When we reviewed Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2020, there was no doubt that we were playing something special. Built for avid aviation fans as well as new adventures for curious future enthusiasts to explore and experiment with. I’ll be honest and admit I never thought I’d like it, but here we are today.
Despite an eventful launch date, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has truly spread its wings, delivering a newer, fresher experience that expands on its predecessor in the right way. With beautiful visuals, precise locations, and even new game modes, there’s never been a better time to fly.
the sky is yours
There’s a lot to cover again, so let’s start with some of the new modes and features. First, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offered players a whole new way to track flights and take on new challenges in career mode. First, complete some training exercises to earn your Private Pilot License (PPL). This allows you to take part in small trips in small planes, such as flying between multiple airports or taking scenic trips.
Unfortunately, the training here is the same as in 2020’s Microsoft Flight Simulator, but thankfully it’s not too tricky or pushy. That being said, general progress feels like a longer, tougher challenge. Career mode essentially allows you to complete these jobs and earn credits to upgrade your license to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and fly larger commercial aircraft. While new missions and aircraft versatility add depth to the team, the challenges will only get tougher and you can imagine most people will start to get the most out of their experience here.
For example, you can also deliver aircraft between airports or participate in search-and-rescue and aerial firefighting missions, all of which are procedurally generated. The options here are basically endless, and it’s a great way to strive for something while enjoying a variety of locations, flight paths, weather conditions, and times of day.
Along the way, you’ll also earn experience points with each completed flight or mission, which will help you unlock new aircraft, abilities, and equipment. For example, you will be able to unlock specific ratings such as Jet Engine Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and Hoist, Rope, and Tailwheel Approvals, all of which will give you access to new equipment. There are also exams that I have to take later on to test my knowledge and skills, which I failed more than I would like to admit.
Please choose a wing
Besides the new career mode, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers a lot more to keep things fresh and interesting. Challenge League lets you face off against other opponents in more casual arcade-style activities such as Rally Races, Low-Altitude Challenges, and even the awesome Red Bull Air Race and Reno Air Race.
You can also test your photography skills as you navigate the world and take photos of specific locations and landmarks. I take photos to fill out my travel book, and sometimes I go the extra mile with certain photo challenges, aiming for the perfect shot. You can walk around these places. It’s a very slow walk, but I still appreciate the fact that it’s there.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers all these options and even more by simply allowing users to do whatever they want. This is not to discredit the aforementioned modes. they’re all great. But the amount of customization and choice that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 consistently offers is nothing short of amazing.
Choose from 125 different aircraft to take to the skies, from biplanes, commercial airliners, helicopters, and even hot air balloons. Everything from the exterior paint to the interior cockpit and controls is as detailed as you would expect. Honestly, I’m amazed at how much detail they were able to squeeze in without it feeling overwhelming or claustrophobic. The HUD labels inner controls and outer landmarks, so nothing is missed.
But beyond this, the sheer number of places you’ll actually be flying around is mind-boggling. It is home to more than 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and photogrammetry of more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside. It has 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 helipads for takeoff and landing, and 2,000 points of interest to take photos. Not to mention the procedural systems that generate all of Earth’s 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and approximately 3 trillion trees.
Just choose a location on the globe and go. Of course, you can take off from an airport of your choice or start your flight from a specific location in the air. Interestingly, I decided to fly over my hometown of Melbourne, Australia, before choosing anywhere else. Emulating this level of familiarity in a video game is once again beyond me.
In addition, players will also have access to a flight planner. It is a web-based program that recreates real-world flight paths and trips that users can discover and share. It is also fully integrated with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. There’s a mind-boggling amount of things to see here, most of which you’ll never understand until the end, but it’s great to be able to fly along real-life routes just like the pilot.
look at the part
Throughout, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 looks great. I just can’t understand how there can be so many different coats and looks in every possible location, be it detailed aircraft, accurate environments, or stunning lighting effects.
For example, you will not only be able to choose where you want to fly, but you will also be able to choose the weather and time of day. It sounds simple enough, and it is. However, adjusting the actual time and date allows you to fly in weather conditions similar to that day. It’s that level of insanity.
final thoughts
With all its new modes and features, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may seem like an insurmountable challenge for newbies and casual fans. But I’m saying there’s never been a better time to jump in. This 2024 iteration simply expands on all the features and aspects that made 2020’s Microsoft Flight Simulator so great in the first place.
Career mode is certainly long and requires some patience and effort, but I love how it plays out the overall experience. I also like that just stopping at landmarks and countries and taking photos gives you a degree of freedom that you don’t often find, especially in games of this level.
But freedom is the name of the game. Best of all, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 lets you do things your way. And I think that’s the best way.
4 1/2 stars (out of 5 stars)
Highlights: New modes to enjoy. Great visual. Fly anytime, anywhere, the way you want
Cons: Career mode is admittedly long. The walking speed when taking photos is extremely slow.
Developer: Asobo Studio
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platform: Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Game Pass
Available: Currently
Review was conducted on PC via Steam using a pre-release code provided by the publisher.
