Airport CEO Game Cover
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"Airport CEO" is a 3D tycoon-style simulation game where you manage the operations of your own airport. Oversee everything from flight schedules and airport infrastructure to managing staff and passenger satisfaction. Experience the challenging and dynamic world of airport management and strive to build your dream airport.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,224 reviews
gameplay102 positive mentions
stability260 negative mentions
  • The game offers a great level of depth and customization for building and managing your own airport.
  • The tutorial is helpful and provides a good introduction to the game's mechanics.
  • The game is addictive and can easily consume hours of your time as you optimize your airport operations.
  • There are numerous bugs, particularly with pathfinding for passengers and staff, which can make the game frustrating.
  • Performance issues arise when managing larger airports, leading to lag and crashes.
  • The user interface can be overwhelming and unintuitive, making it difficult for new players to navigate.
  • gameplay365 mentions

    The gameplay of Airport CEO offers a mix of engaging mechanics and complex management systems, providing players with hours of entertainment as they build and manage their airports. However, many users report significant bugs, a lack of intuitive tutorials, and inconsistencies in game mechanics that can lead to frustration, particularly as airports grow larger. While the core gameplay loop is enjoyable and has potential for depth, the overall experience is often marred by technical issues and unclear mechanics, making it a challenging but rewarding endeavor for dedicated players.

    • “The gameplay is great when everything works and you have a good amount of freedom and flexibility.”
    • “With its detailed management mechanics, customizable design options, and challenging gameplay, Airport CEO provides hours of immersive entertainment for players who want to build and manage their own airport.”
    • “The core mechanics of the game work really well for the most part.”
    • “The game is buggy as hell, the tutorial is unfriendly, and the gameplay is monotonous.”
    • “It's sad to see this studio pumping out DLC while game-breaking bugs ruin gameplay a couple of hours in.”
    • “The gameplay itself is alright, but it is somewhat boring and a lot of systems are tedious.”
  • stability265 mentions

    The game is widely criticized for its significant stability issues, with numerous players reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and performance problems that hinder gameplay. Many users note that while the game has potential and can be enjoyable, the frequent crashes and pathfinding errors make it frustrating to play, especially in larger builds. Overall, it is recommended to wait for further updates or sales before purchasing, as the current state is described as a "buggy mess."

    • “Yes, don't expect it to be bug-free, but it is a work in progress.”
    • “There are bugs, but this is an alpha, so if you want a fully up and running game with all the capabilities launched and bug-free, hold on and wait until it has a full launch.”
    • “Advance warning: this is not a finished game yet, so don't expect it to be balanced, bug-free, or feature complete.”
    • “Still a buggy mess after all these years.”
    • “The game is buggy as hell, the tutorial is unfriendly, and the gameplay is monotonous.”
    • “Currently a buggy, barely playable mess even years after its release into early access.”
  • graphics254 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and 2D, with some players appreciating the clear and tidy art style, while others find them rudimentary and lacking in detail compared to competitors. Performance issues arise when managing larger airports, leading to lag even on high-end systems, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, many users acknowledge that the graphics serve their purpose within the context of gameplay, emphasizing that the game's mechanics and playability often outweigh visual shortcomings.

    • “The game presents players with a visual delight through realistic graphics and detailed animations.”
    • “Airport CEO features a clean and visually appealing art style that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.”
    • “The graphics are extremely well done.”
    • “This game's graphics are not demanding at all, yet it lags like crazy once I make a large airport and starts bugging out for no reason.”
    • “The early access state of the game does show itself; bugs do frequently occur, some graphics and assets can look incomplete and there sometimes feels like there are gaps in what you expect you would be able to do within management windows/options.”
    • “Don't be fooled by the screenshots; no way on earth your game will run smoothly with a big airport like this. More than 5 terminals and a couple thousand passengers and your FPS will drop to 1-2 max, even on a setting of fast graphics.”
  • optimization185 mentions

    The game's optimization has received significant criticism, particularly in late-game scenarios where performance drops dramatically as airport size increases, leading to stuttering and lag. While some players note that the game runs smoothly on lower scales, many report that larger airports result in severe frame rate issues and pathfinding bugs, indicating a need for substantial improvements. Despite ongoing developer efforts to address these concerns, many users express skepticism about the game's long-term optimization potential.

    • “This is really well designed and remarkably well optimized compared to games of a similar scope and theme!”
    • “The game has finally reached a state where new updates really put performance and bug-fixing on center stage while still pushing out gameplay features at an impressive pace.”
    • “Developers have been active in letting players know what they are up to and continue to optimize for better performance.”
    • “For the primitive graphics that it has, you kinda expect better performance.”
    • “Once in the thousands and tens of thousands of passengers and visitors, the game doesn't know what it's doing, and considering these numbers are fairly easy to reach with just a handful of stands, it's clearly a result of poor optimization, particularly in the pathfinding of everything.”
    • “The performance update has made a huge difference yet every day that I play this game I'll get some kind of huge bug that basically breaks my airport, which is very frustrating because sometimes it's just some stupid bus that decides the route it has taken over 100 times is not viable anymore even though nothing has changed.”
  • story68 mentions

    The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that the game lacks a meaningful story or narrative structure, with many users expressing disappointment over the absence of a story mode or mission scenarios that could enhance replayability. Players feel that the game is limited to a sandbox experience, which leads to boredom once the initial objectives are completed, and they suggest that the addition of challenges or a coherent tutorial could improve engagement. Overall, the consensus is that the game suffers from a significant storytelling deficit, making it feel less dynamic and immersive.

    • “In some ways, playing this game is similar to chess - you can learn the rules and moves very quickly, but mastering it is a whole other story.”
    • “At least Prison Architect has some semblance of a story and game progression.”
    • “From storylines to an even broader approach of operating an airport (perhaps even an airline at some point which uses your airport as a hub).”
    • “There is no story mode or scenario play; it's just a sandbox currently, which really limits replayability.”
    • “After a while, it gets boring because there are no mission scenarios like the classic tycoons (where most often than not you had to get loans because money was not easy to get).”
    • “The lack of a coherent tutorial or an initial missions system makes the game hard to jump into.”
  • music51 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many users praising its soothing and relaxing qualities, often comparing it to classic soundtracks from games like SimCity. While some find the music repetitive after extended play, the overall sentiment is that the soundtrack significantly enhances the gaming experience, making it worthwhile to purchase the DLC. The combination of chill jazz and immersive sound design contributes to a captivating atmosphere that complements the gameplay.

    • “Everything is great but quite frankly, the music is amazing.”
    • “The music is top notch; soothing jazz and I am glad I paid extra for it.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing; it is a great addition to vibe while building your airport!”
    • “Very repetitive and boring after playing the game for a while, fire music though.”
    • “For example, when opening SimAirport you are just met with the main menu, with no music and no fanfare.”
    • “Lacks soundtrack”
  • grinding42 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and frustrating, with many players feeling that it requires excessive time and effort to manage various systems, such as vehicle and people management, terminal construction, and achieving certain milestones. While some players find enjoyment in the gameplay, they often note that it becomes repetitive and burdensome, leading to a sense of needing "a second life" to fully engage with the game's demands. Overall, the balance between challenge and grind is a point of contention, with many calling for more automation to alleviate the tediousness.

    • “It isn't grindy to get from an airfield to an international airport and I love the 2D art style which takes out a lot of the strange logistical headaches you would find in other games.”
    • “Yeah, okay, it's kinda grindy.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The gameplay itself is alright, but it is somewhat boring and a lot of systems are tedious.”
    • “This makes the gameplay extremely tedious and frustrating.”
  • replayability41 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the ability to experiment with different airport layouts and management styles, while others find it limited due to a lack of scenarios or a career mode. Many reviews highlight that the game is still in early access, suggesting that future updates could enhance replay value, but currently, it suffers from repetitive gameplay and minimal features. Overall, while some players find it engaging and immersive, others express concerns about its long-term replayability.

    • “It has a lot of replayability as you can experiment with different layouts and focuses.”
    • “You're going to get your money's worth in replay value here.”
    • “There is a ton of replay value as well, as you can experiment with different styles of airports and have drastically different outcomes.”
    • “There is no story mode or scenario play; it's just a sandbox currently, which really limits replayability.”
    • “This game lacks assets to make it replayable; after a couple of playthroughs, you will be bored out of your mind, doing the same thing over and over.”
    • “Due to its very limited replayability at this time and the fact that you have no growing curve in the true tycoon sim game style, I do not recommend the game at this time.”
  • humor12 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it both genuinely funny and absurdly entertaining, particularly in scenarios like the baggage reclaim area where chaos ensues. Many reviews highlight the game's quirky situations, such as the incongruous presence of snow in a Mediterranean airport, which adds to the comedic experience. Overall, the humor enhances the gameplay, making it a source of both laughter and frustration as players navigate their airport management challenges.

    • “It's a funny game, and you really have to be awake and remember all the little things.”
    • “And really funny is the baggage reclaim area which on a regular basis has bags getting stuck quite often, which then in turn will cause a pile-up, leading to even more stuck bags.”
    • “From hiring, firing, getting contracts and managing them, the flight schedules, the shops and cafes... so much to play and delve into that you will spend hours laughing just as quickly as shouting out loud at yourself for the latest mistake you've managed to make!”
    • “So bad, it's actually funny.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The game effectively captures the vibrant atmosphere of an airport, with realistic details such as planes landing and taking off that stimulate creativity. Players appreciate the natural movement of characters and the 2D art style, which together create an immersive and lifelike experience that stands out compared to other airport simulation games.

    • “Captures quite well the atmosphere and inner workings of an actual airport.”
    • “Planes landing and taking off create a great game atmosphere that gets my creative mind working.”
    • “Their movement feels more natural compared to other games, and the art style of 2D sprites in the game creates a realistic atmosphere.”
    • “I hope Airport CEO could become an airport tycoon game that has a 'lifelike' atmosphere because I know Sim Airport can't give me that vibe.”
    • “Their movement feels more natural compared to another game, and the art style formed by 2D sprites in the game creates a somewhat realistic atmosphere.”
    • “Other than that: many details; I love the realistic atmosphere.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization strategy in the game involves selling advertising space, which some players find detracts from the visual appeal and overall experience. While higher-rated establishments struggle to maintain profitability without excessive advertising, lower-rated franchises tend to be more successful, indicating a potential imbalance in the game's economic model.

    • “Selling walls for advertising causes ugliness but brings in money. This ugly method can be obtained from the game RimWorld.”
    • “We need to be careful not to mess up our brand with variables such as having advertisements on walls, which decreases overall satisfaction.”
    • “The cafes and shops above a two-star rating always demand more customer traffic than they can generate on their own or with a fully researched advertising team, leading to frequent contract cancellations.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

28hMedian play time
59hAverage play time
13-66hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 48 analyzed playthroughs

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