Anyone who feels an inner hankering to dominate, rule and achieve absolute control over some segment of the world now has a gentler option than getting into politics, law enforcement or corporate management, thanks to the fine folks at Kalypso.

Extremely addictive gameplay; 20 missions from; Tropico 4; about a dozen from; Modern Times; .  You'll be busy for a bit; New add-ons from the Modern Times Expansion Pack bring a new level of fun to the game

None of the DLC that was released is included; and in fact was released on the same day; making this a Triple Dip slap in the face

"The ability to control time could be very useful," says your fictional Presidente after one of Tropico 4's optional tutorials. Really, that sums up the game pretty well. You're an island dictator who's capable of, well, pretty much whatever he damn well pleases.

Far more accessible than previous Tropico games; Plenty of freedom; You can be a complete and total bastard – and win

Tech trees and faction management lack depth; Often a bit too easy; Not a huge upgrade from Tropico 3

Modern Times is the kind of expansion pack I dream of: the chance to bring El Presidente in to the 21st Century. But does it really do anything all that different?

+ Lengthy; comical campaign; + More building options; + New mission parameters

Pointless new game mechanic; Too pricey

Though its mix of strategy and simulation is something of a console rarity, this franchise endures, thrusting you into a new dictatorial power trip over the burgeoning populace of a Caribbean island.

+ Deep, engaging strategy, + Efficient controls; much prettier than Tropico 3

? Avatars of terrible real-world dictators? Isn't that a little; er; icky

Great: Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding it back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.

I don't know if other players will experience the same glitches I did, or if I'm just the exception, but either way, I still feel as though the good outweighs the bad in Modern Times . The DLC is over half the length of the base game, making it an excellent value for the price.

Who loves punishing angry citizens better than El Presidente? No one!

Incredibly awesome and comprehensive game tutorial; beautiful island graphics; great new economic features

Some annoyances with challenges; would like some more varied music

Parents need to know that Tropico 4 is a city building simulation game that puts players in control of a small tropical island, which they must build into a thriving metropolis. Players can do so benevolently or through tyrannical methods, including assassinations, bribery, and kill squads.

El Presidente is back and better than ever, as Tropico 4 has landed. As a big fan of the Tropico series, I couldn't wait to check out this game and it delivers on all fronts. While games of this kind are typically PC oriented, Tropico 4 is rock solid on consoles, just as Tropico 3 was.

Tropico 4 is the most cerebral game this reviewer has ever played. This game requires thought, patience, and a lot of finesse. The player takes on the role of El Presidente. He is the ruler of a small poor island. Your goal is to change that.