Game Content
 

Just played the demo. I like it quite a bit, though I don't know if I like it enough for $35. It's a good game, but the demo kind of has me wondering how much substance it has. So maybe someone who has bought the game can fill me in.

Questions:

1) How is the game laid out? Are there scenarios to go through and beat? Do you start out at small airports and as you meet the criteria, get to hired on at larger and larger? I think that would be a cool idea.

2) Can you create your own scenarios? How do you make your own airports? I think it would be cool to have special events like the President coming in with fighter escort or something.

3) Are there more problems that can happen besides traffic congestion and pilots misunderstandings? How about plane emergencies, i.e. engines catching fire, health crisis, shortage of fuel?

4) Do you have to keep in mind fuel that the planes are carrying, or can you have them in a holding pattern forever if you want?

5) How much can weather affect the planes? I see the dopler radar in the demo. Does it affect anything besides the viewing area?

6) Is the radar sweep in the demo, the same type used in the real game? I'm having a hard time figuring out why it is there when the airplanes and weather are updated out of sync with it. In other words, the airplanes and weather clouds move before the sweep even gets to them. That should be an easy fix, and also make the game more realistic if you have to wait until the sweep goes over a particular area to see what is happening in that area.

I'd appreciate candid answers to these questions. As it is, the demo showed a game that is a great diVersion for an hour or 2, but to pay $35 for it, I'd want a little more substance. From what I've seen so far, though, this game is a good addition to a much neglected genre.

[This message has been edited by Gabriel (edited 16 April 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Gabriel (edited 16 April 2001).]

Re: Game Content
 

Most of the things you mention are not in the game, but then again I think for the number of airports included and the editor that it is a great value.



------------------
Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

Re: Game Content
 

Ok. If you would, tell me about the airports included.

How many are there and what areas?

How easy is the editor to use?

Does it have a random function so randomly make a map?

Where can I find user created maps for AC 3.0?

And how does a game session end? Do you have a time limit? Is there a point goal, or is it a "play as long as you want" type game?

As you can tell, I am REALLY interested in the game, but just need more info before I can shell out that type of money (which is the same amount that NASCAR 4 is selling for right now).

Re: Game Content
 

There are 10 airports that come with the game. There will be a downloads section at this web site where you will be able to download additional airports created by other players.

The editor is fairly easy to use, all Windows click and point operation. There is no random airport function.

The game ends when you complete your shift. This consists of a certain number of aircraft over a certain time period.

Re: Game Content
 

Answers from my limited playtime with the full game:

- The different airport areas and channenge levels are scenarios. There are not scenarios beyond this (10 airports with the game, plus the editor; 4 levels of difficulty plus the option to make a custom difficulty level). Difficulty is the amount of time you have and the number of planes you have to handle.

- You can make your own airport maps with a tool in the package. Otherwise, use the custom difficulty level.

- There do not appear to be emergencies other than near-misses and crashes - no on-board problems. Fuel is not a concern.

- The manual says weather has no impact other than to obscure the map from your view.

- The radar sweep has no effect on gameplay.

Re: Game Content
 

I agree with Gabriel. I like all of your ideas Gabe http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif I have played the demo and from what I can tell the current game content makes that 35 dollar price tag a bit hard to swallow. The game is incredibly fun though. If there was just some more content I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. Arrgghhh, I will have to sleep on it...

Re: Game Content
 

I bought the game, but I do admit I would really have to deal with a inflight emergency ot rwo. Some guy having a heart attack or mechanical faliure would force the players best laid plans/routine to go south and force him to improvise/rejuggle incoming flights on the fly! I would really love to see this added!!