Short version: If you liked previous Tropico games, definitely get this one. If you haven't played the series, it'd still be an excellent introduction to this tongue-in-cheek city builder.

I started at 3, and 4 was just 3 but with new maps and an engine upgrade. But 5 is a proper sequel, with improved QoL and an overhaul of many mechanics. Primarily, the game is now separated into four "Eras" akin to the ages in Age of Empires: Colonial, World Wars, Cold War (ie, when Tropico 3 takes place), and Modern Times (when Tropico 4 takes place). Each era gates what buildings, edicts, and improvements are available, as well as what research can be done, because Research is now a mechanic in Tropico 5.

5 also introduces the Constitution as a mechanic, which effectively is your "build" for the island, even though you can change it through amendments after enough time has passed. Previous mechanics like your immigration policy have been folded into it, but it also includes other things like determining who can vote and how much you are willing to give up certain powers to improve the island's Liberty score. Essentially, you can now lean more heavily into being an iron-fisted dictator, a free democracy, or somewhere in between, and get bonuses that help you do it. Just be aware that the less free options come with caveats. (Nothing a sufficiently large and loyal military won't solve, though)

Speaking of the military, 5 makes it a much more important aspect of the game. In 3/4 you could probably get by with ignoring the military buildings by just keeping the population sufficiently happy. You can't do that in 5, and this is a good thing. Besides rebels, you also have to deal with things like pirates or sufficiently annoyed foreign powers; invasions are no longer an instant-lose condition but instead result in an enemy force invading your island that you have to fight off. Plus, more campaign objectives require you to have a large enough army to defend yourself. This can happen as early as the colonial era if you choose to fight for independence instead of buying it.

The campaign is excellent. Instead of every level being stand-alone, you now swap between two islands that progress through the eras, and more importantly, preserve whatever state you left them in before. Also, you now have a "Dynasty" of Presidente and their family members; whoever isn't the currently elected head of Tropico can be assigned to a building. Your Swiss account is no longer just a mechanic for scoring, but can be used for some mission objectives, as well as for improving your Dynasty members, improving the bonuses they give.

While there is an excess of DLC of questionable quality, the base game is fantastic, and the two biggest DLCs - Waterborne and Espionage - each come with well-made mini-campaigns that easily justify their prices.

Definitely a recommendation for Tropico vets and new players.

Short version: If you liked previous Tropico games, definitely get this one. If you haven't played the series, it'd still be an excellent introduction to this tongue-in-cheek city builder. I started at 3, and 4 was just 3 but with new maps and an engine upgrade. But 5 is a proper sequel, with improved QoL and an overhaul of many mechanics. Primarily, the game is now separated into four "Eras" akin to the ages in Age of Empires: Colonial, World Wars, Cold War (ie, when Tropico 3 takes place), and Modern Times (when Tropico 4 takes place). Each era gates what buildings, edicts, and improvements are available, as well as what research can be done, because Research is now a mechanic in Tropico 5. 5 also introduces the Constitution as a mechanic, which effectively is your "build" for the island, even though you can change it through amendments after enough time has passed. Previous mechanics like your immigration policy have been folded into it, but it also includes other things like determining who can vote and how much you are willing to give up certain powers to improve the island's Liberty score. Essentially, you can now lean more heavily into being an iron-fisted dictator, a free democracy, or somewhere in between, and get bonuses that help you do it. Just be aware that the less free options come with caveats. (Nothing a sufficiently large and loyal military won't solve, though) Speaking of the military, 5 makes it a much more important aspect of the game. In 3/4 you could probably get by with ignoring the military buildings by just keeping the population sufficiently happy. You can't do that in 5, and this is a good thing. Besides rebels, you also have to deal with things like pirates or sufficiently annoyed foreign powers; invasions are no longer an instant-lose condition but instead result in an enemy force invading your island that you have to fight off. Plus, more campaign objectives require you to have a large enough army to defend yourself. This can happen as early as the colonial era if you choose to fight for independence instead of buying it. The campaign is excellent. Instead of every level being stand-alone, you now swap between two islands that progress through the eras, and more importantly, preserve whatever state you left them in before. Also, you now have a "Dynasty" of Presidente and their family members; whoever isn't the currently elected head of Tropico can be assigned to a building. Your Swiss account is no longer just a mechanic for scoring, but can be used for some mission objectives, as well as for improving your Dynasty members, improving the bonuses they give. While there is an excess of DLC of questionable quality, the base game is fantastic, and the two biggest DLCs - Waterborne and Espionage - each come with well-made mini-campaigns that easily justify their prices. Definitely a recommendation for Tropico vets and new players.