Tropico 3 Screenshots

[Coconut Kid]

That's hardly Caribbean music, more of African flavours.

My answer should have been:

Sorry, but I can't agree with that. It is mostly choral which has a common theme across the non-tourist Caribbean. I'm suggesting only a very small, partial inclusion.

[Coconut Kid]

CK, be gentle... 

I was, wasn't I?

Well, actually, no I wasn't. And I'm sorry.

[el_malo]

You were much nicer than I was about to be 

After I read what I typed... I decided it would be better to leave it to you 

[TeamStar]

Why is this getting so personal? Can't you two debate?

[el_malo]

Why is this getting so personal? Can't you two debate?

Uh, CK and I are joshing with each other... at YOUR expense.

CK is probably my best online friend.

I have great admiration and respect for his intellect.

What you think is bickering, is really two old men... passing gas 

[TeamStar]

Really? You guys reminded me of the old pair in the Muppet Show. We are not that friends, so laugh at someone else's expense.

[Coconut Kid]

I hope this doesn't come off as a stupid question, but do we know anything about the music of the game?

Congratulations !

It was not at all a stupid question. Indeed, you got a reply from a representative of the developer.

Good on you!

 

[Unsigner]

All the hints so far are that the graphics engine used by Haemimont in its latest release, GA:R, will indeed be the basis of T3.

So there is some basis for concern that the new development is "front-loaded" on graphics.

Au contraire - the fact that we are reusing the graphics engine from GA:R means that we'll spend less time on graphics, and more time on everything else in the game!

[TeamStar]

That's hardly Caribbean music, more of African flavours.

Rolling on the floor laughing without control! 

I still don't understand what's so funny.

Caribbean music has its roots on Africa? Well, what a gem of wisdom! Of course it does, almost every genre of contemporary music claims it's roots are in Africa. Still, I find your suggestion one of the worst since Tropico 3 was announced, though I'm sure your new disciple must have a different opinion. One of the merits of the current soundtrack is it's true caribbean ambience, your choice would fit in a future sequel placed in Madagascar, maybe.

I find your previous comments a very inconsiderate action against someone who fought hard to give back to the members of this forum something they lost because of YOUR mistakes.

Not to speak of some chauvinist remarks about the new game developers, they're sad and a proof of your own ignorance. Do you think that knowledge and wisdom don't cross the Atlantic? Or are you just jealous because an European company is developing the new game?

Sometimes I wonder if you're stoned, stupid, plain dumb or simply socially inapt. Your reactions to someone who has a different opinion from you is somehow a sign of your nickname choice "Kid". This is a forum, not your personal blog, so you'd better find a different approach to those who disagree with you.

[Coconut Kid]

Au contraire - the fact that we are reusing the graphics engine from GA:R means that we'll spend less time on graphics, and more time on everything else in the game!

Thank you for the clarification. Haemimont is then indeed using the GA:R graphics engine practically intact for T3. That's interesting to know.

"Front-loaded" probably means something different to you than it does to me. However, that doesn't really make any difference. I have moved past any concern about the balance of graphics vs non-graphics in T3. Whatever Haemimont develops will be just fine.

 

[Unsigner]

Au contraire - the fact that we are reusing the graphics engine from GA:R means that we'll spend less time on graphics, and more time on everything else in the game!

Thank you for the clarification. Haemimont is then indeed using the GA:R graphics engine practically intact for T3. That's interesting to know.

Oh no! Now I have to clarify the clarification, for fear of some @&#$%#$ reviewer finding this thread six months from now and boldly proclaiming "Haemimont didn't even bother to update the graphics engine".

The graphics engine of GA:R is a solid foundation on top of which we are building the Tropico 3 renderer. We're working on the same engine since Glory of the Roman Empire, and Tropico will be the fourth game using it, with smooth evolutionary changes in each new version. We're pretty pleased with what we have so far, but we can't e.g. make a game about the Carribean without spending some time on prettier water and shores, and we can't really depict a tourist Mecca of gambling and "adult entertainment" (not that I'm promising anything for the game!) without some more attention on the lighting. However, I would estimate that we'll spend less than 10-15% of the total programming effort on improving the graphics.

Most of what you are concerned about - number of buildings, exact details of the political/economy simulation, are in the hands of the game designers and artists, and don't compete for the same resource as engine improvements. We can't take an engine programmer and assign him coming up with creative new dictator edicts, or the art for 10 additional buildings. So - relax about the engine, graphics, etc., and concentrate all your suggestive powers on the gameplay :-)

What is shown on the screenshots in the German magazine is really from a very early stage, but it's "real" in the sense that this is real in-game art rendered by the in-game engine; what's not real about it is that, as somebody mentioned, there's no UI in them, and that some of the camera angles probably won't be achievable in the game unless we add a special "look around for pretty sights" camera. Most of the screenshots you'll see from the game until very late in development will be of that type.

Shutting up now before I put more feet in our collective mouth :-)

[Coconut Kid]

All those who had any interest have read what is deleted. I should not have responded to Teamstar's comments. I apoligize.

[el_malo]

Ronny, welcome to the CT.

More dictators, now including even more obscure tyrants:

No argument with this, but any new dictators/rulers should have the flavor of the geographic locale of our beloved "hell hole."

Many of your suggestions for dictators... do not.

A greater control over vote rigging. Meaning that you have the option to only include YOUR name on the ballot paper. It will ensure victory but lead to almost instant condemnation from America.

I fail to see where this would be of any value to Trop3.

Please explain to me, why you feel that it will improve the game.

Dictator specific scenarios. Basically, you will have to weather the numerous problems that certain despots have ad to deal with. Like assassination attempts and murky business deals.

Ah, a man (I assume) after my own heart 

Ability to kill political opponents who are in jail.

- Different killing options for political opponents. Have them murdered in their beds or executed publicly.

- Public backlash when certain characters are killed. For instance, if your men murder a nun then your people will be up in arms.

While I've been known to "remove" pesky irritants, I think you are in to killing... more than is appropriate or necessary for Tropico.

Greater control over propaganda. Dig up dirt on faction leaders and put it in the newspapers.

What purpose would this serve... in-game?

Political Purge edict. In order to reduce the chance of a coup you can purge your political party and armed forces for any traitors. It will make your posistion more secure but leave you open to invasion because of the weakened state of your military.

Unless political parties are added... no need. 

You can already "purge" the factions and army.

Invasion from whom?

As well as having to contend with the US and Russia there should be two other factions to deal with. The Papacy and the Middle East. A good relationship with the Pope allows for strong diplomatic support that will warn off Russia and America. It will also gain you support from the many Christians on your island. The Middle East exists as a faction but cannot be controlled or directly appealed to. It basically reflects the modern day terrorist situation. If you run a moralistic regime and enact prohibition laws then terrorist groups will flock to your country, setting up camps that cannot be interacted with. This will keep you safe from terrorist attacks but earn you the wrath of America.
However, if you are too friendly with America and run a very liberal regime then you will be informed by the secret police of militants within the country and you may find a building being destroyed suddenly.
Either way, there is no way to control the situation. It is an evil that simply exists within the game world but only in a small, sporadic fashion.

The Papacy I can go with.

It has a historical basis to build on.

Middle East terrorists 

This is 1950... for God's sake.

Options for demonstrations. If your people hold anti-government rallies you should be able to decide whether to allow them or have the protestors arrested. Letting the demonstrations go ahead can lead to a full scale revolution if discontent is powerful enough. But cracking down on it enrages the Americans.

You can already arrest and imprison dissenters.

[Coconut Kid]

Why is this getting so personal? Can't you two debate?

Uh, CK and I are joshing with each other... at YOUR expense.

CK is probably my best online friend.

I have great admiration and respect for his intellect.

What you think is bickering, is really two old men ... passing gas!

Now I really have something to roll on the floor laughing about. Your too gracious comment about nerdness has earned you the insult of being called my disciple -- and a new one at that.

I don't know if that means I have to get a priestly robe or just pickup your bar tab.

 

What's the description of a guy who carries his clip-board with him into the hot tub? --
A Nerd in the Punch Bowl!

[Coconut Kid]

... Oh no! Now I have to clarify the clarification, ... The graphics engine of GA:R is a solid foundation on top of which we are building the Tropico 3 renderer. We're working on the same engine since Glory of the Roman Empire, and Tropico will be the fourth game using it, with smooth evolutionary changes in each new version. ... Shutting up now before I put more feet in our collective mouth.

That's very informative. We really appreciate your visits and your kind efforts to give understanding to us simpletons living in the wilderness.

 

[el_malo]

get a priestly robe

I'm real careful about letting priests near me  

just pickup your bar tab

I can go for this one

I would be honored for my Master to buy me a beer  

[Coconut Kid]

I think everyone who had an interest has read all they wish to see about this argument.

I stand by one comment, "Given a choice - it is better to laugh than to weep."

Certainly Indart made music which fit the mood of Tropico game play. But to suppose that he captured the entire essence of all Caribbean music is stretching the point.

[el_malo]

For anyone uncertain of the influence of Africa on Caribbean music, I suggest using the below keywords...

"Origins of Caribbean music"

Africa has had a greater impact of the development of Caribbean music... than any of the colonial powers.

[Coconut Kid]

I would be honored for my Master to buy me a beer!  

So I thought !!

Well, being the enlightened 'Master' that I am, I shall virtually buy you a series of hard drinks with fruit and tiny paper umbrellas - need I say delivered by two Showgirls on the beach of your choice.

Remember, beer is harder on the liver than the real stuff -- so my (Christian) doctor says. Just dilute it with ice, fruit, companionship, etc. and you will have a healthier life style.

So El Presidente should limit his beer consumption to a few sips here & there to register solidarity with his loyal troops. And remember, the tab is virtually on me.

 

[sethwbcl91]

As far as I know there were talks with Daniel Indart to write the score for Tropico 3, but so far nothing is certain.

Ok, thanks! This gives us hope then for great music to still be in this game... 

I hope this doesn't come off as a stupid question, but do we know anything about the music of the game?

Congratulations !

It was not at all a stupid question. Indeed, you got a reply from a representative of the developer.

Good on you!

 

Thanks CK 

[TeamStar]

I can only suspect that you may have been under a lot of stress at work or elsewhere in your life over the last week or so.

Otherwise, you would not have lost your sensible nature and posted such an acerbic, personal attack. You should know that such words come close to crossing the line into prohibited personal comments.

I don't recall to give you the freedom to use my opinions to publicly laugh at my expense. You're the one who is always attacking people around, so have a taste of your own medicine.

I regret that you have decided to take a few comments so personally. You did indeed go to some considerable effort to try to get the "edit posts" function reinstated. I was forthcoming to you and some others about my role in the misuse of it which caused it to be withdrawn. Since I am not an insider with the moderators, I cannot speak knowledgeably about the others who also misused it - but there was at least one other. To turn my openness about my mistakes into a jab because you feel put upon is hardly called for.

As usual, after long passing the good behavior mark, you now come with your tail between your legs, adopting your saddest abandoned-puppy looks. You make me laugh too. Your disciple said "be gentle" but what he asked for was "come on CK, I want to see blood in your words". You accepted his challenge with open arms and said some stupid things about my opinion, laughing of me at the same time. Of course I'm drawing a line here. If you didn't know it already, note that I wont tolerate such behavior towards me.

[Rich ¥Weeds¥ Nagel]

Folks,

Personal attacks and other such insults will NOT be tolerated here at the Cafe.

Let's take a step back and a long breath, and keep this thread civilized... I'd sure hate to have to lock it...

[TeamStar]

Folks,

Personal attacks and other such insults will NOT be tolerated here at the Cafe.

Let's take a step back and a long breath, and keep this thread civilized... I'd sure hate to have to lock it...

I think I made my point very clear, this discussion is over for me. I'm not into rhetorical games, but if anyone has something else to say, please PM me.

[Unsigner]

Here are the shots in question:

http://www.pcgames.de/aid,674414/Tropico_3_Vorschau_Erste_Screenshots_und_Infos_zur_Insel-Startegie/PC/Vorschau/?menu=browser&article_id=674414&image_id=969328

[TeamStar]

Awesome work! Although I miss the vivid colors of the Caribbean, I guess it's because it's alpha version.
How many times I wanted to "plunge" into my island streets, now I can (I will).