Recent reviews by Code Red Development

Sky Haven Tycoon - Airport Simulator by Real Welders is a game that promises an immersive experience in managing and building an airport, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas. As someone who was eager to dive into the intricacies of airport management, I found the game to be quite disappointing.


One of the most glaring issues with Sky Haven Tycoon is its striking similarity to other games in the genre, such as Airport CEO and SimAirport. From the gameplay mechanics to the overall design, there is little that sets it apart from its competitors. The lack of unique features makes the game feel like a rehash rather than a fresh take on airport management simulation. For players who have already invested time in other similar titles, Sky Haven Tycoon offers nothing new or exciting to justify spending additional hours on it.


Getting started in Sky Haven Tycoon is a frustrating experience. The game does not provide adequate guidance or tutorials, leaving players to figure out the mechanics on their own. This steep learning curve can be off-putting, especially for those new to the genre. Even as someone with experience in similar games, I found myself struggling to get the airport running smoothly, which significantly detracted from the enjoyment.


Given the game's promise of an immersive and detailed airport management experience, my expectations were high. Unfortunately, Sky Haven Tycoon did not meet these expectations. The repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and frustrating mechanics led me to seek a refund. It's a shame because the concept has so much potential, but it was not realized in this iteration.

In summary, Sky Haven Tycoon - Airport Simulator is a game with a lot of potential that, unfortunately, misses the mark. Its lack of unique features, frustrating startup experience, and overall similarity to other titles in the genre make it a difficult recommendation. While there is room for improvement, as it stands, the game does not deliver the engaging and innovative experience that airport management enthusiasts are looking for.


Pros:

• Potential for future improvements
  
• Detailed airport management concept

Cons:

• Too similar to other games in the genre
  
• Frustrating and unclear startup experience
  
• Lacks unique and innovative features

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.

Supermarket Simulator, developed and published by Nokta Games, is a remarkable and highly detailed simulation game that immerses you in the day-to-day operations of running a supermarket. As someone who enjoys simulation games, I was particularly excited to dive into this one. However, my experience was unexpectedly marred by a peculiar issue.


The game excels in providing an engaging and realistic simulation of supermarket management. From stocking shelves to managing pricing, handling cashier duties, and expanding your store, every detail is meticulously crafted. The immersive first-person perspective adds to the authenticity, making you feel truly involved in every aspect of the business. The game mechanics are well thought out, and it offers a satisfying balance between challenge and entertainment.


Despite its many strengths, I encountered a significant issue that I believe warrants attention. After about an hour of gameplay, I started to experience dizziness and nausea. Initially, I attributed this to not feeling well, so I logged off and went to bed. The following day, feeling better, I decided to give the game another go. Unfortunately, the same symptoms reoccurred after approximately an hour of gameplay.

Curious and somewhat concerned, I did some research and discovered that other players have reported similar experiences of motion sickness while playing Supermarket Simulator. This issue appears to be fairly well-documented, with players reporting dizziness and nausea after extended periods of play. This was surprising to me, as I have never experienced motion sickness with other first-person simulation games like House Flipper or Microsoft Flight Simulator.


While the game's objective and mechanics are solid, this issue needs to be addressed promptly. Motion sickness can significantly impact the overall gaming experience and could deter players from spending extended periods in the game, ultimately affecting its success. Given the immersive and engaging nature of Supermarket Simulator, resolving this problem is crucial to ensure that players can enjoy the game without adverse physical effects.

In summary, Supermarket Simulator is a well-crafted and highly enjoyable simulation game with a lot of potentials. However, the motion sickness issue is a significant drawback that needs urgent attention. Having played for a total of 3.6 hours, I feel compelled to wait until this issue is resolved before returning to the game. I hope the developers address this concern soon, as it will greatly enhance the overall experience for many players.


Pros:

• Highly detailed and realistic simulation
  
• Engaging and immersive gameplay
  
• Comprehensive management features

Cons:

• Motion sickness issues affecting gameplay
  
• Needs optimization for extended play sessions

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.

Transport Fever 2 is an outstanding transport simulation game developed by Urban Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. After spending over 342 hours immersed in this game, I can confidently say that its visual elements and graphics are far superior to other similar games in the genre, such as Cities: Skylines and Cities: Skylines II.


One of the most striking aspects of Transport Fever 2 is its graphical fidelity. The game offers detailed and realistic environments, with beautifully rendered landscapes and intricate vehicle models. The developers have significantly improved the aesthetic qualities from the first game, creating a world that is both vibrant and visually appealing. The close-up camera allows you to admire the details on vehicles, such as the flecked paint on diesel trains and the soot stains on old ferries, which enhances the immersion and realism of the game.


While Cities: Skylines and Cities: Skylines II are renowned for their city-building mechanics and expansive urban environments, Transport Fever 2 stands out with its focus on the transportation network. The graphics in Transport Fever 2 are more appealing due to the realistic creation of the game's world, providing a level of detail and beauty that is unmatched in other transport and city-building simulations.


Transport Fever 2 excels in its gameplay mechanics, offering a detailed logistics simulation that allows you to create and manage complex transport networks. The game includes three distinct historical periods, from the 1850s to the 2000s, featuring a variety of vehicles including trains, planes, ships, and buses. The modular system for buildings and the ability to customize routes and infrastructure add depth to the gameplay, making it both challenging and rewarding.


Despite its many strengths, Transport Fever 2 does have some areas that could be improved. The user interface, while improved from the first game, can still be cumbersome and requires a lot of clicking. Additionally, the economy system is somewhat opaque, making it difficult to understand the factors that determine the profitability of transport routes.

In summary, Transport Fever 2 is a visually stunning and highly engaging transport simulation game that offers an unparalleled experience for fans of the genre. Its superior graphics, detailed environments, and complex logistics systems make it a standout title. While it shares some similarities with Cities: Skylines and Cities: Skylines II, Transport Fever 2's focus on realistic transportation networks sets it apart. For those who enjoy building and managing transport routes, this game is a must-play.


Pros:

• Highly detailed and realistic graphics
  
• Comprehensive and engaging transport simulation
  
• Wide variety of vehicles and historical periods
  
• Modular building system

Cons:

• Cumbersome user interface
  
• Opaque economy system

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition is an exceptional and comprehensive flight simulation experience developed by Asobo Studio[www.asobostudio.com] and published by Xbox Game Studios[www.xbox.com]. This edition celebrates four decades of aviation simulation excellence, introducing a plethora of new features, aircraft, and enhancements that make it the most immersive and realistic flight simulator available today.


As a recreational pilot, I find Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition to be as close to real-life flying as possible within the confines of current simulation capabilities. The simulator includes 37 airplanes, gliders, and helicopters, each meticulously modeled with unique flight characteristics. The update also introduces 25 handcrafted airports and numerous heliports and glider airports, further enhancing the authenticity of the flying experience. The detailed and vivid landscapes, comprising over 1.5 billion buildings and 2 trillion trees, provide a breathtaking and realistic backdrop for virtual flights.


The 40th Anniversary Edition is not just a visual upgrade; it brings significant technological advancements as well. The integration of AMD FSR2 and NVIDIA DLSS3 ensures smoother performance and higher frame rates, making the simulator more accessible to a broader range of hardware configurations. The inclusion of advanced peripherals support, such as the Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick X and Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls, allows for a more tactile and immersive experience.


One of the most exciting aspects of this edition is the frequent implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-driven live traffic and real-time weather updates make the virtual world dynamic and ever-changing, closely mimicking real-world conditions. This use of AI opens up numerous possibilities for the future of flight simulation, promising even more realistic and engaging experiences as technology continues to evolve.


The 40th Anniversary Edition pays homage to aviation history with the inclusion of seven iconic historic aircraft, including the Hughes H-4 Hercules and the Wright Flyer. These additions allow users to experience and appreciate the evolution of aviation technology over the past century. The edition also brings back 24 classic missions from the franchise’s past, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience for long-time fans of the series.

In summary, Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for aviation enthusiasts and flight simulation fans. Its unparalleled realism, advanced technology, and historical content make it a standout title in the genre. As a recreational pilot, the simulator's accuracy and attention to detail are particularly impressive, making it an invaluable tool for both training and entertainment.


Pros:

• Highly realistic and detailed aircraft and environments
  
• Advanced AI for live traffic and real-time weather
  
• Extensive support for a variety of flight peripherals
  
• Rich historical content and missions

Cons:

• High system requirements for optimal performance
  
• Steep learning curve for beginners

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.

911 Operator is an engaging and unique emergency management simulation developed by Jutsu Games[jutsugames.com] and published by Games Operators[gamesoperators.com]. This game puts you in the role of an emergency dispatcher, handling various crises by dispatching police, firefighters, and paramedics while providing essential first aid instructions over the phone.


During my extensive playtime with 911 Operator, I found the game to be highly addictive. The core gameplay involves responding to emergency calls, making quick decisions, and managing resources efficiently. The ability to play in any city worldwide, using real-life road grids, adds a layer of realism that enhances the immersion. The game effectively simulates the pressure and urgency of real-life emergency situations, making each session a thrilling experience.


911 Operator excels in its strategic depth, requiring players to think critically and act swiftly. The game's mechanics, such as prioritizing incidents and managing limited resources, provide a satisfying challenge. The campaign mode, which takes you through various US cities, and the freeplay mode, allowing you to choose any city globally, offer substantial replayability. Despite the repetitive nature of some calls, the game's ability to generate diverse scenarios keeps it engaging.


One of the most compelling aspects of 911 Operator is its emotional engagement. The game features realistic voice acting and sound effects that make each emergency call feel genuine. Whether dealing with a minor accident or a life-threatening situation, the game effectively captures the tension and urgency of emergency response. This emotional depth adds a significant layer to the overall experience, making each successful rescue feel rewarding.


While 911 Operator offers a compelling experience, it is not without its flaws. The game can become repetitive over extended play sessions, with certain calls and incidents becoming predictable. Additionally, the interface, while functional, could benefit from more intuitive controls and better visibility of units. The lack of localization, with all equipment and terminology being US-based, can also detract from the experience when playing in non-US cities.

In summary, 911 Operator is an excellent game for fans of simulation and strategy genres. Its realistic scenarios, strategic gameplay, and emotional depth make it a standout title. Although I now play 112 Operator, which builds upon and improves many aspects of 911 Operator, I still appreciate the foundational experience that 911 Operator provided.


Pros:

• Addictive and realistic gameplay
  
  
• Strategic depth with resource management
  
  
• Emotional and engaging scenarios

Cons:

• Repetitive over time
  
• Interface could be more intuitive
  
• Lack of localization for non-US cities

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.

112 Operator is a riveting and highly engaging emergency management simulation developed by Jutsu Games[jutsugames.com] and published by Games Operators[gamesoperators.com]. This sequel to the acclaimed 911 Operator expands on its predecessor by offering a larger scale, more detailed emergencies, and a global reach.


After spending 65.4 hours with 112 Operator, I can confidently say that it offers one of the most immersive experiences in the genre. The game places you in the role of an emergency dispatcher, where you must manage resources, respond to a variety of incidents, and make critical decisions that can save lives. The strategic depth of the game is impressive, requiring you to allocate your units effectively, manage resources, and respond to an escalating series of emergencies.

The UI provides a comprehensive overview of your assigned district, showing the locations of police stations, hospitals, and firehouses. You can pre-position your units to ensure maximum coverage, which helps mitigate the chaos as your shift progresses. With over 60 new types of emergencies, the game keeps you on your toes, dealing with everything from minor accidents to major disasters.


One of the standout features of 112 Operator is its realistic and often emotionally charged scenarios. The voice acting and sound effects enhance the immersion, making each call feel urgent and real. I vividly remember handling a call from someone stuck on a railway track with an oncoming train, the panic in the caller's voice, and the sound of the train's horn growing louder was incredibly tense. Such moments are plentiful and add a significant emotional weight to the game.


The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, offering a steady increase in complexity that keeps you engaged. Managing multiple districts with various ongoing incidents requires not only quick reflexes but also strategic foresight. The game's ability to simulate the high-pressure environment of an emergency dispatcher is commendable. Each decision you make has consequences, which are detailed in the post-shift report, providing valuable feedback and areas for improvement.


Despite its many strengths, 112 Operator is not without its flaws. The visibility of units can sometimes be an issue, making it difficult to track which resources are available and which are not. Additionally, the game can become quite stressful, especially during prolonged sessions, which might not appeal to everyone. The interface, while streamlined, can still feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information and decisions you need to make.

In summary, 112 Operator is an excellent game for those who enjoy management simulations and high-stakes decision-making. Its realistic scenarios, strategic depth, and immersive gameplay make it a standout title in the simulation genre. If you are ready to take on the intense and rewarding challenge of managing emergency services, this game is well worth your time.


Pros:

Highly immersive and realistic scenariosStrategic depth with resource managementEmotional and engaging gameplay

Cons:

Can be very stressfulUnit visibility issues

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.

Mini Airways: Prologue offers an exciting glimpse into the world of air traffic control with a unique blend of strategy and management elements. Developed by CCC Games and published by Erabit, this real-time management game places you in the high-pressure role of an air traffic controller, managing the takeoffs, landings, and safe navigation of aircraft in increasingly complex airspaces.

From the moment I started playing, I was captivated by the game's intuitive mechanics and engaging gameplay. The graphics are reminiscent of classic simulation games from the late '90s, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing visual experience. The real-time management aspect is where Mini Airways truly shines, providing a satisfying challenge as you balance the demands of multiple aircraft while avoiding mid-air collisions.


One of the standout features is the strategic element involved in upgrading your airspace and managing traffic flow. The game does an excellent job of gradually increasing the difficulty, ensuring that you are constantly improving your skills and strategies. The diverse maps, including iconic locations like London, Tokyo, and Shanghai, each offer unique challenges and require different approaches to air traffic management.

Another highlight is the game's ability to evoke the intense responsibilities of an air traffic controller. The interface is clean and user-friendly, with voice-overs and sound effects that enhance the immersive experience. Additionally, the procedural generation of scenarios ensures that each playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable.


While I thoroughly enjoyed my two hours with Mini Airways: Prologue, I can already see the immense potential for the full game. The prologue serves as a fantastic introduction, and I eagerly anticipate the additional features and expanded content promised in the complete version. The developers at CCC Games have crafted a game that is not only fun and challenging but also highly replayable.

In summary, Mini Airways: Prologue is a must-play for fans of simulation and strategy games. Its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and nostalgic visuals make it a standout title in the genre. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new gaming challenge. Don't forget to wishlist the full game if you enjoy the prologue as much as I did!


Pros:

Engaging real-time management gameplayNostalgic and clean graphicsStrategic depth with airspace upgradesDiverse and challenging maps

Cons:

• Some might find the initial learning curve steep

For more details, check out the game's Steam page.