Games like Tropico aren’t in plenty, but we did manage to come across a good number of similar titles to quench your city building needs. Well, raising buildings isn’t all there is to the series – You’ll also manage resources as well as the population and get into politics.
On this list, however, not all additions will deliver the exact same characteristics as the title in question, but you can be sure to receive a similar experience in gameplay. The options listed below are set in various locations from ancient times to futuristic lands. So without further ado, here are several choices with brief descriptions.
1. SimCity (2013):
The SimCity franchise is over two decades old and it’s also responsible for The Sims spin-off series. The latest addition in this city building lineup was launched earlier this year, and while it did face a few hurdles in the early days, the title did manage to receive a positive response. Like previous installments, SimCity 2013 focuses on simulating entire cities from managing resources to the economy and people’s well-being amongst others.
What’s new here is the GlassBox engine which gives you the power to do more than before and there’s multiplayer support where you and friends can work together to build multiple cities. Also, the graphics have been greatly improved compared to previous releases.
2. Anno 1404:
Anno 1404 is also known as Dawn of Discovery in the US and it’s primarily focused on economic simulation. The game’s setting is mostly during the medieval age and it takes place on the Orient islands where you set up colonies and start economies by establishing farms, factories and more. As with almost every city building title, this one starts you off with a small place of your own where you start discovering and expanding.
Later on, you’ll also be able to create ships and troops which can be used to overrun and capture other colonies. There’s also the Venice expansion pack available which brings in various new features including a multiplayer mode where you and friends can raise cities and run economies together.
3. Cities XL:
Cities XL was originally developed by Monte Cristo in 2009 and it has been acquired by Focus Home Interactive. The latest entrant in the franchise is Cities XL Platinum that’s basically an expansion pack for the 2012 release. Gameplay here is the usual city building where you set up and manage economies as well as the well-being of citizens.
You get three types of places to build, namely residential, commercial and industrial, where you can raise over 1,000 structures. To make things more interesting, the company has opened the game to modding which allows developers to create their own types of buildings and share them with others.
4. Anno 2070:
Next up on the games similar to Tropico compilation is Anno 2070 which is the sequel to 1404 Dawn of Discovery. Unlike its predecessor, this release is futuristic based and it’s set in the year 2070, global warming has taken its toll on the environment by raising the sea levels.
It’s your responsibility to restore life into these islands by creating settlements. Economy is also of prime importance here like in other installments in the Anno series. Throughout the campaign, various World Events will show up which are limited time only. Accomplishing these will land you rewards.
5. Caesar IV:
Caesar IV is the second addition to our Tropico alternatives roster that takes you to an ancient world. Here, you take command of a province under Caesar’s empire as a governor. You primary objective is to design the layout of each city and also create routes for transport and distribution of resources. Also, you must cater to the needs of citizens like entertainment, healthcare and protection.
Day-to-day life is threatened by barbarians and to prevent incidents, a military force is also necessary. The ultimate goal is to become Caesar which is only possible by having a profitable economy and well developed cities.
6. Immortal Cities: Children of the Nile:
Immortal Cities: Children of the Nile is almost a decade old, but its creator Tilted Mill has released an enhanced edition of the game a few years back. Set in ancient times, you’ll have nothing more than hunters and gatherers at the start from where you begin to build massive cities filled with citizens.
From raising monuments to managing the entire civilization, your actions will eventually have consequences. The gameplay spans over 2,000 years. Apart from single player, you can also play against others through the Immortal Cities: Nile Online title.
7. Zeus: Master of Olympus:
Impressions has landed yet another one of its releases on our lineup of games similar to Tropico. Zeus: Master of Olympus is a classic city builder and it takes place in ancient Greece. You’ll have various campaigns to play and every new maps start off with a bare land where you set up your own city and gather resources.
Each of them has different objectives like defeating rivals and monsters based on myths from that era. You may also have to summon gods by raising certain constructions. Compared to the other additions on this array, Zeus: Master of Olympus isn’t all that appealing in graphics, but the immersive gameplay makes up for the drawbacks.
Conclusion:
From ancient times, to fantasy worlds and futuristic settings, you’re sure to get the best city building experience from the aforementioned titles. If there’s something apart from what we’ve listed out that deserved to be on this games like Tropico compilation, then do give us a shout.