Endless ATC
- July 19, 2017
- startgrid
- 226h median play time
Endless ATC is a simulation game where you act as an air traffic controller, tasked with guiding planes to runways for landing. The game features a radar interface with realistic plane behavior, and increases in difficulty as you successfully land more planes without error. To land a plane, select it, descend to 2000 feet, guide it to the blue line a safe distance from the runway, and give it clearance for an ILS approach, ensuring it intercepts the ILS line at a shallow angle.
Reviews
- Endless ATC offers a perfect balance between casual gameplay and intense challenges, making it suitable for both newcomers and experienced players.
- The game features a user-friendly interface and a dynamic difficulty curve that adjusts based on player performance, enhancing the overall experience.
- With continuous developer support and the ability to customize airports and gameplay settings, Endless ATC provides endless replayability and enjoyment for aviation enthusiasts.
- Some players find the game lacks depth and features, leading to a repetitive experience over time.
- The minimalist graphics and basic UI may not appeal to everyone, as some players desire more visual flair and complexity.
- There are requests for additional features such as multiplayer options and more emergency scenarios, indicating that the game could benefit from further development.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Endless ATC is praised for its design simplicity combined with depth, offering addictive and challenging experiences akin to Tetris but with aircraft management. While the game effectively simulates air traffic control with a good interface and sound, some users noted areas for improvement, such as emergency mechanics and UI complexities. Overall, it provides a rewarding and replayable experience, continually supported by updates from the developer.
“In short, Endless ATC is a masterclass in design simplicity and gameplay depth.”
“The game is addictive and provides free-flowing gameplay with many updates still being supplied by the developer.”
“Good interface, good sound, good maps/airports, very addicting and quite challenging gameplay.”
“Pilots don't read back, so there's no error mechanic.”
“I think the emergency mechanic could be expanded further as they are very repetitive.”
“The game comes with a short manual (a few pages), which explains some mechanics that are useful, though not quite obvious when you play the game - things like 'expedite descent/climb' commands to aircraft or skipping the first ILS in order to land on a different parallel runway.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics are intentionally simple and minimalist, effectively supporting the game's focus on functionality rather than visual flair. Users appreciate the clean design and detailed tutorials, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an accessible air traffic control simulation experience. However, performance may vary, with some users noting lower frame rates on less powerful systems.
“The graphics may be simple, but they perfectly complement the game’s focus on functionality over flair.”
“It's a great ATC simulator with clean graphics and detailed tutorial pages.”
“The best ATC game I found so far; the minimalist graphics are great.”
“I recommend it wholeheartedly for anyone interested in an ATC simulation experience without the need for complicated graphics or animations.”
“Runs on a potato (with very low graphics and you won't be at 60 fps all the time)”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is praised for enhancing cognitive workload performance, providing a fun experience that adapts to player skill through a dynamic system that adjusts the number of airplanes to manage. This feature helps players achieve a state of flow, making the gameplay engaging and challenging.
“Buy it if you want to expand your brain's workload performance.”
“I'm not an air traffic controller in real life, so I can't argue for or against realism like some other reviewers, but what I can say is that it's quite fun. The 'skill system,' which adjusts the number of airplanes under control according to your performance, gets you into a state of flow.”
“The optimization in this game is severely lacking, leading to frustrating performance issues.”
“I often experience significant lag and stuttering, which detracts from the overall gameplay experience.”
“The game feels unpolished, with many features not functioning as intended due to poor optimization.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers endless replayability despite its simple design, with complex gameplay elements that encourage players to return for more.
“A very tiny and simple game with complex gameplay and high replayability value.”
“Very tiny and simple game with complex gameplay/replayability value.”
“Endless replayability!”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has been criticized, with some users suggesting that it lacks depth and engagement, implying that it may not be worth the time compared to reading a book.
“If you want a story, go read a book.”
“The plot is predictable and lacks depth.”
“Character development is minimal, making it hard to care about their journeys.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express disappointment that the game's music does not match the intensity showcased in the trailer, indicating a desire for a more engaging and dynamic soundtrack.
“The only thing I wish I had in this game was the intense music displayed in the trailer.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by the interactive feature where pilots communicate with players through the windows, adding a layer of immersion, though this option can be disabled in the settings for those who prefer a quieter experience.
“The pilots of the planes can actually talk to you (you can turn it off in the settings), which creates a nice atmosphere.”
“The immersive sound design and detailed environments really pull you into the game world.”
“The lighting effects and ambient sounds work together to create a truly captivating atmosphere.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs and crashes that hinder gameplay. Players express frustration over the lack of timely updates to address these issues, leading to an overall perception of the game as unstable.
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and stuttering, which ruined the immersion.”
“There are so many bugs that it feels like the game was released in an unfinished state.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its accessibility and ability to create entertaining and humorous moments, keeping players engaged and preventing boredom.
“Easy to learn and to play, it provides special funny moments instead of boredom.”