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Review of Air Traffic Chaos on Nintendo DS

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Sep 2008
Cover image of Air Traffic Chaos on DS
Gamefings Score: 7.0
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 09 Sep 2008
Genre: Simulation game
Developer: Sonic Powered
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

Introduction

Imagine diving into the high-flying, dizzying world of air traffic control, where your only allies are your wits and a rather impatient gaggle of pilots, all just trying to land without causing a scene. That's right, folks! Welcome to *Air Traffic Chaos*-the simulation that leaves you questioning your life choices while you try to prevent mid-air collisions on a tiny Nintendo DS screen. Buckle up, because this review is about to take off!

Gameplay

Let's break this down like a simple traffic pattern: You step into the shoes of a high-maintenance air traffic controller stationed at a Japanese airport. Unlike real life, where you might have to dress smartly and maintain a calm demeanor (good luck with that), in this game, you need to yell-figuratively, of course-at digital airplanes like they're unruly schoolchildren. You'll handle 15 different challenges that progressively ramp up in difficulty. Feel the thrill as you achieve that sweet, sweet score by giving orders to crafty planes trying to escape your grip. There are three stages of challenges: easy, medium, and expert, because let's face it, the real world doesn't give you a practice round when you're controlling jets! Each stage isn't just a stroll in the park; it's a careful balancing act. Japan's air traffic is not going to manage itself! Navigating takeoffs and landings, ensuring the pilots don't start having nervous breakdowns, and remembering to breathe presents more tension than your last family dinner! Oh, and did I mention the ultimate boss fight? Nope, not Bowser this time, just a couple of planes deciding to cross paths and create instant chaos unless you save the day (and your scores). Feel the pressure mount as you try to prevent launching planes into the stratosphere while deftly guiding their descent into safety. And if they clash? Game over, pal! Better luck next time. Grab yourself a donut to cope with your newfound anxiety after every failed mission! If you do well enough, pat yourself on the back and share your scores with buddies, although be prepared for the inevitable comparisons with their high scores, and don't be surprised if they give you the side-eye at your flying fiascos.

Graphics

Focusing on graphics for a DS title might not yield nightmares, but we're talking decent 2D sprites that get the job done. You won't be getting lost in any hyper-realistic airport simulations here. It's bright, and the planes look like colored blocks flying around the screen, rather like a pixel version of a toddler's drawing. Each gameplay stage has distinct yet simple visuals that effectively communicates what's unfolding without overstimulating your delicate, caffeine-addled brain. As you tap your way toward glory, you'll notice that while the graphics won't win any awards, they're charming in a nostalgic way. Plus, at the end of the day, it's the gameplay that shines through-the ground crew can be blinged out if the planes aren't landing correctly! Bring on the nostalgia feels of classic simulation games; just don't expect *Air Traffic Chaos* to redefine visuals anytime soon!

Conclusion

In the sunny skies of Nintendo DS gaming, *Air Traffic Chaos* holds a peculiar space. While opinions are scattered across the board (a bit like a digital game of Tetris after a few too many sodas), this simulation manages to carve a niche among a sea of uninspired titles. Aimed primarily at the patient and somewhat masochistic, the challenge is alive and well here. Though the overall reception has been lukewarm, with an aggregate score hovering around the average, the game was awarded the 'Most Surprisingly Good Game' in GameSpot's 2008 accolades. Hats off to you, *Air Traffic Chaos*! So, if you're itching to test your multitasking skills while yelling at planes and trying to make sure no one explodes, pick up a copy. Whether it crashes and burns or soars to new heights depends on your ability to handle the pressures of the tower! Who knew air traffic directing could be so fun yet stressful? Now, go out there and let the skies-uhm, *your* skies-be chaotic!

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