country for cash in
native state or can be
- brought to a forge for refining and then shipped for
more money or a Jewelry
- factory for more money.
I don't know if we'll be
optimizing for AMD 3DNOW
Tropico - FAQ
General
What is PopTop Software?
Who is Phil Steinmeyer?
What is Tropico all about, anyway?
Gameplay
Is Tropico a "software toy" like Sim City, or
will there be goals?
How many characters will be available?
Will each of the island's citizens be identical?
Do I control my citizens' actions?
Can my island population exceed 500?
How do I increase the population of my island?
Can I increase population by creating more citizens?
Will Tropicans live forever or will they eventually die
of natural causes?
Will Tropicans live in family settings?
Can Tropicans form bonds with other Tropicans? (i.e.
friendships, relationships, etc.)
What will affect a character's attitudes?
What type of jobs can the characters have?
How many buildings will be available?
Do I have any control over the buildings I create?
Will the buildings have any characteristics?
Will the layout of buildings have any affect on the
citizens?
Will Tropicans ever construct buildings on their own?
What disasters can occur on your island?
Will external politics be factored into game?
What are the benefits have positive foreign relations?
What type of weather will be in the game?
What characteristics will my dictator have?
What flaws can I choose and how will they affect my
dictatorship?
Can a dictator lose power?
How long will a dictator be able to reign until they are
required to retire?
Will the dictator age?
What political factions will exist on my island?
What natural minerals can be found on the island?
How do I pass a law, or edict?
How many edicts will be available?
About how many minutes will a normal Tropico day be in
regular time?
Does advancing time affect gameplay?
What about the economic aspects of dictatorship?
Will I be able to make money through the drug cartel?
Can my island have a golf course?
Features
Will there be multiplayer?
What resolutions will Tropico support?
Does Tropico use the same graphic engine that was used in
Railroad Tycoon II?
What other features will be available in regards to the
game's appearance?
Since Tropico uses the Railroad Tycoon 2 engine, will
there be scenarios?
Will there be a map editor?
Can I import images into the map editor ala Railroad
Tycoon II?
Will I be able to save games in progress?
Will there be speed settings in Tropico? (Eg: Fast,
medium, slow)
Will there be different difficulty levels?
Will Tropico be expandable over the Internet at all?
Will there be add-ons or downloads available after the
game is released?
Development
When will Tropico be released?
Is there a demo available?
Will Tropico be translated into any other languages?
Will there be a Mac/Playstation/Dreamcast/etc. version of
the game?
Is there a newsletter I can get my name onto?
What about a beta-test?
System Requirements
What are the minimum system requirements?
Can I play it on my Macintosh?
Does it need hardware acceleration?
What cards are supported?
Will Tropico support Windows 2000?
Will Tropico be optimized for AMD 3DNOW?
Miscellaneous
Does Bigfoot exist?
About the FAQ
Adding to the FAQ
Revision history
About the author
Where can I find additional Tropico information?
GENERAL - back to top
What is PopTop Software?
PopTop Software Inc. is a premier developer of computer
strategy games. PopTop has dedicated itself to create
exciting games that everyone can enjoy - easy to learn,
hard to master, lots of gameplay value, and minimal
violence. In 1998, PopTop released Railroad Tycoon II,
and several follow-ups and ports have followed in the
last 2 years.
Who is Phil Steinmeyer?
Phil Steinmeyer is a programmer and game designer who
founded PopTop Software in 1993. He is the creator and
designer of the game Tropico.
What is Tropico all about, anyway?
In short, Tropico is a builder/city planner-oriented
computer game with some political overtones. It is about
exercising influence on people to make them happy, or,
failing that, to repress them and/or otherwise keep them
from tossing you out of office.
GAMEPLAY - back to top
Is Tropico a "software toy" like Sim City, or
will there be goals?
In most cases, the goal will be simply to stay in power.
However, there are scenarios, such as build up your
population to 500 people in 35 years, or have $10 million
dollars in your Swiss Bank Account in 20 years.
How many characters will be available?
Right now there are 46 human units (a.k.a. characters or
citizens) in the game.
Will each of the island's citizens be identical?
No. Each person in Tropico will have a distinct
personality based on fifty separate attributes. The
various citizens will have different political views,
physical desires, home lives and moral attitudes. Each of
the fifty characteristics for your Tropicans will affect
their behavior and their relationships with each other.
Do I control my citizens' actions?
You don't tell your people to go about their lives
directly. Instead, you must provide incentive to do the
things you want them to do, like pay better wages, bribe
or provide amenities they want.
Can my island population exceed 500?
The programmers have set the limit at 500 for performance
reasons. That's still up for change if testing reveals
the need to limit them more or the room to expand.
How do I increase the population of my island?
You cannot directly control population. Initially, you're
given an environment with a small population of thinking,
feeling and motivated people. You introduce things into
their environment to get them to act. For example, you
may introduce a Contraception Ban, which may increase the
birthrate of your island. Or you could affect Tourism to
attract more tourists to your island.
Can I increase population by creating more citizens?
You never create characters, you only influence people.
Unlike Age of Empires, where you "make a villager"
or "make a cavalry unit," in Tropico you have a
birth rate and immigration. Children grow up, go to
school, and become whatever appeals to them based on
multiple factors, and can change at any point if they so
desire.
Will Tropicans live forever or will they eventually die
of natural causes?
They will die of natural and directed causes.
Will Tropicans live in family settings?
Yes. They will have nuclear and extended families. This
is important for reasons like arrests and assassinations,
as these types of things will impact the entire family
even if they don't "see" it happen in the game
world. Normally, those Tropicans which can draw line of
sight to these types of events will react to the deed.
Can Tropicans form bonds with other Tropicans? (i.e.
friendships, relationships, etc.)
Other than marriage, no, though they can agitate each
other.
What will affect a character's attitudes?
Many different elements affect the citizens' attitudes,
including: birthplace, education level, economic
background, and their overall background, whether he or
she has adequate food supply, shelter, money, happiness
with their employment, entertainment, etc.
What type of jobs can the characters have?
Employment is sorted into three main categories:
uneducated, high school, and college. Jobs that would
allow uneducated citizens include the following:
dockworkers, farmers, miners, and prostitutes. Jobs that
need at least high school education include: shopkeepers,
teachers, and priests. Lastly, jobs that need college
level education include the following: generals, bishops,
bankers, doctors, and journalists. All citizens in their
job will start off with a skill level 0, and they will be
able to work their way up to a skill level 5 (or less,
depending on their intelligence).
How many buildings will be available?
Approximately 60 different types of buildings will be
available. Some of these types will have multiple
variations, and others will have upgrades available.
Do I have any control over the buildings I create?
Yes. You will be able to modify your buildings in ways
that affect your population (i.e. set wages, prices of
goods, etc). An example of how you will be able to modify
a building is through newspaper, radio, and TV stations.
You'll be able to determine what type of programming they
play daily. For example, you may chose to broadcast
religious TV shows to make the religious people on your
island happy. Or perhaps you'll broadcast political
propaganda to help soften any negative impact your
policies may have.
Will the buildings have any characteristics?
Each building has an 'aura' associated with it that
emanates outward. The six auras are crime, tourist
appeal, residential appeal, governmental respect,
governmental repression, and pollution. In addition,
buildings will have individual settings to control wages,
service fees, quality of service, etc. Some buildings
will also have upgrades available.
Will the layout of buildings have any affect on the
citizens?
Streets and buildings are placed as you see fit. This may
not seem like it's important other than for aesthetics
but it will have a major bearing on how the game will
play. Distance to work, market and entertainment will
effect industry efficiency and expose your people to
other influences that may be harmful to their opinion of
their dictator.
Will Tropicans ever construct buildings on their own?
There is just one building that a Tropican will build by
himself - a shanty. This is a barely adequate bit of
shelter that they will create wherever they can find
space if you do not provide adequate housing. Living in a
shanty for any length of time will make a Tropican angry.
What disasters can occur on your island?
Disasters can include popular revolution, military coup,
rebellion and foreign intervention.
Will external politics be factored into the game?
You don't deal with other countries besides the USA and
USSR. To establish contact with either of these foreign
powers, you will need to build a foreign ministry.
What are the benefits have positive foreign relations?
Benefits of friendly foreign relations include better
prices for trade goods, possible money grants or loans,
and possible military or political support.
What type of weather will be in the game?
It rains, and that determines in large part the soil
quality and what crop types can be grown.
What characteristics will my dictator have?
You will be able to choose the type of dictator you wish
to play. You will "create" your dictator,
choosing from various qualities and flaws, as well as
background and rise to power. Depending on how you design
your dictator, you may have an easier or more challenging
time running your island.
What flaws can I choose and how will they affect my
dictatorship?
There will be about 20 flaws to choose from. Some
examples of available flaws are: Flatulence, Alcoholic,
Womanizer, Moronic, and Compulsive Gambler. As an
example, a Compulsive Gambler might get caught spending
the government's money on a bad night at the craps table
or often losing money from their Swiss Bank Account.
Can a dictator lose power?
You can be tossed out of power by a rebellion or military
coup. It's based on your popularity. If your people hate
you, they will rebel or revolt. If your military hates
you, they will stage a coup. Foreign powers can also
topple your government if pushed.
How long will a dictator be able to reign until they are
required to retire?
A dictator will never be forced to retire by the game (unless
ousted in a govenment overthrow).
Will the dictator age?
No, the dictator is ageless.
What political factions will exist on my island?
The political factions, derived from the individual
worker traits, will be Military, Religious, Intellectual,
Environmental, Capitalist and Communist.
What natural resources can be found on the island?
Tropico has Gold, Iron and Bauxite for natural minerals.
These can be used to ship out of country for cash in
native state. Gold can also be brought to a jewelry
factory for refinement into a more valuable commodity (jewelry).
You can also chop trees for export or refinement. Some
crops can also be processed into more valuable goods (rum
and cigars, for example). You can even utilize the
natural beauty of your island for tourism.
How do I pass a law or edict?
The ability to pass an edict will be based on which
buildings you have already built and whether you have
enough money. In return, the edict may influence certain
factions in ways that must be considered.
How many edicts will be available?
There will be approximately 35 to 40 edicts.
About how many minutes will a normal Tropico day be in
regular time?
It will pass by quicker than "real-time." Time
passage is still being modified so it's impossible to say
what it will be.
Does advancing time affect gameplay?
Time is rather ambiguous as it's not true time. Although
time passes, it doesn't change technology or world events.
For the purposes of reference and attitudes, the game is
set in 1950's-70's. If you play till 2000, the Soviet
Union will still be unified with the Cold War in full
swing and with people still using the same industries.
What about the economic aspects of dictatorship?
There are basic resource operations like logging, farming
and mining that offer low profits. If you're willing to
invest time and money into building infrastructure, you
can begin to trade in industries. The industries will
process raw materials from resource operations and turn
an even higher profit. Tropico also has a tourism model
that will pour money into your economy.
Will I be able to make money through the drug cartel?
Poptop decided early on to exclude all drug-related
issues from the game. You will, however, be able to make
money from "questionable" means, like cabarets
or nightclubs.
Can my island have a golf course?
No, golf courses are no longer a part of the game.
Features - back to top
Will there be multiplayer?
Poptop decided early in the project that Tropico would
not have multiplayer, in order to make the single-player
aspect more robust.
What resolutions will Tropico support?
Tropico will support 800x600, 1024x768, 1200x1024, 1600x1280
and potentially 640x480. Switching between these settings
happens "on the fly" at the touch of a single
key.
Does Tropico use the same graphic engine that was used in
Railroad Tycoon II?
Tropico uses a new generation of the S3D engine (S3D is
Railroad Tycoon II's graphic engine). The planes and
ships will use full 3D models, as will air and water
animals.
What other features will be available in regards to the
game's appearance?
There will be a rotating map, deformable terrain, 3D
objects, and high-resolution sprites (rendered at 3200x2400),
as well as anti-aliasing. 3D acceleration will also
provide a higher level of transparency and smoother anti-aliasing
on some computers.
Since Tropico uses the Railroad Tycoon 2 engine, will
there be scenarios?
There will be scenarios, but no campaign. There also
won't be as many stand-alone scenarios as there were in
RT2. However, in their place, PopTop is making the random-scenario
generator much more robust. You will have the ability to
fully edit scenarios and set the parameters for randomly-generated
games.
Will there be a map editor?
There will be a map editor. It will work differently than
the one in RT2 to some extent, though it is still being
created, so the extent of the changes are not certain yet.
Can I import images into the map editor ala Railroad
Tycoon II?
Probably. While it has not yet been implemented, players
will most likely be able to load .PCX's into the editor
to base their map off of.
Will I be able to save games in progress?
Absolutely. Games can be saved and loaded at any point.
Will there be speed settings in Tropico? (Eg: Fast,
medium, slow)
Absolutely. Right now there are 6 settings including
pause, though that is not necessarily final.
Will there be different difficulty levels?
Yes. Tropico will offer a wide range of difficulty levels.
At the easiest level, you may never actually lose a game
if you manage to stay in power. Harder levels may require
you to satisfy certain goals within a limited timeframe.
Difficulty is based on many factors set up by the player,
such as your character attributes, island size, political
stability and many more.
Will Tropico be expandable over the Internet at all?
There was some talk of this, but it's looking more
unlikely at this time.
Will there be add-ons or downloads available after the
game is released?
There will certainly be downloadable maps available -
both PopTop- and user- created. However, additional
characters and buildings will not be available for
download.
Development-- back to top
When will Tropico be released?
PopTop expects the game to be available in late April of
2001.
Is there a Tropico demo available?
The release of the demo has been delayed until after
Tropico has gone gold. Keep checking the PopTop site!
Will Tropico be translated into any other languages?
There will be foreign language version of Tropico made
for other major languages, based on perceived demand.
They will be released as soon as they can be developed
after the English version has been finished. There will,
for example, be a German version, a Spanish version, etc.
At this point, however, PopTop cannot answer questions on
which specific languages will or will not receive a
version.
Will there be a Mac/Playstation/Dreamcast/etc. version of
the game?
The game will initially ship for the PC. There will also
be a Mac version shipped soon afterwards. No other
platform conversion can be discussed at this time.
Is there a newsletter I can get my name onto?
No, there is no letter at this time for either Tropico or
PopTop. We update our site once a week with previews, new
information, and interviews, and we invite you to drop by
periodically. In addition, there are several well-made
and active fan sites you can visit. Links to these sites
can be found at the bottom of this FAQ, or by going to
our Tropico page and scrolling down.
What about a beta-test?
Beta-testing format has not yet been decided. Please wait
until Tropico has made an official statement before
asking to be a beta-tester.
System Requirements - back to top
What are the minimum system requirements?
Minimum system requirements have not yet been released.
Can I play it on my Macintosh?
Tropico will not be released for the Macintosh platform
at the same time as for Windows. However, it will be
available shortly after its Windows release.
Does it need hardware acceleration?
No, hardware acceleration will be available for improved
performance but is not at all required.
Will 3D acceleration cards be supported?
Tropico will support 3D acceleration cards, but which
exact cards are unknown.
Will Tropico support Windows 2000?
Yes, Tropico will support Windows 2000.
Will Tropico be optimized for AMD 3DNOW?
Maybe, maybe not.
Miscellaneous - back to top
Does that bigfoot thing really exist?
Yes, of course, don't be silly.
About the FAQ
The third version of this FAQ was completed on Januray 23,
2001. Author notes are found below.
Adding to the FAQ
If you would like to submit a question of your own for
inclusion in our FAQ, just drop me an email at
webmaster@poptop.com.
About the authors
This FAQ was written by Kendahl Johnson (webmaster of
Tropico Paradise) and edited by David Deen and Franz
Felsl of PopTop Software.
Revision history
November 8, 2000 - Finished version 1.0
November 21, 2000 - Finished version 2.0
Januray 23, 2001 - revised to version 2.1
Where can I find additional Tropico information?
Official Tropico Site- PopTop Software
Fan sites:
Tropico Paradise
Cafe Tropico
SimTropic
The Tropico Unofficial
http://www.strategie.com.pl/rrt2/tropico/
Express World
Tropico Headquarters
Written
& Produced by Poptop Software
Tropico - Features
As the newly installed dictator of an
obscure Caribbean island, build a path of progress for a
nation mired in poverty, civil unrest and infighting.
Oh,and uhh… stash a few million in your Swiss bank
account just in case you need to take early retirement.
Tropico takes the addictive building-oriented gameplay of
hits such as SimCity 3000 and Railroad Tycoon 2, combined
with a healthy dose of Latin American political intrigue,
and bundles it up in an easy-to-learn, hard to master,
utterly addictive package.
Tropico is first and foremost a builder. Tropico
provides over 100 structures to build, from hotels and
spas for tourists to banana groves, sugar plantations and
copper mines for food and basic exports, to rum
distilleries and cigar factories for basic industry.
Industry, mining,
agriculture, or tourism, you choose to shape the economy
to your vision. And don’t let your lust for
Yanqui dollars overcome your concern for the plight of
your people. (or they’ll overcome your palace guards
and teach you a lesson in mob justice) As a
precaution against such unpleasantness, may we suggest
building the secret police headquarters for ferreting out
and re-educating your misinformed dissidents?
Your island’s inhabitants are fleshed out
individuals, most of whom support you as their leader (at
least initially). They go about their daily
business striving for happiness under your enlightened
rule. They have homes, jobs and identities, and
they like being safe, well-fed, employed and spiritually
enriched. Plan your growth well, and you’ll
have plenty of money to buy your people’s favor.
Plan your growth poorly, and, well, there’s always
martial law
Tropico - Press Releases
Tropico: Press Release
www.godgames.com have issued this press release
confirming the release of Tropico across North America,
here is the full press release:
A New
Political Presence Emerges in the Caribbean… and It’s
You!
PopTop
Software's and GodGames' Tropico Ships to Stores
Nationwide
Dallas, TX, April 24, 2001 - Today UN officials
recognized the political situation brewing in the small
Caribbean nation of Tropicoä and have issued a global
watch. A new dictator, instated by game developer PopTop
Software and high-end computer and videogame publisher GodGames, both subsidiaries of Take-Two Interactive
Software (NASDAQ: TTWO), has taken over the island and is
implementing new rule.
More details are being revealed as Tropico, a 3D
building, strategy/simulation PC game, ships to stores
nationwide today. Tropico invites desktop dictators to
develop a remote Caribbean island, overseeing all
building and resource management, as well as political,
military and population aspects. Distributed by Jack of
All Games, another Take-Two subsidiary, Tropico is
available for the PC for a suggested retail price of $39.99
and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. A Mac
version of Tropico will be released in May.
"Tropico has a unique, tongue-in-cheek humor that is
very appealing to gamers," said Phil Steinmeyer,
president and lead programmer of PopTop Software. "Its
simple interface allows for an easy learning curve for
casual gamers, and at the same time its many layered
modes of gameplay will challenge hardcore gamers."
In Tropico, players take on the role of a newly instated
dictator of a remote Caribbean island and are challenged
to build a path of progress for a nation mired in
poverty, civil unrest and infighting. Based on their
economic vision, gamers build hotels, mines, factories,
and over 80 other structures. Diplomacy and politics
factor heavily in Tropico, as players must pacify various
internal factions and external threats. If the island's
growth is well planned, the player will have plenty of
money to buy the peoples' favor and ensure prosperity. If
growth is poorly planned and the economy falters, the
population may revolt, forcing the player to institute
martial law.
"The simulation game genre is incredibly popular
right now," said Harry Miller, president of GodGames.
"PopTop has done an incredible job incorporating the
engrossing gameplay and 'virtual voyeurism' that lend to
the popularity of sim games, and combining it with a
unique storyline and tropical setting to create a
distinctive and groundbreaking title."
Tropico's Features Include:
- Over
500 people of more than 45 different character
types including peasants, the rich, military and
clergy. All the characters' attitudes and actions
are determined by their socio-economic status and
personal biography, including educational level
age, gender, intelligence and nationality.
- Various
internal and external political facets and
activities that are at the discretion of the
dictator. The three main facets to Tropico's
internal politics are political popularity,
uprisings and elections, while the United States
and Russia serve as the two major external forces.
Political activities include suppressing
rebellion, maintaining political popularity and
trading with foreign powers.
- Extensive
industries including manufacturing, mining,
agriculture and tourism.
- Resource
management duties which give desktop dictators
the ability to construct new buildings, set
worker salaries, declare various edicts, manage
labor and time, and grow and trade various food,
minerals and crops.
- More
than 80 types of structures and environments from
hotels and spas to banana groves and sugar
plantations, to residential housing and ports and
airports, with some rum distilleries and cigar
factories thrown in for good measure!
Tropico
is based on an improved version of PopTop's proprietary S3D
engine allowing for highly detailed 3D graphics and
renderings. The S3D engine was initially used in highly
acclaimed Railroad Tycoon II. The engine will support
hardware acceleration, variable resolution support from
640 x 480 up to 1600 x 1200 and variable color depth
support from 8-bit to 32-bit color. Screenshots can be
found at http://tropico.godgames.com.
Tropico's PC System Requirements:
- Windows
95/98/2000/ME/NT4
- 200
MHz CPU
- 32
MB RAM
- 820
MB Disk Space
- CDROM
Tropico's
Mac System Requirements:
- System
7.5.3
- 200MHz
CPU
- 64
MB RAM
- 820
MB Disk Space
- CDROM
About
PopTop Software
Based in Fenton, MO, computer game developer PopTop
Software was founded in 1993 by programmer and game
designer Phil Steinmeyer. After working with New World
Computing on three titles from 1993 through 1996, PopTop
began developing Railroad Tycoon II in 1997. Released in
November 1998, Railroad Tycoon II has received rave
reviews from the press and the gaming industry and is a
bestseller worldwide. In April 1999, Railroad Tycoon II:
The Second Century, the expansion pack to the 1998
computer game hit, was released to stellar reviews.
Railroad Tycoon II: Gold Edition, a complete collection
of the Railroad Tycoon II series plus additional
scenarios, was released in August 1999. The company is
currently developing Tropico, a building-oriented
strategy-simulation game. In July of 2000, PopTop
Software became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). http://www.poptop.com.
About GodGames
GodGames is a high-end computer and video game publisher
located in Dallas and Austin, Texas. A wholly owned
subsidiary of New York-based Take-Two Interactive
Software (NASDAQ: TTWO), GodGames specializes in
delivering games from top independent development studios
worldwide. GodGames utilizes the global resources of its
parent company and sister label, Rockstar Games, to bring
these titles to gaming enthusiasts worldwide on a wide
range of platforms. Key titles include the Railroad
Tycoon II series, Duke Nukem Forever, Oni, Rune, the 4x4
EVO series, Max Payne, the FLY! series, Tropico,
Darkstone, and many others. For a complete title listing
and further information on GodGames, refer to http://www.godgames.com.
About Take Two Interactive
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive
Software, Inc. is an integrated global developer,
marketer, distributor, and publisher of interactive
entertainment software games and accessories for the PC,
PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Game Boy Color, Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation®2 and the Xbox™. The
Company publishes and develops products through various
wholly owned subsidiaries including: Rockstar Games, GodGames, TalonSoft,
Joytech, DMA Design, PopTop, Global
Star and under the Take-Two brand name. The Company
maintains sales and marketing offices in Cincinnati, New
York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Copenhagen,
Milan and Sydney
PopTop Software and
Gathering of Developers Announce Tropico Population
Explosion (of Information!)
3D Building, Strategy/Simulation
Game to Feature more than 45 Different Characters
Dallas, TX, March 15, 2001 --- Game developer PopTop
Software and developer-driven computer and video game
publisher Gathering of Developers, both subsidiaries of
Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO), today released
information about the characters in Tropico, the upcoming
3D building, strategy/simulation game. Tropico allows
desktop dictators of a remote Caribbean island to rule
over 500 people of more than 45 different character types.
Tropico for the PC will be released in April, with a Mac
version following in May.
"One of the most appealing aspects of a "virtual
world" game like Tropico is the chance to help the
populace grow and take on a life of its own," said
Phil Steinmeyer, president and lead programmer of PopTop.
"Players will be amazed at the variety of characters
who end up making Tropico their home."
Tropico's characters must be kept happy through strategic
and intelligent leadership, and fair legislature.
Examples of Tropico residents and their attributes
include:
- Peasants -- Farmers
and factory workers want to be well fed and
housed, and they resent the rich. Displeasing
this group lowers productivity and can lead to
rebel activity and/or a popular uprising.
- Rich -- Doctors,
bankers, and other members of the elite class
want luxury housing, entertainment, a prosperous
business climate and security from crime.
Displeasing this group hurts the economy, causes
capital flight, and can injure the player?s
rating with the United States.
- Military --
Soldiers want high wages, strong national
security, and prestige for the army. The military
is suspicious of the peasants. Displeasing this
group can lead to a coup-de-tat.
- Clergy -- Priests
want spirituality and churches across the land,
are suspicious of the rich, and don?t look kindly
on a dictator who stuffs his Swiss Bank account a
little too full. Displeasing this group can cause
the clergy to condemn leadership, leading to
heightened tensions with peasants and a possible
popular uprising.
All the characters'
attitudes and actions determined by their socio-economic
status and personal biography, including:
- Educational Level
-- Peoples' schooling determines what jobs they
can get, therefore affecting their income.
- Age, Gender,
Intelligence - Older citizens are less likely to
revolt. Women are less likely to go drinking at
the local pubs and nightclubs and many of them
will take a career timeout to raise a family.
More intelligent residents will have the ability
get an advanced education, and even if they
don't, will acquire skills faster and be more
successful.
- Nationality --
About half of the population growth comes from
immigration. Immigrants come from other Caribbean
islands, the U.S., Europe, and Russia. An
individual's native country greatly affects their
politics. A Russian immigrant is highly unlikely
to become a cigar smoking leader of the
capitalist faction.
Tropico's people go through a normal lifecycle -- they're
born, grow up, get an education, work for 30 to 40 years,
then retire. If the people are healthy, sheltered and
generally happy, both population growth and immigration
are high. Likewise, mass unhappiness, political
instability and unemployment will lead to the best
workers emigrating for more promising opportunities
abroad and can increase the risk of a coup!
Tropico is based on an improved version of PopTop's
proprietary S3D engine allowing for highly detailed 3D
graphics and renderings. Railroad Tycoon II also used the
S3D engine. The engine supports hardware acceleration,
variable resolution support from 640 x 480 up to 1600 x
1200 and variable color depth support from 8-bit to 32-bit
color. Screenshots can be found at http://www.poptop.com/tropico.htm.
About PopTop Software
Based in Fenton, MO, computer game developer PopTop
Software was founded in 1993 by programmer and game
designer Phil Steinmeyer. After working with New World
Computing on three titles from 1993 through 1996, PopTop
began developing Railroad Tycoon II in 1997. Released in
November 1998, Railroad Tycoon II has received rave
reviews from the press and the gaming industry and is a
bestseller worldwide. In April 1999, Railroad Tycoon II:
The Second Century, the expansion pack to the 1998
computer game hit, was released to stellar reviews.
Railroad Tycoon II: Gold Edition, a complete collection
of the Railroad Tycoon II series plus additional
scenarios, was released in August 1999. The company is
currently developing Tropico, a building-oriented
strategy-simulation game. In July of 2000, PopTop
Software became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). http://www.poptop.com
About Gathering of Developers
Founded in Dallas, TX in January 1998, Gathering of
Developers is a developer-driven computer and video game
publishing company, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). The company?s
mission is to be the worldwide leader in the development
and delivery of commercially successful computer and
video game software designed for a range of platforms.
The company?s pioneering partners are industry leaders
and proven hit makers 3D Realms, Epic Games, PopTop
Software, Ritual Entertainment, Terminal Reality Inc and
Edge of Reality. For more information visit Gathering of
Developers Web site at http://www.godgames.com
Tropico: Politics Press
Release
Here is a
press relase about the political elements of Tropico:
PopTop
Software and Gathering of Developers Shake Hands and Kiss
Babies with Release of Tropico's Political Information
3D
Building, Strategy/Simulation Game to Offer Citizen
Uprisings, Hostile Foreign Relations and Other Political
Fun
Dallas, TX, March 8, 2001 - Game developer PopTop
Software and developer-driven computer and video game
publisher Gathering of Developers, both subsidiaries of
Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ: TTWO), today
released information about the political features in
Tropico, the upcoming 3D building, strategy/simulation
game. Tropico invites players to helm a remote Caribbean
island and conduct political activities such as
suppressing rebellion, maintaining political popularity
and trading with foreign powers. The PC version will be
released in April with the Mac version following in May.
"With domestic rebellions and foreign unrest
threatening the dictator every step of the way, Tropico
will require players to develop sharp political
instincts,” said Phil Steinmeyer, president and lead
programmer of PopTop. “This distinctive political
aspect of the title, in conjunction with the strategic
urban planning features and addictive gameplay, will help
Tropico appeal to gamers of all ages.”
Although the player begins the game as the island’s
dictator, this position is not absolute. Many factions
exist within the island’s population and if the
player doesn’t keep all of them happy, the dictator
can be overthrown. To make things more challenging, many
of these factions, which include communists, the military
and the clergy, have opposing goals, so pleasing all of
them will be difficult.
There are three main facets to Tropico’s internal
politics. They are:
- Political
Popularity - The dictator’s political
popularity is a summation of each citizen’s
feelings. The boldest citizens provide feedback
throughout the game by approaching the leader
with grievances or other messages. The leader can
try to arrest or shoot any citizen at any time,
but this tends to increase overall resentment
within the population. Also, targeted citizens
can fight back against the government, or flee to
become rebels in the hills.
- Uprisings
- The people as a whole can stage a popular
uprising, or the army can institute a coup-de-tat.
For an uprising to occur, there must be a
significant amount of dissent within a group and
a motivational and charismatic leader. When an
uprising begins, all normal world activity stops
until the feud is resolved. A failed uprising
will deter other uprisings for a while, but if
the dictator’s palace is captured, the game
is over.
- Elections
- If the government is a democracy, elections
must be held every six years. If the dictator
wins the election, the populace will remain
relatively passive until the next election. The
dictator can also sway the election results in
honest ways (tax cuts, reformist policies), and
in less-than-honest ways (vote fraud).
Unfortunately, the population typically sees
right through vote fraud, and a fraudulently won
election can be worse than no election at all,
leading to an immediate uprising.
Two
major external forces are also represented in Tropico -
the United States and Russia. To establish contact with
them, players must establish a foreign ministry. Friendly
relations with these foreign powers, created through
activities such as trading, maintaining a similar
government style and allowing the establishment of a
foreign military base, will result in better trade
prices, tourism, and possible aid grants. However, if the
Tropico leader practices a different type of government
or befriends a foreign power’s enemy, the jilted
power may send gunboats to menace the dictator, and
perhaps even invade and depose their enemy.
Tropico is based on an improved version of PopTop’s
proprietary S3D engine allowing for highly detailed 3D
graphics and renderings. The S3D engine was initially
used in Railroad Tycoon II. The engine will support
hardware acceleration, variable resolution support from
640 x 480 up to 1600 x 1200 and variable color depth
support from 8-bit to 32-bit color. Screenshots can be
found at www.poptop.com.
About PopTop Software:
Based in Fenton, MO, computer game developer PopTop
Software was founded in 1993 by programmer and game
designer Phil Steinmeyer. After working with New World
Computing on three titles from 1993 through 1996, PopTop
began developing Railroad Tycoon II in 1997. Released in
November 1998, Railroad Tycoon II has received rave
reviews from the press and the gaming industry and is a
bestseller worldwide. In April 1999, Railroad Tycoon II:
The Second Century, the expansion pack to the 1998
computer game hit, was released to stellar reviews.
Railroad Tycoon II: Gold Edition, a complete collection
of the Railroad Tycoon II series plus additional
scenarios, was released in August 1999. The company is
currently developing Tropico, a building-oriented
strategy-simulation game. In July of 2000, PopTop
Software became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). http://www.poptop.com.
About Gathering of Developers:
Founded in Dallas, TX in January 1998, Gathering of
Developers is a developer-driven computer and video game
publishing company, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). The company’s
mission is to be the worldwide leader in the development
and delivery of commercially successful computer and
video game software designed for a range of platforms.
The company’s pioneering partners are industry
leaders and proven hit makers 3D Realms, Epic Games,
PopTop Software, Ritual Entertainment, Terminal Reality
Inc and Edge of Reality. For more information visit
Gathering of Developers Web site at http://www.godgames.com
Tropico: Construction Press
Release
Here is the latest
Tropico Press Release:
PopTop
Software and Gathering of Developers Go Bananas Releasing
Tropico Construction Information
3D
Building, Strategy/Simulation Game to Feature More than
80 Structures
Dallas,
TX, February 12, 2001 --- Game developer PopTop Software
and developer-driven computer and video game publisher
Gathering of Developers, both subsidiaries of Take-Two
Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO), today released information on
the constructions featured in Tropico, the upcoming 3D
building, strategy/simulation game for the PC and Mac.
Following the addictive building-oriented gameplay of
PopTop?s hugely successful Railroad Tycoon II series,
Tropico invites rulers of all ages to utilize more than
80 types of structures in the development of a remote
Caribbean island. Tropico will be released in April for
the PC, with a Mac version following in May.
"The
massive popularity of Railroad Tycoon II and other
simulation titles reaffirmed that there is a huge demand
for more games in this genre," said Phil Steinmeyer,
president and lead programmer of PopTop. "With
Tropico, we are giving gamers the chance to live the life
that only a chosen few are lucky enough to experience --
standing at the dictatorial helm of their very own banana
republic."
Tropico
lets players erect all types of structures and
environments - everything from hotels and spas to banana
groves and sugar plantations, with some rum distilleries
and cigar factories thrown in for good measure! More than
80 structure types are available, including:
Residential
-- Housing provides shelter for the population and
ensures citizens' happiness. Industrial -- Factories
employ workers, emit pollution and produce resources for
local use and trade. Agricultural -- Farms employ workers
and produce food to keep the populace healthy and well
fed. Mining -- Mines employ workers and provide resources
for local use and trade. Tourism -- Resort hotels and
spas boost the economy with tourists? money. Governmental
-- Government buildings express the authority of the
dictator. Trade -- Ports, airports and roadways allow
trade and communication with the outside world.
Virtual
dictators need to carefully consider all aspects of
construction and regional development. For example, farms
must be placed in areas with fertile soil, good rainfall,
appropriate elevation and close proximity to existing
towns, so that food may be grown and the population fed.
Likewise, residential areas and roads must be built close
to employment areas like factories and mines so workers
can travel quickly to and from their businesses. If the
ruler doesn?t construct wisely and maintain the
properties responsibly, two undesired building types will
begin to sprout up without player intervention: tin
shanties and rebel camps!
Tropico
is based on an improved version of PopTop's proprietary S3D
engine allowing for highly detailed 3D graphics and
renderings. Railroad Tycoon II also used the S3D engine.
The engine supports hardware acceleration, variable
resolution support from 640 x 480 up to 1600 x 1200 and
variable color depth support from 8-bit to 32-bit color.
Screenshots can be found at http://www.poptop.com/tropico.htm.
Based in
Fenton, MO, computer game developer PopTop Software was
founded in 1993 by programmer and game designer Phil Steinmeyer. After working with New World Computing on
three titles from 1993 through 1996, PopTop began
developing Railroad Tycoon II in 1997. Released in
November 1998, Railroad Tycoon II has received rave
reviews from the press and the gaming industry and is a
bestseller worldwide. In April 1999, Railroad Tycoon II:
The Second Century, the expansion pack to the 1998
computer game hit, was released to stellar reviews.
Railroad Tycoon II: Gold Edition, a complete collection
of the Railroad Tycoon II series plus additional
scenarios, was released in August 1999. The company is
currently developing Tropico, a building-oriented
strategy-simulation game. In July of 2000, PopTop
Software became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). http://www.poptop.com.
Founded
in Dallas, TX in January 1998, Gathering of Developers is
a developer-driven computer and video game publishing
company, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO). The company?s
mission is to be the worldwide leader in the development
and delivery of commercially successful computer and
video game software designed for a range of platforms.
The company?s pioneering partners are industry leaders
and proven hit makers 3D Realms, Epic Games, PopTop
Software, Ritual Entertainment, Terminal Reality Inc and
Edge of Reality. For more information visit Gathering of
Developers Web site at http://www.godgames.com.
Announcment
Press Release
Gathering of Developers to Publish 3D
Building, Strategy and Simulation Game on Multiple
Platforms
Dallas, TX, March 06, 2000 Computer game developer PopTop
Software today announced the development of TROPICO,
a 3D building, strategy/simulation game for the PC and
Macintosh computers and Sega Dreamcast. Tropico takes the
addictive building gameplay style of PopTop's hugely
successful Railroad Tycoon II and adds a hearty helping
of Latin American political intrigue to create an
absorbing gaming experience. Developer-driven computer
and video game publisher Gathering of Developers will
publish Tropico in late 2000 for the PC and Macintosh
computers and in early 2001 for Sega Dreamcast.
"PopTop specializes in creating
'virtual world' replicas of real life," said Phil Steinmeyer, CEO of
PopTop. With Tropico, we will provide
gamers with a slice of political life, topsy-turvy third
world leaders and the nations they rule, pitting the rich
against the poor, the army against the church, and
natives versus outside carpetbaggers.
In Tropico, players take on the role of a
newly instated leader of a remote Caribbean island and
are challenged to build a path of progress for a nation
mired in poverty, civil unrest and infighting. Based on
their economic vision, gamers build hotels, mines,
factories, and over 100 other structures. Diplomacy and
politics will factor heavily in Tropico, as players must
pacify various internal factions and external threats. If
the island's growth is well planned, the player will have
plenty of money to buy the peoples' favor and ensure
prosperity. If growth is poorly planned and the economy
falters, the population may revolt, forcing the player to
institute martial law.
PopTop has an incredible knack for envisioning and
developing games that combine historical authenticity
with imagination," said Harry Miller, president of
Gathering of Developers. "Railroad Tycoon II was
tremendously successful, and we believe Tropico, with its
unique storyline, setting and engrossing gameplay, will
be another prized PopTop title.
Tropico is based on an improved version of PopTop?s
proprietary S3D engine allowing for highly detailed 3D
graphics and renderings. The S3D engine was initially
used in Railroad Tycoon II. The engine will support
hardware acceleration, variable resolution support from
640 x 480 up to 1600 x 1200 and variable color depth
support from 8-bit to 32-bit color.
Based in Fenton, MO, computer game
developer PopTop Software was founded in 1993 by
programmer and game designer Phil Steinmeyer. After
working with New World Computing on three titles from
1993 through 1996, PopTop began developing Railroad
Tycoon II in 1997. Released in November 1998, Railroad
Tycoon II has received rave reviews from the press and
the gaming industry, and is a bestseller worldwide. In
April 1999, Railroad Tycoon II: The Second Century, the
expansion pack to the 1998 computer game hit, was
released to stellar reviews. Railroad Tycoon II: Gold
Edition, a complete collection of the Railroad Tycoon II
series plus additional scenarios, was released in August
1999. The company is currently developing Tropico, a
building-oriented strategy-simulation game.
Founded in Dallas, TX in January 1998,
Gathering of Developers is a developer-driven computer
and video game publishing company. The company's mission
is to be the worldwide leader in the development and
delivery of commercially successful computer and video
game software designed for a range of platforms. The
company's pioneering partners are industry leaders and
proven hit makers 3D Realms, Epic Games, PopTop Software,
Ritual Entertainment, Terminal Reality Inc and Edge of
Reality. For more information visit Gathering of
Developers' Web site at http://www.godgames.com.
Sega and Sega Dreamcast are trademarks of SEGA
ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Tropico - Interviews
we
conducted an exclusive interview with Poptop employee
Franz Felsl. Here is the interview in full:
(this
interview is exclusive material to Express World, please
do not copy it in part of full, please only link to it)
What
is your job at Poptop, and how long have you worked
there?
I'm an
artist and designer amongst a few other things.
I've been with
PopTop for 3 years now.
Which
did you prefer working on Railroad Tycoon II or Tropico?
Well,
probably RT2 because I like trains.
What is your favourite character in
Tropico?
The
Teamster, I just like the way he looks, he's like a clown
to me.
Could
you describe what the office was like on the day Tropico
went gold?
Everyone was testing and then it was time to send the
Master Disk to Take
2 because the last FedEx pick up was going to happen.
Then Phil said ok,
we've mastered, you can continue testing. Sorry,
nothing exciting.
Were
you relieved when Tropico went gold?
Yes.
It's been a long time, like most projects but it was nice
to send it
out into the big world.
If you could add any feature to Tropico (that the game
does not currently
contain) what would it be?
Hmmmm.
More events. I like alot of variables.
Now that you have finished Tropico, you
will be moving onto a new project.
If the choice about the next project was completly down
to you, what game
would you like to produce?
Something
epic. However, it's not up to me so it's best not
to get too
dreamy at this point. Phil will decide what he
wants PopTop to do and if
Take2 says ok, then that's what we'll do.
Exclusive
Interview With Poptop
Yesterday
I conducted a short interview with Franz @ poptop over
the recent sale of the compant to Take 2 Interactive. (this
interview is exclusive and no part may be copied).
1. Who
initiated talks about the sale of Poptop?
I think
it ended up being somewhat spontaneous. Take 2 is
always looking for good material and Phil was looking to
lighten some of the business load.
2. Now
that Poptop is owned by Take 2, will Take 2 publish
future Poptop games in America instead of Gathering Of
Developers?
Well
since Gathering of Developers is also owned by Take
2 they will continue to publish PopTop's titles in North
America. Just kind of worked out that way. G.O.D.
is basically Take 2's publishing arm in North America now.
3. Will
this aquisiton effect the release date of Tropico?
In
theory, it will not interfere with the release date.
4. Now
that Take 2 owns Poptop, will they have the final words
on what games you develop?
That's
not real clear. The understanding is that they want
us to make good games and feel we can. So, if we
make a clinker then they will likely tighten the reins
and if we do well it seems we'll be able to develop as we
have been.
5. Now
that Take 2 owns the Railroad Tycoon licence, is it
possible they could get another company/ development team
otehr than Poptop to create Railroad Tycoon 3?
Anything
is possible but we're pretty confident they'd like us to
do RT3 and so do we.
6.
Do you have any personal comments on this take over?
I'm very
hopeful that it will be very good for both
companies and thus the consumers in the long run.
7. Did
you sign a 4 year contract to stay with Poptop, as Phil
did?
No, Take 2's
interest was in Phil. The rest of us are still
regular employees.
8. How
much was Poptop sold for?
I was
never told.
9. Who
offically was the previous owner of Poptop?
Phil Steinmeyer.
Interview With Poptop July 2000
This
interview is exclusive to Theme World. Reproduction
Notice: You may only copy question 1 & 2 as a sample
and you must also place a link to Theme World giving us
full credit for this interview
1. Is
there a plan to release a demo of Tropico?
Yes.
It may be out around December?
2.
Will Tropico support 3D acceleartion, if so what cards
will it support?
Yes.
The exact cards are unknown at this time.
3. Will
there be a multi player option in Tropico?
No.
It is ment to be a single player experience akin to
Sim City.
4. Will
Tropico be published by Gathering Of Developers or Take 2
Interactive?
Both
since the Gathering of Developers are now a wholy owned
subsidiary of Take 2.
5. Will
there be a Playstation version (or other platforms) of
Tropico?
Probably
but we don't know which next generation system we will
use.
6. When
is the Dreamcast version of Rt2 due for release?
Should
be sometime later this month.
7. Could
you give us a progress report of what stage in
development tropico is currently at?
Full
production. The engine works and the interface is
now functionally set. Lots of art and code to make
it play still need to go into the game.
8. If
Tropico sell well, will you be producing an expansion
pack for the game, as you did with Railroad Tycoon II?
Possibly,
it's hard to say. RT2 had a natural progression,
Tropico may not?
9. In
yout personal view, what are the chances that Poptop's
next project will be Railroad Tycoon 3?
I'm not
allowed to speculate, I'm just a cog in the great machine.
I think you can figure PopTop will function within normal
industry standards though
Tropico: Interview With Poptop (May 2000)
This is parts 1 & 2 & 3 of a 3
part interview. The interview is an exclusive to Theme
World and absolutly must not be copied, I give will not
even allow smaples to be taken, you are only allowed to
link to it.
Again, you are not allowed to copy the
whole or even any part of this interview.
Part 1 (9th May 2000)
1. Are there any plans for a demo of
Tropico?
We intend to release a demo when we have
one. It's still a few months off.
2. Can you predeict any system
requirements for Tropico?
It's a bit too early to make that
prediction and so as to avoid any confusion we'll have to
wait on that answer.
3. On the islands, will you be able to
constuct any Transportation Systems?
Not like RT2 or anything that elaborate.
You will be able to place things like a Taxi Stand or a
Bus Station where people can get appropriate
transportation to jobs, stores and entertainment.
However, you build it so that the units (Tropicans)
will decide when and how to make use of that service.
One of the reasons we use an Island as the land mass is
that what and where you build things is a big decision,
land use will play a major role in the player's success
as a leader.
4. What government types will you be
able to have?
No final on that; however currently we are
currently just looking at Dictatorships and
Presidential Democracies. This may change?
5. Do you control your military directly,
or do you pay genrals to do it for you?
Well, like all Tropicans you don't
directly move or give orders to your people. So, a
General will improve the abilities of your soldiers
though soldiers in general go about their "job"
with or without orders from a general. This goes to
the basic premise of Tropico. Your units all have
personal interests and motivations. Each Tropican
is born with a set of parameters that can be modified by
their environment, i.e. what jobs they have, what the
government is etc. Tropicans favor or dislike each
social faction represented in the game and there are 6
factions in Tropico. The 4 core factions are
Socialist, Militarist, Religious and Capitalist;
additionally there are 2 other factions which have impact
at a different level, USA & USSR. The last two
are more like catalysts than core beliefs of the Tropicans. In any event these factions are what
motivate the Tropicans in the political arena which is
where you as the player reside. If you don't
control these factions they you can expect to loose
control of the country and thus lose the game
Part 2 (10th May 2000)
6. Is there any armed confilct at all in
this game?
Well, not in the traditional sense of an RTS. If there is a riot,
rebelion, coup or
rebel interference you may see people get shot.
This will be pretty tame stuff, no blood, 1930's
Hollywood death kind of thing just bang, bang your
dead.
7. How large will most islands be on
Tropico?
That's completely variable. We will
have an editor like in RT2 as well as a random map
generator with adjust able variables, take a look at your
own screen shots, the second one shows the controls for creating
your island.
8. On avearge how many people will be on
the an Island in Tropico when you begin a game?
That's another variable. Other than
scenarios, you will be able to determine that.
9. Will Tropico be ported to any consoles
other than the dreamcast?
We don't know just yet, but we're
receptive.
Part 3 (11th May 2000)
10. Following the take over of GOD, which
company will publish Tropico?
G.O.D. is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Take2 so the people at G.O.D. are handling the publishing
but it's Take2 that runs the show at the highest level,
so the answer is both because they are the same.
11. Do you have any comments or views on
the Take over of Gathering Of Developers by Take 2
Interactive?
Yes, we're happy that Take2 has made a
commitment to the sustain the concept the Gathering of
Developers in such a strong way. We feel that both
companies will benefit from it and those that work with
them too.
At what stage is tropico at (e.g Alpha,
Beat, Pre-Alpha) and are you planning a Public beta test?
Tropico is still pre Alpha. We
intend on doing a public Beta like we did with RT2 but we
can't guarantee that yet.
Tropico:
Interview With Poptop (14th February 2000)
On the
14th February 2000, when our Tropico pages were part of
the Railroad Express website, I
conducted an interview with Potop Software about Tropico,
I have reposted this interview so you can read it. This
interview has been added to the Tropico
Interviews page.
(Reproduction
info: the only questions you are allowed to copy as a
sample are questions 6 & 7, and a link to Theme World
giving us credit is also required next to the sample)
1. When is the estimated completion time
for Tropico (eg 4th Q 2000)?
No date announced as yet.
2. Will there be any further offical maps
for Rt2?
Probably but not for a little bit.
3. What can you tell us about Tropico?
Nothing at this time. The official
announcement will be coming very soon.
4. Is there any other versions of Rt2 in
the works, for example a dreamcast version?
There is a Dreamcast version currently
being worked on. It looks EXTREMELY cool and Tremor
is doing an excellent job of adding special features to
take advantage of the Dreamcasts ability.
Honest, this thing is looking cool and is NOT a simple
port and run, it will have some exclusive features that
only the Dreamcast version will have.
5. How is work on Tropico progressing?
Slow but getting steady. This was a
completely new design with nothing to base it off of to
start. It has some similarities to many games but
in almost every case it's a unique design. It's
looking very pretty, so for those of you who liked RT2
just because it was pretty... you won't be disappointed.
:) The game play is still to early to really
comment on as it seems fun on paper but we can't actually
play it yet. Unlike some games which you can play
on paper, Tropico is a very hands-on type of game and is
extremely a touchy-feely design. Like RT2, it has a
simple premises and until you can play it enough to get
involved it's impossible to tell what needs to be changed.
6. Does Tropico use the S3D engine that
Railroad Tycoon II did?
Yes and no. It's a S3D engine
evolution. It will have all new graphic sets and
also incorporate 3D effects directly. So, this
version will take advantage of and support 3D cards as
well as software only.
7. Will you be releasing any information,
press releases or screenshots of Tropico soon?
Yep, like I said it'll be soon. I'd
say definitely this month, but definitely is a word that
frightens me. :)
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