Aerobiz Supersonic

While most of the Mega Drive library leaned on action and speed, Aerobiz Supersonic offered something entirely different – the role of running your own airline trying to break into the global market. It's an improved sequel to the original Aerobiz from Koei, this time expanded with a new route map, additional aircraft including the supersonic Concorde, and more elaborate economic mechanics.

The player establishes air routes between dozens of cities around the world, buys and modernizes a fleet, negotiates for airport slots, and monitors passenger satisfaction as well as fluctuating fuel prices. Random events come into play – terrorist threats, natural disasters, or economic crises – forcing the player to react and adapt their strategy on the fly. AI-controlled rival airlines never sleep either, trying to steal lucrative routes from the player, so over the years the game also picks up elements of diplomacy and price wars over individual airports.

The second entry in the series was especially appreciated by fans of economic simulations, a genre notoriously scarce on consoles at the time – it was largely the domain of computers. Aerobiz Supersonic showed that even the Mega Drive could offer depth comparable to contemporary PC titles, wrapped in controls that worked cleanly with a gamepad. Gradually expanding your fleet and opening up new continents gives the game a pleasant sense of progression, so even a single sitting can deliver a tangible feeling of advancement.

Why play it: Because it offers a rare chance to experience a well-crafted business simulation with a global scope on the Mega Drive.