365 Games To Play Before You Die - #16: The Movies & #17: Tropico
By mracoon 5 Comments
365 Games To Play Before You Die
A double dose of management games today.
Previous 5 Games
#16: The Movies
Platform(s): PC and MacRelease: 2005
Developer(s): Lionhead
Best Quote: Nothing in particular but the background radio DJ's were all funny.
GB Wiki Page
Lionhead has a good history with management sims (as Bullfrog) but I was still quite surprised with the quality of The Movies. Part lot management games part machinima maker, The Movies puts you in charge of a movie studio and lets you loose to your own devices.
The management part of the game is the best part and plays just how you want it to. You're constantly juggling the needs of your stars with the upkeep of you lot and if you can get it right you'll have the cash and kudos as a reward. The games biggest problem is the gap between the machinima making and the rest of the game. To create a a good movie your going to have to spend a lot of time tinkering around with the tools and that doesn't flow with the rest of the game. The tools they give you are great but again require hefty time investment if you want to actually do something decent with them.
To me The Movies is one of those good games which people never seem to talk about. It came and went and many people never took notice when they really should have. If you ever get a chance you should check it out.
#17: Tropico
Platform(s): PC and MacRelease: 2001
Developer(s): PopTop
Best Quote: None
GB Wiki Page
Everyone has to admit that they would love playing as a dictator. Having full control over your populace and controlling there every move is the best part of Tropico. Even though you can choose to play honourable elected politician that isn't the most fun route in this game.
Tropico also had a vibrant Caribbean setting which wasn't used much in games, apart from those with pirates. The music also fit with the theme perfectly and added to the authentic Cuban feel. I'm looking forward to Tropico 3 as I never played the second game but I feel like getting into the series again.
17 down 348 to go.