Arcade - Top Landing (Taito) 1988 gameplay

Top Landing is a 1988 arcade flight simulator by Taito and the second title in their “Landing” series, following Midnight Landing. Built on the Taito Air System, it was one of the first arcade games to use flat-shaded polygonal 3D graphics to simulate real-world flight. Players control a commercial airliner using a realistic yoke, throttle, and instrument panel, taking off and landing in a variety of international airports like Tokyo, San Francisco, and Paris. The deluxe version featured a cockpit-style seat for an immersive experience, while gameplay introduced dynamic weather elements such as wind and rain, adding challenge and realism to each flight. The game was a commercial success, becoming the fifth highest-grossing arcade title in Japan in 1989 and gaining popularity in Europe and North America. Its focus on realistic flight mechanics and detailed airport settings helped establish Taito's reputation in simulation gaming. Top Landing laid the groundwork for more advanced successors like Landing Gear and Landing High Japan, and although original cabinets are now rare, the game remains a cult favourite among arcade and aviation enthusiasts. I found entering the high score more difficult than the landings themselves!