Airline (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Airline (1982): A Strategic Masterpiece

Released in 1982, Airline is a strategy game for one to four players in which the object is to construct a sizeable corporate empire while competing against human or computerized opponents. Players start the game with a small airline and must make decisions about which routes to fly, what aircraft to purchase, and how to price their tickets. The game is won by the player who has the highest net worth at the end of the game.

Airline was a groundbreaking game for its time, and it remains one of the most challenging and rewarding strategy games ever created. The game’s simple rules are easy to learn, but the gameplay is deep and complex. Players must carefully consider each decision they make, as even a small mistake can have a significant impact on their airline’s profitability.

One of the things that makes Airline so challenging is the fact that the game’s world is constantly changing. The prices of fuel and aircraft fluctuate, new technologies are developed, and the competition is always trying to outmaneuver you. Players must be able to adapt to the changing environment in order to succeed.

Another thing that makes Airline so rewarding is the fact that it is a very open-ended game. There is no one right way to play the game, and players are free to develop their own strategies for success. This makes the game highly replayable, as players can always try new things and see how they work out.

If you are a fan of strategy games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Airline. It is a classic game that will challenge your mind and provide hours of entertainment.

Gameplay

Airline is played on a world map that is divided into a grid of squares. Each square represents a city, and players can fly their planes between cities to transport passengers and cargo. The game’s goal is to make as much money as possible by flying passengers and cargo between cities. Players can also purchase new aircraft, upgrade their airports, and research new technologies to improve their airline’s efficiency and profitability.

The game is played in turns, and each player takes their turn by performing one of the following actions:

  • Fly a plane: Players can fly their planes between cities to transport passengers and cargo. The cost of flying a plane depends on the distance of the flight and the type of plane being used.
  • Purchase a new aircraft: Players can purchase new aircraft to add to their fleet. Different types of aircraft have different capacities and speeds, so players must choose the right aircraft for their needs.
  • Upgrade an airport: Players can upgrade their airports to increase their capacity and efficiency. This can allow players to handle more flights and reduce the cost of flying planes.
  • Research new technologies: Players can research new technologies to improve their airline’s efficiency and profitability. New technologies can reduce the cost of flying planes, increase the capacity of airports, and improve the speed of planes.

Strategy

There is no one right way to play Airline, and players are free to develop their own strategies for success. However, there are a few general tips that can help players improve their chances of winning:

  • Start small and grow gradually: It is important to start small and grow gradually in Airline. Do not try to expand too quickly, as this can lead to financial problems. Instead, focus on building a strong foundation for your airline by flying profitable routes and investing in new aircraft and technologies.
  • Choose your routes carefully: The routes you choose to fly can have a significant impact on your profitability. When choosing routes, consider the following factors:
    • The distance of the flight
    • The demand for passengers and cargo on the route
    • The competition on the route
  • Invest in new aircraft and technologies: New aircraft and technologies can improve your airline’s efficiency and profitability. Invest in new aircraft to increase your capacity and speed, and invest in new technologies to reduce the cost of flying planes and improve the efficiency of your airports.
  • Be flexible and adaptable: The world of Airline is constantly changing, so it is important to be flexible and adaptable. Be prepared to change your strategy as needed in order to respond to changes in the market.

Conclusion

Airline is a classic strategy game that will challenge your mind and provide hours of entertainment. The game’s simple rules are easy to learn, but the gameplay is deep and complex. Players must carefully consider each decision they make, as even a small mistake can have a significant impact on their airline’s profitability.

If you are a fan of strategy games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Airline. It is a classic game that will provide you with hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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