Microsoft Flight Simulator X, or FSX, is the latest installment in the Microsoft Flight Simulator range. It was released in October 2006, and seriously- it's a whole new experience.
On the outside, FSX seems to have all of the same features as its predecessors (and of course the addition of a few new aircraft), however the instant you step into the cockpit, you'll see that this is like nothing you have ever experienced before.
Realism
Undoubtedly the first thing you will notice is the increased realism as compared with earlier editions. If you have sufficient RAM and a speedy processor, you'll be delighted to see maintenance vehicles zip past you on the taxiways, and even better, you will take off into the most realistic environment a computer game has ever achieved. Unfortunately, if your computer lacks grunt you will be forced to decrease the realism settings and the game will resemble earlier editions. If you choose not to compromise your realism settings, the game will progress in slow motion, frame… by… frame…
Mouse as Yoke
You'll notice the excellent feature present in all editions up to and including Flight Simulator 2002 (but strangely absent in Flight Simulator 2004), mouse as yoke, is back in FSX. This is a brilliant alternative to spending $100 on a joystick. Cheers to the producers, who have really done the right thing.
Air Traffic Control (Deluxe Edition)
One of the more outstanding new features is the air traffic controller option in multiplayer.
This new addition however is only available in the FSX deluxe edition.
It allows you to, over an internet or LAN connection; guide another player's aircraft through the air as well as handling ground operations.
One of the best things about this new feature is the tower's "control panel", complete with a radar screen and radio stack.
Missions
I'm sure there are others out there who enjoy regularly flying a single route, but FSX takes this to the next level by introducing missions: ready-made flights encompassing a variety of tasks. For example, in the Red Bull Air Race mission you are required to complete the course within a set time limit. For those still getting their wings, some missions include tutorials that teach you basic skills.
Unlike in earlier versions of Flight Simulator, where the ready-made flights failed to inform you when you had completed the tasks, FSX's missions provide feedback. You are informed as soon as you have completed the tasks required to pass the mission and receive awards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced realism.
- Monitored missions.
- New aircraft.
- Air Traffic control in multiplayer (Deluxe edition).
- All around the game has been made much prettier.
Cons:
- May be too much for older computers to handle.
- Fairly expensive (although the price will keep going down).
- Addictive, no really it is.
- So there's my wrap up on FSX
- Over and Out
- Youkneephsycle.
Note: I will not accept liability if you purchase FSX and are dissatisfied with any aspect of the game.
