Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Flight Simulator X is a detailed flight simulation program that has been around for many years. It has been around longer than Windows, Office and even MS-DOS. Flight Simulator X is the culmination of 25 years of development by Microsoft programmers that has put into this realistic simulated flight game.
Features
Users can navigate the entire world from an adjustable camera position to as high as 100,000,000 feet or zoom in and view the scenery from the plane as they fly over real roads, trees and structures. They can travel along shipping lanes, use navigation systems and get an idea of what it would be like to fly in a real airplane. Compared to earlier versions of Flight Simulator, the X version has more detailed imagery. The improvements made to the geographical details are clear to anyone who has played an earlier version. In fact, the detail rates at 6,000 trees per square mile.
In addition to better detail, environmental effects will also come into play. These effects makes Flight X Simulator even more realistic. Over 5,000 real-time weather feeds are monitored when the game is connected to the Internet to provide the user with a realistic depiction of actual weather systems. The way that the flight pattern is allowed to go and the obstacles that the user faces will change depending on these real-time conditions. Time of day, change of season, storms and other types of related weather conditions will affect the visibility and abilities of the user.
The X version has what is being called "structured experiences," which come in the form of 50 missions. These missions aim to help, instruct and engage users, helping them to move beyond basic flight patterns, routes and scenarios. They are also designed to entertain. Required newbie tutorial sessions and missions are also included to help new users become familiar with the cockpit. These aren't dry and boring tutorials. In fact, many include specific objectives. For example, there are search and rescue missions, faulty equipment situations and other scenarios. These scenarios encourage users to make quick decisions and test their skills.
The Pros and the Cons
Every game has its highs and lows, and despite over two decades of work, Microsoft's Flight Simulator X is not perfect. Below are some of the highlights and the low-lights of this popular game.
PROS
- New directed content for the first time in the X version
- Newbie tutorials help users improve skills
CONS
- Multi-player connection no longer supported
- Game must be purchased, cannot be downloaded online
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