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There really is a simulation game for everything that video game fans could want. Whether it’s the attempts at authenticity seen in the Farming Simulator games or the more strange and unrealistic approach taken by the likes of Gas Station Simulator, there’s a little bit for everyone if they search for “simulator” on the game platform of their choice. AirportSim is the next game on the list, courtesy of MS Games and MK Studios.
AirportSim puts the players in the shoes of the ground crew at an airport, tasking the player with all sorts of ground handling operations. It’s for those players who are more interested in the goings-on behind the scenes of Microsoft Flight Simulator than flying around. As such, it’s a niche game, but one that might suit a particular audience in spite of its flaws.
A Smooth Operation?
When in comes to its bread and butter, AirportSim looks to provide its players with the kind of experience they crave. The game has four airports to choose from, with Vagar, Keflavik, Warsaw Chopin, and Key West available with their own unique setups. The player then has a variety of different game modes available to them, with different scenarios to play through, a challenge mode to try and get a high score, or open-ended play in a free mode.
As far as the gameplay itself goes, the player has the opportunity to fulfill all sorts of ground crew responsibilities, such as refueling, restocking, marshaling and baggage handling. This means using all sorts of machinery and vehicles, and some of this can be quite engaging in a rhythmic sort of way. Other aspects are less enthralling, such as putting down chocks and cones, but it’s all part of the realism piece.
All in all, AirportSim then provides a moderately satisfying gameplay loop. It’s a bizarrely relaxing title when the player gets to grips with their routine, with the conclusion of completing a job well done. It maybe lacks the immediacy of some of its simulation game peers, but it’s a decent enough game once the player has grappled with the mechanics.
Unfortunate Limitations
There are, however, some limitations to AirportSim that are not quite as apparent in some other sim games. One of the main challenges is that it never quite feels like the player is growing towards anything as the game goes on, such as the aforementioned Farming Simulator games or Electrician Simulator, where the player is growing a business from something small to a mini-empire. AirportSim is simply about doing a job, rather than personal growth, and that does stop it from becoming as engaging as it could be.
It is also worth noting that AirportSim doesn’t cover every single aspect of airport operation, instead focusing purely on the ground handling operations. This is absolutely fine for those who go in knowing what to expect, but those after something a little more expansive on the passenger operations side should be aware that it isn’t part of the package that AirportSim is offering. Instead, the game is a little more specific in its focus.
One unfortunate issue is that AirportSim is a little bit on the buggy side. Players may come across the occasional issue with controlling vehicles or some of their other tasks, so players should be aware of this. Hopefully, some of these minor issues will be resolved with future updates from the developers, and there’s nothing game-breaking here.
An Authentic Experience
One of the big selling points of AirportSim is its authenticity, and the title does provide a good sense of realism. This will no doubt be good news to those who want things to feel as close to an actual airport as possible. After all, these kind of simulation games rely on that, in order to build a sense of the real with those true aficionados of the subject matter.
Something fans will want to know is what kind of brands and vehicles are currently available, and although the range isn’t exhaustive, there is enough for players to sink their teeth into. The game includes an Airbus and a 737 as planes, with four airlines including Norwegian Airlines currently available. Meanwhile, the fuel tankers, baggage carts, and the like are also built on real-world models.
Where AirportSim falls down a little in this area is with the visuals. The title isn’t the best-looking game, and instead is very much function over form. This is of course far from a deal-breaker when it’s managing to provide a decent level of realism, but it does feel a little dreary, especially when in bad weather.
Our Review Score & Final Thoughts
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Overall, AirportSim manages to complete what it sets out to do. It’s a faithful if somewhat dry recreation of the ground handling operations of an airport, and that specific player who is after that experience will appreciate it. However, its clunkier moments and limited approach do mean that it’s not quite going to hit with everyone as effectively as it could.
AirportSim is out now for PC. Screen Rant was provided with a PC download code for the purposes of this review.
