Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft does not always get it right, but Microsoft Flight Simulator is the one product where developers have received almost unanimous praise from gamers and critics alike. A much improved follow-up to Flight Simulator 2004, Simulator X has better graphics, better presentation, and a higher level of replayability. In fact, Microsoft Flight Simulator comes close to the real experience of flying, but you should be aware that the download size is a bit big at 636.2 MB. It takes around five minutes to install, and then you will have three choices. You can do an introductory test flight, drop flour on targets or do a Caribbean Landing. Dropping flour improve target practice while the other two options hone your experience with the controls and help you to master the landing.

What gamers love about Flight Simulator is how you have a variety of planes to choose from. You can choose anything from a commercial jetliner to ultra-lights, Cessnas, and helicopters. Where Simulator X sets a new standard is through the 50 unique missions that keep you from sleeping at the controls. Your missions are given from Air Traffic Control, and the objectives vary from fun and interesting to serious and compelling. Because of runway enclosure, you may have to move the plane over the top of a bus or because of an explosion, you could be asked to rescue the workers of a burning oil ring. Some of the other potential missions include picking up film stars, search and rescue missions, and Area 51 missions.

With the full version, you have over 24,000 different airports to choose from, and chances are, you will even be able to fly out of the local airport. The game brings a stunning level of realism; walkways, luggage belts, and fuel trucks can all be extended from the aircraft. Getting too close to the ground, you will see local wildlife running around, and it proves that Microsoft has gone the extra mile making a game of both depth and quality. The game has accurately mapped the positions of the stars and the time of the year, which shows how much thought Microsoft put into this game. You can even fly according to the weather patterns. You can also set the weather to practice flying in storms and blizzards.

For people looking for an added level of realism, Microsoft Flight Simulator includes a pre-flight briefing that lets you discuss the weather predictions, flight conditions, and the factors that will have an impact on the flying experience. If you want to practice for worst case scenarios, you can pre-program your plane to malfunction while flying. You will watch as your co-pilot reacts to an undercarriage that has been jammed and dropped off over Denver.

Pros

• An insane level of realism
• 24,000 different airports to fly out of
• Detailed and full of interesting
• Improves upon the last game

Cons

• Heavy on computer resources and can be difficult to run next to other apps