Microsoft Flight Simulator
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About Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator launched on August 17, 2020 as a massive overhaul of a classic franchise by developer Asobo Studio. Published by Xbox Game Studios, this title runs on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S systems. It positions itself as the definitive way to fly any aircraft from light trainers to wide-body jets across a digital Earth built with Bing Maps data. You set your flight plan and take off from almost any airport in the world. The simulation handles complex weather systems and day-night cycles that actually change how you navigate. This is not an arcade shooter or a stylized adventure. It is a serious tool for pilots and aviation fans who want to see their hometowns rendered in high fidelity while managing real-world aerodynamics.
Gameplay
You spend your time sitting behind a yoke or stick, managing throttle, flaps, and navigation instruments just like in a real cockpit. The game offers single player campaigns and multiplayer modes where you join live traffic with other pilots. A typical session involves checking the weather map, fueling up at an airport, and calculating your flight path before engine start. You navigate using VORs or GPS waypoints while monitoring airspeed and altitude gauges. Weather is not a visual trick; it affects your climb rate and requires you to adjust for turbulence or icing. The controls feel heavy and precise, demanding constant attention to the dashboard rather than simple button mashing. If you make a mistake during landing, you often have to restart or perform a go-around procedure.
What Players Think
The data shows this title resonates deeply with its audience despite the steep learning curve. Metacritic holds it at 90 out of 100 while IGDB rates it an 88.6 based on 116 user ratings. Players report average playtimes that often exceed fifty hours as they master different aircraft and regions. Community moods skew heavily toward "Relaxed" during calm flights but shift to "Focused" or "Stressed" when fighting severe storms. Review snippets frequently mention the sheer scale of the world map and the technical achievement of streaming terrain. Completion rates are lower than average for action titles because there is no linear finish line. Many users return to specific airports just to watch sunset lighting cycles without taking off.
PlayPile's Take
This simulator costs a premium price and demands a strong PC or recent console to run smoothly. It includes over 100 achievements that track everything from first takeoff to landing on icy runways. You should buy this only if you want to learn actual flight instruments or fly for hours without combat. Casual gamers might find the lack of missions boring since the game offers no hand-holding. The achievement list is extensive but mostly requires patience rather than skill. If you own a steering wheel, the price tag feels justified by the depth of simulation. Otherwise, stick to lighter alternatives. This is a tool for pilots first and a game second.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
88.6
RAWG Rating
4.1
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