When comparing Garry's Mod vs Tropico 5, the Slant community recommends Tropico 5 for most people. In the question“What are the best Simulation games on Steam?” Tropico 5 is ranked 15th while Garry's Mod is ranked 23rd. The most important reason people chose Tropico 5 is:
There is a mission mode (which is great for those that want to learn the ins and outs of the game through progression) and a sandbox mode (which is more like a city builder where it is up to you how to create your civilization). This makes for a good choice of different play depending on what the user wants at the time. There is also a multiplayer mode that works through competition (who can export more cigars, build a bigger plantation, etc.) that can extend the endgame content when the player feels they have experienced all the single player has to offer.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro The games mechanics and mods allow for ridiculously funny gameplay
You can do some really crazy things in this game thanks to all of the community mods available as well as the built in, in game tools. Pretty much any scenario can play out in the game, if you so desire. Of course the winning combination of funny tends to be when players are just goofing around.
Pro Tons of community made add-ons allows the game to continually grow
Garry's Mod has a wide variety of community made add-ons, which deeply extends the games content and versatility. Pretty much, if you can think of it, someone has probably already made it.
Pro Allows for choice in play
There is a mission mode (which is great for those that want to learn the ins and outs of the game through progression) and a sandbox mode (which is more like a city builder where it is up to you how to create your civilization). This makes for a good choice of different play depending on what the user wants at the time. There is also a multiplayer mode that works through competition (who can export more cigars, build a bigger plantation, etc.) that can extend the endgame content when the player feels they have experienced all the single player has to offer.
Cons
Con It has nothing to tell as a campaign. Tastes like void, that is "meh".
Con Previously free to download
Garry's Mod used to be a free download but it is now a paid game on the Steam store.
Con Tons of bugs
At least in earlier versions.
Con Poor representation of changing times
The art in the game does not represent different time periods very well. The game starts out in the early 20th century and eventually builds up to the modern era. It does not matter what time period the player is in, little in the design of the games is representative through graphics changes.