I am an Air Traffic Controller 4
- October 15, 2020
- TechnoBrain
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"I am an Air Traffic Controller 4" is a simulation game that puts you in the role of an air traffic controller. Issue instructions to aircraft for safe and effective flight, with the goal of clearing stages. The game offers various stages with different challenges, as well as an extra stage for additional excitement. Your judgment and precision will be tested as you manage changing situations and resume from game replays.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a realistic and immersive air traffic control experience with good graphics and sound design.
- It features a variety of challenging scenarios that require multitasking and strategic thinking, making it engaging for aviation enthusiasts.
- The game has a solid tutorial and user interface, making it accessible for newcomers while still providing depth for experienced players.
- The game is criticized for its high price relative to the limited content, with only one airport available and additional airports being sold as expensive DLC.
- Players have reported bugs and crashes, particularly during longer sessions, which detracts from the overall experience.
- The lack of real airline liveries and limited control over aircraft commands can make the gameplay feel restrictive and less realistic.
- graphics40 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are generally good and immersive, they often feel dated compared to modern standards. Some highlight improvements in detail and realism, particularly in aircraft design and environmental effects, but others criticize the performance and limited graphical options. Overall, the visuals are considered satisfactory for gameplay, though they may not meet the expectations set by contemporary AAA titles.
“The graphics are much improved with lots happening in and around the airport; I'd go as far as to say this is easily the best-looking ATC game available today. There is weather this time - like cloudy days and rain effects.”
“The graphics are realistic, as are the airplane functions.”
“Graphics are great and gameplay is engaging.”
“I thought the graphics were kinda dated, like maybe Flight Simulator 98 caliber, so good but not high end.”
“The graphic of iPhone even seems better than PC on 1080p.”
“As far as graphics, it is pretty old looking but I don't have a problem with that; although for the dated but serviceable look, it should be running faster and offer much more options for display, sound, and whatnot.”
- gameplay20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
Gameplay in this simulator is a mixed bag; while it offers an addictive experience for those who enjoy multitasking and problem-solving, it is hampered by frustrating mechanics, limited freedom, and a lack of variety in challenges. Players often face issues with system crashes and poorly explained mechanics, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the solid core gameplay and potential for improvement through updates suggest that it could evolve into a more engaging simulator over time.
“Graphics are semi-ok, but the gameplay is very nice and addictive.”
“Having said that once you figure out the game mechanics, this game is absolute bliss for people who like juggling various multiple tasks at once while finding optimal solutions.”
“Gameplay wise, it involves directing airplanes on the ground and in the sky and maintaining safe distance between them at Tokyo International Airport (RJTT).”
“The most frustrating aspects are the game mechanics.”
“There are some frustrating mechanics like you can't vector airplanes at will, you can't change their speed on approach at will, and a near miss game over occurs within 5 nautical miles of separation.”
“However, there is no variation in gameplay; it's always the exact same routine for each challenge, which sometimes is set up intentionally to create issues with your gameplay.”
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is centered around unique missions that each have their own narrative, providing a structured experience rather than a random assortment of tasks. Players can engage in timed missions or create custom scenarios, but the repetitive nature of the missions can lead to a sense of monotony over time. While the daily tasks can be engaging, they often become overwhelming, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story-driven gameplay.
“Every level has a unique purpose and its own story to unfold.”
“The ATC 3/4 series has always been about specific missions that graduate in difficulty, not a random collection of traffic that other ATC games offer.”
“Story mode includes some daily tasks that let you know the operation of the airport.”
“You can do one of the 19 missions or you can create your own from a day in 2017, not that the date matters; however, it's always the same, so once you have done it, you're done, unless you pay £30 for the DLC.”
“It can be fun to do that, but it just gets crazy very quickly sometimes and it feels cheap when you fail a mission because of having to juggle tasks that nobody in real life ever has to.”
“- Story mode included some daily tasks that let you know the operation of the airport.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its quality and integration with the gameplay, while others find it repetitive and overwhelming, describing it as "bordering on torture." Additionally, the presence of dialog in "japanglish" and the inability to mute the music in many areas detracts from the overall experience for some players.
“The game has amazing music and voice acting, as well as one of my favorite airports in the world!”
“The game offers good visuals and music, with a variety of interesting scenarios, such as runway changes, bird strikes, and aircraft getting stuck on a taxiway.”
“It's like a very, very, very expensive flash game or something, with dialogue in Japanglish and no way to turn off the terrible music in like 80% of the places it plays.”
“Music - borders on torture.”
“Licenses for music in America are more expensive than for elsewhere, so things like movies, sports, and music that we are used to getting in Brazil or Japan are not available in the U.S.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is mixed; while some users report poor performance and graphics, others note that it runs smoothly with detailed airport and aircraft modeling. Overall, the optimization appears to be a point of contention, with varying experiences among players.
“There's quite a bit of detail in the modeling of the airport and aircraft, and the game runs smoothly.”
“Absolutely terrible performance and graphics, but the gameplay is really fun and challenging!”
“The only negative thing I can think of is that the optimization is a bit lackluster, and the airlines in the non-Japanese version are fake.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game has limited replayability, as players feel there is little incentive to revisit completed puzzles after achieving perfect scores. However, there is potential for future expansions that could enhance replay value by introducing new locations, similar to previous titles in the series.
“The game offers a variety of scenarios and challenges that make each playthrough feel unique and engaging.”
“With multiple paths and outcomes, I find myself coming back to explore different strategies and experiences.”
“The inclusion of new locations and features keeps the gameplay fresh, encouraging me to replay and discover more.”
“Since there is no replay value (once you've completed each puzzle with a perfect score, there's really no reason to replay), I don't feel the game has good value.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game presents an intriguing premise, but players have reported frequent force closures and freezes, particularly when played on the Steam Deck, raising concerns about its stability.
“The game has a great premise; however, buyers beware: this game force closes and freezes frequently when played on Steam Deck.”
