Review by: Mike Thompson

Let's be honest, we've all wanted to be evil dictators at one point or another. There's a lot to be said for ruling with an iron fist: you can make the countryside look however you want, everybody has to do your bidding, and nobody wants to disagree with you (on account of the fact that they're likely to get shot). It's all fun and games until the angry mob arrives at your front gate, unless you happen to be a megalomaniacal ruler in Tropico 4. Then, of course, it's just mostly fun and games, since you have to get past a few issues before you can really start to enjoy yourself.

The story follows the journey of El Presidente as he (or she) returns to Tropico. As you build up the backwater nation, you'll have to decide on what type of regime to impose on your subjects while you mold their homeland into a world power. Will you be a benevolent shepherd who wants to protect and guide your flock? Or will you be ruthless and brutal, using the backs of the masses as stepping-stones to help you on the path to greatness?

The 20-level campaign features a massive amount of content. Haemimont Games drastically retooled the goal system from Tropico 3, and it's practically impossible to grow bored during the various missions. There's always something to do, thanks to the scenarios that keep on popping up.

Between the various wants and needs of your population's seven different factions, there are a slew of different goals that will randomly (and regularly) appear. These goals are often double-edged, as accomplishing them will elevate your standing with one group, while you lose ground with another. Case in point: imposing martial law and wiping out any dissidents may be tempting (and believe me, it really is when your people have protested/rioted for the umpteenth time), but it could have some serious ramifications with the Intellectual Faction when election time comes around.

Additionally, there are other goals that will start making their way into your queue. Orders from El Presidente's mentor will cross your desk, often promising some serious financial rewards. Or there are proposals for deals from outside countries that can sweeten and/or sour relations with other nations. Or delinquent immigrants who increasingly find themselves dumped upon your shore. Or those stupid natural disasters that like to occasionally appear to wreak havoc throughout your island paradise. Or… well, you get the idea.

Tropico 4's interface works surprisingly well on the 360's controller, considering how many things have to do with such limited space. Each button has a function mapped to it, and the right trigger will bring up a menu that allows you to further options, like checking out population overlays, changing the speed of time progression, issuing edicts, and consulting the game's almanac.