Quote:First, was the development team happy with the reception that Tropico 3 received?

We are both very pleased and proud with the positive reception of Tropico 3 and the Absolute Power expansion. Fans and critics appreciated the classic experience of being a dictator over a small Caribbean island and the reaction was very positive since the first days of the beta. We hope everyone will like Tropico 4 even more.

Quote:When the time came to make Tropico 4 what were the development team's main goals?

When a player buys a game called Something 4, he obviously knows what he wants. As developers we do not wish to disappoint him. Our main goal was to keep everything that the fans liked in Tropico 3 and expand it with even more new options and gameplay mechanics. We took this opportunity to implement some of our ideas that could not make it into Tropico 3 and also to revisit some of the old mechanics that we weren't quite satisfied with. Overall we aim to deliver a deeper, more refined and varied experience.

Quote:What can you tell us about the island nation in this new incarnation of Tropico compared to previous games?

We are sticking with the Cold War setting, but we are adding a bit more spice to it. For example, in Tropico 3 you had to deal only with the superpowers USA and USSR in your foreign relations. We are adding several new geopolitical powers such as Europe, China and the Middle East. Although not as influential as the two cold war giants, these new geopolitical powers can still make your life as a dictator easier or harder, depending on your relationship with them.

Quote:As for the island itself, we are introducing a host of quirky characters to represent the various factions and foreign interests in Tropico. These characters add a healthy dose of flavor and humor to the game, thus preventing the "wall of text" feeling some of the texts in Tropico 3 imposed.

Quote:How many options do you have as the leader of the nation in Tropico 4?

Only one - total unprecedented power over everyone, including Chuck Norris.

Kidding aside, you are now able to appoint a cabinet of ministers - they can be qualified Tropican residents or invited foreign experts. Ministers are very useful, but they can also cause some problems, especially if they are incompetent or corrupt. You can always get rid of them, or even use them as scapegoats and make them take the blame for your own mistakes.

Quote:What sort of new buildings can you construct in this new version of the game?

There are about 20 brand new buildings, including a Chemical Factory, Mausoleum, Roller Coaster, and Fire Station. All buildings from Absolute Power and Tropico 3 are also included in Tropico 4. We tweaked old buildings a bit, especially the ones related to tourism as part of our redesign of the related game mechanics.

Quote:What kinds of new disasters and events can pop up as you play the game?

We are experimenting with the idea for "Interactive Disasters" for Tropico 4. Basically, we want disasters that do more than simply destroy a few of your buildings. The new disasters allow you to respond and react to them in some way. For example, if there is a huge fire in your city, you will be able to prioritize which building the firefighters will try to save first. Or, if a volcano erupts on your island experts will recommend banning air travel because of the ash in the air. But this will cost you, so you may decide to continue the flights regardless of the risk. Alternatively, you can start a volcano-themed tourism campaign trying to capitalize on the unique situation of your island... The interactive disasters are still a work in progress and a lot of details will change before release.

Quote:What can you tell us about the campaign portion of Tropico 4?

The campaign will feature 20 different missions. The campaign starts with the basics and gradually ramps up the difficulty to present a greater challenge in the later missions. Many fans asked for larger islands and we are happy to deliver - true city building enthusiasts will now be able to create even bigger cities than before.

Quote:What other new features have been added to Tropico 4 compared to other games in the series?

One major new feature I haven't yet talked about is the National Agenda. It presents you with a clear way to take, pursue, and track your various objectives in the game, not unlike the quests in an RPG. Let's say you wish to improve your standing with the religious citizens on your island - they will offer you a task and if you accept, it will be added to the National Agenda. Completing the task will improve your standing with them, but failing or abandoning it may make things even worse, unless you offer their leader a fat bribe.

Quote:Any plans for a demo or downloadable content for the game this time?

We haven't announced any plans about DLC content at this time. We will almost certainly publish a demo closer to the game release date.

Quote:Finally is there anything else you wish to say about Tropico 4?

Only that the game is shaping up great and, like any true Tropico fan, I can't wait to see it finished!

(06-01-2011 07:07 PM)IronFist Wrote:  Link:
http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/01/04/interview-we-chat-with-the-lead-designer-at-haemimont-games-abo/

Quote:First, was the development team happy with the reception that Tropico 3 received?

We are both very pleased and proud with the positive reception of Tropico 3 and the Absolute Power expansion. Fans and critics appreciated the classic experience of being a dictator over a small Caribbean island and the reaction was very positive since the first days of the beta. We hope everyone will like Tropico 4 even more.

Ok, lets get to the meat..

Quote:When the time came to make Tropico 4 what were the development team's main goals?

When a player buys a game called Something 4, he obviously knows what he wants. As developers we do not wish to disappoint him. Our main goal was to keep everything that the fans liked in Tropico 3 and expand it with even more new options and gameplay mechanics. We took this opportunity to implement some of our ideas that could not make it into Tropico 3 and also to revisit some of the old mechanics that we weren't quite satisfied with. Overall we aim to deliver a deeper, more refined and varied experience.

More buildup, cmon now..

Quote:What can you tell us about the island nation in this new incarnation of Tropico compared to previous games?

We are sticking with the Cold War setting, but we are adding a bit more spice to it. For example, in Tropico 3 you had to deal only with the superpowers USA and USSR in your foreign relations. We are adding several new geopolitical powers such as Europe, China and the Middle East. Although not as influential as the two cold war giants, these new geopolitical powers can still make your life as a dictator easier or harder, depending on your relationship with them.

Oohh, I like this. Juggling foreign relations was a major challenge in Tropico, especially early on when foreign aid was your primary source of income.

I don't see all of these groups giving you money though. I think the new three will be primarily limited to trading partners. Though they might have other roles as well..

Quote:As for the island itself, we are introducing a host of quirky characters to represent the various factions and foreign interests in Tropico. These characters add a healthy dose of flavor and humor to the game, thus preventing the "wall of text" feeling some of the texts in Tropico 3 imposed.

Ok, I like. Variety helps, as long as it fits in the bounds of the game (that is, rather cynical and satirical). I want to see Penultimo and how he tries to screw me over . Yeah, the "walls of text" could be annoying. But sometimes they were pretty funny.

Quote:How many options do you have as the leader of the nation in Tropico 4?

Only one - total unprecedented power over everyone, including Chuck Norris.

Kidding aside, you are now able to appoint a cabinet of ministers - they can be qualified Tropican residents or invited foreign experts. Ministers are very useful, but they can also cause some problems, especially if they are incompetent or corrupt. You can always get rid of them, or even use them as scapegoats and make them take the blame for your own mistakes.

Scapegoats are a good thing to have . Although I suspect ditching them will have negative repercussions. And Nationalists won't like foreigners. And corrupt ones will cut into my Swiss acquisition .

Quote:What sort of new buildings can you construct in this new version of the game?

There are about 20 brand new buildings, including a Chemical Factory, Mausoleum, Roller Coaster, and Fire Station. All buildings from Absolute Power and Tropico 3 are also included in Tropico 4. We tweaked old buildings a bit, especially the ones related to tourism as part of our redesign of the related game mechanics.

As long as the Chemical Factory doesn't blow up on me, I like it. That'd be horrific.

It's good that they are trying to fix tourism-its issues bugged the hell out of everybody.

All the new structures seem to be pretty direct otherwise. Maus is a boost for militarists, Roller coaster is an attraction, Fire Station is disaster control.

Quote:What kinds of new disasters and events can pop up as you play the game?

We are experimenting with the idea for "Interactive Disasters" for Tropico 4. Basically, we want disasters that do more than simply destroy a few of your buildings. The new disasters allow you to respond and react to them in some way. For example, if there is a huge fire in your city, you will be able to prioritize which building the firefighters will try to save first. Or, if a volcano erupts on your island experts will recommend banning air travel because of the ash in the air. But this will cost you, so you may decide to continue the flights regardless of the risk. Alternatively, you can start a volcano-themed tourism campaign trying to capitalize on the unique situation of your island... The interactive disasters are still a work in progress and a lot of details will change before release.

I like this. You can't do much about a hurricane (and I hated the ones that'd blow up five tenements and leave like 2/3 of your pop homeless).
Fires or volcanoes would certainly add some extra flair.

Quote:What can you tell us about the campaign portion of Tropico 4?

The campaign will feature 20 different missions. The campaign starts with the basics and gradually ramps up the difficulty to present a greater challenge in the later missions. Many fans asked for larger islands and we are happy to deliver - true city building enthusiasts will now be able to create even bigger cities than before.

Size matters . I'm glad you answered the call in this regard.

Quote:What other new features have been added to Tropico 4 compared to other games in the series?

One major new feature I haven't yet talked about is the National Agenda. It presents you with a clear way to take, pursue, and track your various objectives in the game, not unlike the quests in an RPG. Let's say you wish to improve your standing with the religious citizens on your island - they will offer you a task and if you accept, it will be added to the National Agenda. Completing the task will improve your standing with them, but failing or abandoning it may make things even worse, unless you offer their leader a fat bribe.

I say these are good. Like election promises but more dynamic (like real life). Possibly quite a bit more involved. Most election promises were an edict, a structure, and so forth. Maybe some more depth or detail? I.e. we want you to appoint this advisor and close down the Casino?

Quote:Any plans for a demo or downloadable content for the game this time?

We haven't announced any plans about DLC content at this time. We will almost certainly publish a demo closer to the game release date.

Please do so. 9/10 says I'll take you up on that demo before buying the game.

Quote:Finally is there anything else you wish to say about Tropico 4?

Only that the game is shaping up great and, like any true Tropico fan, I can't wait to see it finished!

Me too

Quote:These characters add a healthy dose of flavor and humor to the game, thus preventing the "wall of text" feeling some of the texts in Tropico 3 imposed.

(07-01-2011 01:18 AM)Dr. Archibald Wrote:  It is things like imports, a building per building privatization, fees for food and other services, and of course a more detailed, more organized, almanac coupled with more city planning that makes the game.

(08-01-2011 03:09 AM)TurtleShroom Wrote:  You know, someone suggested Ministers a while back. One could choose any Tropican and a Mansion to designate as an office, and "pop!". Minister. Each mister, the man suggested, would add respect to the factions they supported, subtract from their enemies, and anger the Loyalists, unless a die-hard Loyalist because a minister, in which he would buttkiss and rubberstamp Presidente (and be his humble servant), reducing the Loyalist hatred on the ministry.

His idea was here: ttp://forum.kalypsomedia.com/showthread.php?tid=5879&pid=73049#pid73049

I think you folks should look into that!!


Also, as the Masses have pleaded, will there be an overhaul on Privitization? It was a great idea that could be made far better with mechanic tweaks.

Also, when you release patches, have them add more features and stuff instead of just bug fixes. That way, you can keep improving the game long after you've released it!!

---

(07-01-2011 01:18 AM)Dr. Archibald Wrote:  It is things like imports, a building per building privatization, fees for food and other services, and of course a more detailed, more organized, almanac coupled with more city planning that makes the game.

It's like my Presidente called up yours for ideas... I think services, except church, should have the option of costing money at the expense of angering the Nationalists and Communists. Also, PRIVITIZATION OVERHAUL AND CITY PLANNING FTW.

(08-01-2011 10:22 AM)RedRalph Wrote:  Public transport would be cool too.

Quote:As for the island itself, we are introducing a host of quirky characters to represent the various factions and foreign interests in Tropico. These characters add a healthy dose of flavor and humor to the game, thus preventing the "wall of text" feeling some of the texts in Tropico 3 imposed.

Quote:Kidding aside, you are now able to appoint a cabinet of ministers - they can be qualified Tropican residents or invited foreign experts. Ministers are very useful, but they can also cause some problems, especially if they are incompetent or corrupt. You can always get rid of them, or even use them as scapegoats and make them take the blame for your own mistakes.

(12-01-2011 09:52 PM)Timo Wrote:  It's not like the campaign mission "stories" are gone entirely, we are merely moving from lots of text to a little less text and more actual game world feedback, such as more animations, cutscenes and the mentioned special characters.

(13-01-2011 01:32 AM)Luke159 Wrote:  The one thing i would like to see is public transport like buses, the ability to place a depot and bus stops around your city cutting traffic drastically as thats been a huge issue in Tropico 3. Maybe even trains underground shuttle services or something or transport freight underground.

(15-01-2011 03:33 PM)Che Guevara Wrote:  

(13-01-2011 01:32 AM)Luke159 Wrote:  The one thing i would like to see is public transport like buses, the ability to place a depot and bus stops around your city cutting traffic drastically as thats been a huge issue in Tropico 3. Maybe even trains underground shuttle services or something or transport freight underground.

Subway ?! Come on, Tropico is a country in development and subway7metro is only in huge cities like Paris or London and they are much larger than the whole Tropico map

(15-01-2011 03:42 PM)Che Guevara Wrote:  How much would it cost ? nuclear program cots 10000 and it would cost millions in real life

(16-01-2011 02:39 AM)General Fear Wrote:  Sounds like Tropico 4 is more of the same.