Players can step into the role of a customs officer in Airport Contraband, a new roguelike simulation game now featured in Steam Next Fest with a playable demo. Set at the bustling Caldora Airport, the game puts players in charge of protecting an island paradise while uncovering the criminal activity lurking beneath its sunny exterior.
As a customs officer, players are tasked with inspecting travelers arriving and departing through the airport. Passengers must be carefully screened by checking travel documents, examining luggage, and searching for illegal items hidden in baggage or even on their person. Identifying suspicious activity and confiscating contraband is essential to keeping the airport secure.
The job extends beyond passenger screening. Players will also inspect incoming cargo shipments and luggage while working their way through a persistent progression system. Successful inspections and career advancement unlock new tools, including magnetometers and stun guns, providing additional ways to detect smuggled goods and deal with troublesome suspects.
However, enforcing the law won’t be as simple as following regulations. A powerful local cartel keeps a close watch on airport operations and may pressure players to look the other way. Choosing whether to comply with their demands or resist their influence can have serious consequences, affecting both employment and personal safety.
Each run in Airport Contraband can end in different ways. Making too many mistakes on the job may result in dismissal, while refusing to cooperate with the cartel could lead to even greater dangers. Between runs, players can bank their progress and unlock bonuses, upgraded equipment, and new abilities that improve efficiency and create additional options for handling difficult situations.
Combining customs inspection gameplay, roguelike progression, and moral decision-making, Airport Contraband offers a unique take on the simulation genre. Players can experience their first shift on the job through the Steam Next Fest demo available now.