Straight out of the box, there is the CD only and a small manual/leaflet within the actual jewel case. The expansion manual is just perfect, explaining the new building types, edicts, inhabitants and visitors to your island and a few new game enhancements.

The install is very easy as it loads into the Tropico directory and you're able to play within minutes.

The first thing you'll notice is an expanded soundtrack. Not only do you still enjoy the award winning original game music from Tropico, but there is a new hour of Caribbean/island type soundtrack bringing it up about two hours.

The interface is about 95% the same with the addition of one new construction tab. Paradise Island breaks up the tourism attractions away from the main construction and segregates them.

Another nice feature is that many, but not all, of the original building are now able to rotate, making placement easier and aesthetically pleasing.

There are two new types of tourists: eco-conscious and college aged spring break kids. They of course have their own turn-ons and offs and will spend their money of different attractions. This seems to be a large chunk of why Paradise Island was created: Tourism. Plain and simple, many of the 20+ new buildings are strictly tourism related and are visually appealing adding much more color and diversity to your island. These include condos, tennis courts, arcades, marinas, duty free shop, miniature golf to name just a few. Also there are new airport functions as well.

A few other buildings affect the happiness of your people (Movie theater for one and the type of film you choose to play), and economy (The new furniture factory will upgrade milled lumber as an export to quality furniture that can be exported for higher profits). There are many others as well.

A new feature is the random events generator. Depending on the pre-designed scenario, or randomly generated maps you create, new 'disasters' can add challenge to your island empire. Hurricanes sporadically destroy buildings, export prices can fluctuate, plagues can make your people sick and affect your labor force.

The most notable game mechanic that has been tweaked is the reduced amount of time it takes to construct certain buildings. In other words, happy construction workers build faster (yes, that even means the exhausting airports).

Your dictator has some new character enhancements and flaws to choose from which increases the combinations of non-repetitive play.

Your dictator has some new edicts as well, from social security (aids your people at a cost to you), conscription (draft civilians into your army to quell the rebels), capture (make government detractors disappear), spring break vacation (attracts the rowdy college kids and their money, but be careful, they tend to be troublesome as they are drunk), and many others with both equal benefits and hardships to the island.

The military options have also been increased. There is a new army base that can be built with many options that may boost your money, attract foreign governments, or crack down on your people with martial law).

Lastly, the game includes about 20 new scenarios that are neatly grouped into the style you want to play: Play with military objectives in mind, or tourism rating/dollars, keeping your people happy and more.

All in all, this expansion packs quite a punch for the price and should breathe new life into an already great game. The new buildings are artistically pleasing and the accompanying animations are both humorous and transfixing.

"Perfect Expansion Pack"
I purposely avoided any information about Paradise Isle because I wanted to be surprised with what it provided. IT WORKED.

I bought Tropico when it came out and enjoyed it, but there were several game factors and such that I didn't like. Eventually it just sat on the shelf. I can say unequivocally that Paradise Isle is the best expansion I have every played. It enhances every single aspect of Tropico.

The focus of the expansion is obviously on tourism, as noted by it's name, however there are many other changes to the game. My favorite addition is Intimidation, this allows you to much more easily play an evil, militant dictator. In the original game, if you were to kill a political opponent, another would replace them - every time. Now, with intimidation, you can scare people from running against you or speaking aout against your harsh regime. HAH!

Overall, as I've already said, Paradise Isle is the best expansion pack I've ever played for a game. Buy it. Even if you don't own Tropico: buy both, and enjoy!

"Almost a perfect expansion"
The expansion is almost perfect. The added tourist attactions and, military bases and industries are perfect additions. I love the addition of Spring Break tourists and the fact that they can riot if too drunk. The eco-tourist addition is also nice for all of the "tree-hugger" players. Being able to rotate the buildings now is great as well. Hurricanes can do great damage to your island and add a new challenge to the game. However there are two crucial elements that make this expansion not perfect. First, WHY ARE THERE NO MODES OF TRANSPRTATION? At the very least there could have been busses for the people and jeeps for the military. Perhaps even beat-up 50s style cars for the. people. The second thing that would be perfect is if there was, how shall i say, a way to change the farms to make a more profitable but dangerous type of crop?? ALl in all though a great expansion to TROPICO. (The added music is cool too)

"Dictators RULE!!!!!!"
This game ROCKS!!!Paridise Island is the best expansion this year.It includes 13 new buildings, including an cool army base which can hold about 14 soldiers and generals.I loved the first Tropico and I thought it couldn't get any better, this expansion proved me WRONG!!!I HIGHLY recommend this game and at only 20 bucks it is worth every penny.And if you dont have the original Tropico, buy it.You will find that entertaining also.