Microsoft Flight Simulator X Standard Edition (PC)

After getting a new computer for Christmas, I had decided to buy FSX as the new computer was quite good. I chose FSX because it looked very aestheticaly pleasing and looked as if it would offer much more in graphics and gameplay than FS2004. After getting home, setting up the computer, registering FSX, I was finally on my way to great gameplay and great graphics, or was I?

Playability:

Once I started playing flight simulator, ...
...the outside view mostly which was very annoying to play with. The graphics were quite good but to take full advantage of the graphics you will need a very good graphics card with a Windows Vista computer as FSX was designed mainly for it. After tweaking the settings, I was able to get good gameplay but the settings were not very high.

The multiplayer is very fun as well as you can fly for fun with other players or fly serioulsly and ... more

After getting a new computer for Christmas, I had decided to buy FSX as the new computer was quite good. I chose FSX because it looked very aestheticaly pleasing and looked as if it would offer much more in graphics and gameplay than FS2004. After getting home, setting up the computer, registering FSX, I was finally on my way to great gameplay and great graphics, or was I?

Playability:

Once I started playing flight simulator, it was addictive except there was lots of jittering on the outside view mostly which was very annoying to play with. The graphics were quite good but to take full advantage of the graphics you will need a very good graphics card with a Windows Vista computer as FSX was designed mainly for it. After tweaking the settings, I was able to get good gameplay but the settings were not very high.

The multiplayer is very fun as well as you can fly for fun with other players or fly serioulsly and share aircraft.
However, for the more serious flight simmers and pilots, I would highly recommend X-plane 8 instead but if you are new to flight sims or just want more fun then buy FSX.

FSX standard comes on 2 DVDs for installation and once it is installed you will not require the CD to run it. Full installation takes up 15GB so you have to have some hard drive space. The deluxe version of FSX has more detailed airports, glass cockpit planes and the ability to act as tower controller in multiplayer.
FSX does need to be registered to run in full mode and this can be done online or through a touch-tone phone.

FSX programmes the joystick settings so you can just 'plug and play' and I would highly recommend a joystick or usb yoke.
FSX supports 5.1 surround sound so you can hear the beautiful aircraft sounds in surround sound. FSX also supports quadcore processors (well thats what it says on the back).

FSX also incorporates 'flying lessons' so you can learn how to fly at home. You can then put your newly honed skills to the test in one of 40 structured missions to test yourself.

Aircraft that come with FSX standard are: Boeing 747 and 737, Douglas DC3, Learjet, Airbus A321, Beechcraft, Mooney Bravo, Cessna Grand Caravan, 172, Bell helicopter, Robinson helicopter, DeHavilland Beaver, Air Creation trike, Extra 300, sail plane, Bombardier CRJ.

Many other othercraft can be downloaded for free from the internet aswell as extra scenery and many other add-ons to enhance and customize your flights.

FSX includes scenery for the entire world which is more detailed in certain areas such as popular airports and areas like new york.

FSX is also able to re-create aircraft failures such as engine fires, stalled engines, landing gear failure, etc. These can make your flight even more challenging if you wish or if you decide you want to make an emergency approach into Paris or somewhere else which adds to the fun especially if you are on multiplayer.

For multiplayer and online play you will need a GameSpy account which can be obtained for free, quick and easily on FSX.

Remember that FSX is more of a game than a professional simulator so if you want a great time flying aircraft around then choose FSX and you probably won't be disapointed. 

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