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Name of Game: Airport Mania.
Producer: Reflexive.
Developer: South Winds Games.
RRP:$19.99
Rating:4/5

At first, when I first looked at the title of this game, I thought it was a game that tested one's ability to work in a control tower with realistic-looking images of radar, runways, and other items related to an airport. However, when I first ran it, it gave me the impression that it was more for children especially in its presentation. If your kids like being at the airport and airplanes, they will love Airport Mania. Even as adult, you will enjoy it. Airport Mania is a game that tests how fast you can deal with landings and takeoffs.

Playing this game is easy and fun but also challenging. The object of it is to allow as many landings and takeoffs as you can in order to earn at least the targeted amount of money. There is a map showing a number of stages of an airport for you to work on. I clicked on the first stage and was shown a data sheet that included the number of the airport, and the target amount of money I should aim to earn for it. This was easily done by clicking on the airplane, then one of the runways, and finally, one of the two terminals. The challenge came when I have to due with more planes before a plane took off while it is still at the terminal. Occasionally, I had to send an airplane to the hanger for repairs making it even more challenging.

The amount you can 'earn' in this classified into four stages - goal, expert, master, and supreme, supreme being the highest. Each stage has more than one level. It gets more challenging each time you progress from one level to next. This means more planes to deal within a limited time frame. Whenever you have successfully completed a level, you will see a statement stating that the passengers were extremely happy with your service. You will also see a statement telling the number of successful landings and takeoffs. To make it more challenging, you can have the option of dealing with the 'secret paper planes'. If you are late in letting a plane to land or fly off, some amount will be deducted from your the money you 'earned'.

Other than preparing for landings and takeoffs, you may be prompted to buy some extra items to improve the airport's performance. You will be shown how much money you have to help you decide whether to go on with the purchase. You may also sell off what you have bought earlier to raise more cash.

There is an award room where you can view all the awards you received while playing the game. Looking at your awards is something that can make you proud even though you are not doing it in real life.

The graphics in general looked more appealing to primary school kids. It was very colorful indeed. The aircrafts were very cartoon-like. However, as an adult I do enjoy playing this game as it remains me of my childhood days.

The background music is wonderful as it creates a relax and happy atmosphere. The sound effect is excellent. I loved hearing "Yippee!" whenever I was successful in preparing for a plane for an early take off.

Off course, running an airport in real life is more complicated then what is depicted in this game. However, this game is great as it tests a person's organizational and problem solving skills. For the kids, it helps them to develop problem solving skills that can be useful to them from now and through their adult lives. This game also tests on how fast a person can work to solve problems. Although this game looks more appealing to the kids especially with its graphics, I enjoyed it as it made me to feel like a kid again. Overall, I give this game a four out of five.

Learn more about this author, Rainier Wong.
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