Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Air Traffic Control (1983): The Granddaddy of Simulation Games
Released in 1983, Air Traffic Control was one of the earliest and most influential simulation games. It put players in the role of an air traffic controller, responsible for managing incoming and outgoing flights at a busy airport. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the simulation genre.
Air Traffic Control is a challenging and rewarding game that requires players to use their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Players must manage the flow of air traffic, avoiding collisions and keeping the airspace safe. The game is played in real time, and players must make quick decisions in order to prevent accidents.
Air Traffic Control was groundbreaking for its time. It was one of the first games to use a graphical user interface, and it featured realistic graphics and sound effects. The game was also one of the first to use artificial intelligence to control the behavior of the airplanes.
Air Traffic Control has been praised for its realism and its challenging gameplay. The game has been used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to train air traffic controllers. Air Traffic Control has also been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Apple II, and the Atari 8-bit family.
Gameplay
The goal of Air Traffic Control is to manage the flow of air traffic at a busy airport. Players must guide airplanes to and from the airport, avoiding collisions and keeping the airspace safe. The game is played in real time, and players must make quick decisions in order to prevent accidents.
Players use a graphical user interface to control the airplanes. The interface shows a radar screen with the airplanes’ positions and altitudes. Players can use the mouse to select airplanes and issue commands. The commands include changing the airplanes’ altitude, speed, and heading.
Airplanes can be in one of three states: landing, taking off, or flying. Landing airplanes must be guided to the runway and then slowed down to a safe landing speed. Taking off airplanes must be accelerated to a safe takeoff speed and then guided into the air. Flying airplanes must be kept at a safe altitude and away from other airplanes.
Players must also be aware of the weather conditions. Bad weather can make it more difficult to control the airplanes, and it can also lead to accidents.
Legacy
Air Traffic Control is considered to be one of the most important simulation games ever made. It helped to popularize the genre and it set the standard for future simulation games. Air Traffic Control has been praised for its realism, its challenging gameplay, and its use of artificial intelligence.
Air Traffic Control has been ported to a variety of platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is also used by the FAA to train air traffic controllers.
Conclusion
Air Traffic Control is a classic simulation game that still holds up today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that requires players to use their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Air Traffic Control is a must-play for any fan of simulation games.
Tips for Playing Air Traffic Control
Here are a few tips for playing Air Traffic Control:
- Start with a small airport. This will give you a chance to learn the basics of the game without getting overwhelmed.
- Pay attention to the weather conditions. Bad weather can make it more difficult to control the airplanes.
- Be patient. It takes time to learn how to play Air Traffic Control well.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they are first learning the game.
- Have fun! Air Traffic Control is a challenging but rewarding game.
Review Score
8/10
