Microsoft’s seminal flight sim is back – and soon. We’re talking the end of this month. If you ask people – even ones that don’t consider themselves “gamers” – Microsoft’s Flight Simulator series is one of those classic PC apps. That’s partly because of the degree of realism in control; largely because the games have looked so dang pretty. After 29 years, Flight Simulator X was the last of the series in 2009. End of the story? Not quite. As of this morning, it has a new name and departure date: Microsoft Flight taxis down the runway come February 29th.
Why get psyched about checking it out? Well, for starters, players will be able to download Microsoft Flight FOR FREE. (Bank on a Freeware update featuring Flight when it goes live). Players can jump into the cockpit and tool around the Big Island of Hawaii.
According to MS, “…players who sign in to their Games for Windows – LIVE account automatically receive additional free content, including the Boeing Stearman plane, supplementary missions, and access to Achievements and an Online Pilot Profile.”
After that, players can purchase additional content that adds new aircraft, regions and customization options. The frequently released new content for Microsoft Flight includes daily aerocache challenges.
As I mentioned up top, the series is known for its handsome looks. According to MS, the new version offers a “visually stunning and realistic representation of the earth, complete with region-specific weather patterns, foliage, terrain and landmarks. Players can choose to take the helm using highly rendered, accurate cockpits and authentic piloting procedures, or simply use their mouse and keyboard to control the plane in an exterior view. More experienced players can tailor the flight controls to match their skill level, making Microsoft Flight easy for beginners while still challenging for the most accomplished PC pilots.”
I’m not going to belabor the point too much on my own here, because this series has come a long way to define how people look at simulators. For example, here are a couple images Harry McCracken found from over the years.
Waaaaay back when.....
Here's where the series left off with Flight Simulator X.
.....and then, of course, there's the new Flight.
And, yeah, if you have an ENVY 17… an HPE Phoenix…..or even a non-gaming-grade rig, you should take the quick, free flight to Hawaii on your PC.
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