Much like its predecessor, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers an enormous and detailed virtual Earth for exploration. If you remember the 2020 release, it was a groundbreaking moment in simulation gaming and actually earned the first 10 I’ve ever given in a review. This year’s edition is packed with features and opportunities, but some lingering issues hold back its full potential. The game encountered a rocky start with unforeseen technical hiccups, delaying access. I’m still climbing the virtual aviation career ladder and piecing together this review. So far, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is impressive, but it hasn’t quite recaptured that sense of awe I experienced in 2020.
Right out of the gate, the standout new feature is the career mode. You start by selecting a home airport and become employed with a fictional aviation company, progressing through your piloting career in a game-like skill tree structure. Kick off with beginner missions to unlock more advanced ones, gradually working towards more substantial qualifications. Achieving a commercial pilot’s license opens doors to exciting missions like search and rescue or skydive operations. Alternatively, you can opt for certification in helicopters, leading to roles like operating a sky crane. Each new endorsement expands job choices, ranging from simple sightseeing flights to more complex aviation tasks.
As you accumulate money and reputation, you’ll eventually be able to branch out on your own and establish your own aviation company. Although I’m not quite there yet, I am making steady progress with fixed-wing endorsements. The endgame is a bit unclear for me at the moment, but the prospect of running my own company and reaping most of the profits is very appealing. These profits aid in business growth, and I anticipate the day when I can purchase my own fleet of aircraft.
The early missions in career mode focus on basic flight training, echoing the tutorials of 2020. This familiar content, set at the same Sedona, Arizona airfield, feels unchanged in tasks but does offer clearer AI-generated instructions. The default tooltips in this version are quite handy since the simulator has countless controls, and Googling how to release a parking brake is now a task of the past. I appreciate these reminders, and unlike before, I might just keep them on.
Progressing through career mode unlocks various missions, from obtaining enough flight hours to attempt the commercial pilot’s test. Tests cost in-game currency but can be taken multiple times without re-purchasing. Experienced players might skip the lessons and head straight for the exams. It’s worth noting that not all mission opportunities unfold close to your chosen home airport. For instance, I kicked off my career at Machias Valley Airfield in Maine only to find myself jetting off for assignments in Europe. While not overly troubling, it did momentarily break the immersive career fantasy.
Back in 2020, the experience of Microsoft Flight Simulator was truly remarkable. The freedom to explore any corner of the globe in such a realistic manner was awe-inspiring. With a robust roster of aircraft and adjustable settings to cater to all skill levels, it offered something for every aviation enthusiast. Real-world mapping data elevated the game beyond simple entertainment, turning it into an extraordinary virtual exploration tool, despite some lengthy load times. This 2024 iteration still captures the essence of that adventure, but with varying degrees of impact.
One aspect that adds depth to the experience this year is the challenge league. It offers a more gamified experience but maintains the trusted flight models and physics. Weekly challenges and leaderboards spark the competitive spirit within me. Of the opening round, the F/A-18 race through the Grand Canyon shines as a demanding yet exhilarating pursuit of speed and precision. Though it took me multiple attempts to achieve a satisfactory score, the joy of improvement and rivaling other players’ times is undeniable. This dynamic challenge element is a thrilling addition that goes beyond the past landing challenges.
A notable feature from the previous version was the ability to virtually visit captivating places around the world. Flight Simulator 2024 builds upon this with the photo challenges mode, placing sightseeing at the forefront. You’re tasked with capturing iconic landmarks under specific conditions, like photographing the Great Sphinx during the equinox while on foot. The option to disembark and explore on foot is intriguing, though the realistic strolling pace can feel frustratingly slow for seasoned gamers. Terrain detail varies based on your system and connection, affecting the visual experience.
The graphics in Flight Simulator 2024 are a step forward – sometimes starkly so. Locations like the Grand Canyon now more closely resemble their real-life counterparts. With my high-end PC setup, visuals and performance have been impressive, mostly. However, the reliance on cloud streaming introduces challenges, as highlighted during a Venice mission where not all textures rendered correctly, taking away from immersion. A hybrid model combining downloaded content with streaming might stabilize these issues, but for now, it seems unlikely.
Despite these setbacks, I’m drawn to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Its launch had its fair share of turbulence, which distracted from the initial impact. However, the core experience remains fascinating, combining open-world flight freedom with targeted career progression. While it doesn’t quite replicate the 2020 magic, this release continues to evolve in compelling ways. I still have more to explore before finalizing my thoughts, but at this stage, Flight Simulator 2024 is shaping up to be a pretty solid, if not awe-inspiring, flight adventure.
