Airline Tycoon 2, from developers Spellbound, is an example of those neat little games that will never receive any hype amongst the modern gaming community. This game is a business simulator, which most people would think to be a tedious boring genre regardless of what genre you’re into. This is a strategic game that should at least be given a once over. Once you experience the charm of this game has to offer, you’ll be on board Airline Tycoon Airways in no time.
Airline Tycoon 2 gives you access to four different characters with various personalities. Each character possesses a unique trait which will aid your airline’s success. You can play as Mbangwe Mogambo, whose uncompromising manner is his trait; Natalie Childman, who is kindest person in every way, and would never think of using illegal means to get ahead of the competition; Igor Tuppolevsky, who will do anything to gain an advantage be it illegal or not if there is a deal to be had he will take it, or Tina Cortez who knows exactly what she wants and will do anything to get it.
There are two game modes to choose from. Freeplay allows you to participate in a sandbox version of the game. This allows players complete freedom to enforce their own objectives and goals to complete. Whatever objectives you set for yourself, you will still compete against the three other airlines in terms of passengers transferred and profits. As you traverse the airport, you will discover many locations you can visit. The player has the option to converse with people at these locations. Some will offer you tips and advice on running your airline.
The campaign allows you to participate in objective based play and these objectives will vary in topic as you progress. With every objective, you have an optional task of deterring the opposition away. You will be competing against three other airlines to complete a specific task. The player also has the power to change the difficulty which will determine the sum of money you begin with to complete the task. Dependant on difficulty, the value of this money will increase or decrease.
You are required to visit different places to further your progress or complete tasks. An example of this is Hangar 51, where you can purchase new planes and customise it till your blue in the face. The personnel office is where you find CV’s from individuals who want to work for your airline, such as pilots and flight attendants etc. You may also employ people in specialised fields such as contract advisors, spies or personnel advisors in this particular office.
The Skytrips International Travel Agency allows the individual to select contracts to various locations. You must then schedule these within your flight plan as cancelling the contract may leave you having to pay a hefty fine. A location of extreme importance is the TakeOff Bar & Bistro. The bartender of this compact bar is responsible for supplying the airlines with food for their flights. You can determine the quality of the food your airline provides, which will directly impact your passengers’ satisfaction levels. Ultimate Colour Design provides an essential service to upgrade the interior of your planes. These choices vary from business, economy and standard. Each choice you make will have a separate price tag that affects the standard of the aircraft.
Airline Tycoon 2 is an interesting title, though it is probably not for everybody. Airline Tycoon 2 boasts a clever combination of quirky character design and business simulation. This may not be for everyone, but I truly believe that everyone should at least give this game ago.
Disclaimer: All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
