Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition
" Classic flight simulation with authentic mechanics and extensive modding, but outdated graphics "
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition Review
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition remains a beloved classic in the flight simulation community despite its age. Players appreciate its solid foundation for flight mechanics and navigation training, especially for those new to flight sims or with mid-spec PCs. The game offers a nostalgic yet functional experience, with many users finding it addictive and fun to explore various aircraft and locations. However, the graphics are considered outdated compared to modern standards, reflecting its nearly two-decade-old origins.
While the simulator is praised for its stability and extensive modding possibilities, some users report technical issues such as random crashes, expired certificates, and DRM concerns. The game requires investment in third-party addons to achieve a contemporary feel, and some find the price of DLCs steep. Overall, it’s a strong starter sim with enduring appeal but shows its age in visuals and occasional bugs.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's realistic flight mechanics and navigation training value, making it a great entry point for aviation enthusiasts. The simulator runs smoothly on mid-range computers, offering a stable experience. Its extensive modding community and addons enrich gameplay, allowing customization and enhanced realism. The variety of aircraft and the ability to explore meaningful, real-world locations add depth and immersion. Many find it fun and addictive, often enjoying flying while listening to music, highlighting the game's relaxing and engaging nature.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include outdated graphics that feel nearly two decades old, detracting from visual immersion. Users report occasional random crashes and technical issues like expired certificates and DRM-related concerns, impacting reliability. The game requires significant investment in third-party addons to modernize the experience, which can be costly. Some players find controls sketchy or unintuitive, and basic functionalities like the escape key sometimes malfunction. Additionally, DLC prices are viewed as expensive, and official support is limited or difficult to access.
Pros
- • Realistic flight mechanics provide an authentic flying experience for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
- • Runs smoothly on mid-spec PCs, making it accessible for users without high-end hardware.
- • Extensive modding support allows customization and enhancement of aircraft and scenery.
- • Great training tool for IFR navigation and basic flight principles.
- • Large variety of aircraft available, including iconic models like the 737 and 747.
- • Stable performance with fewer crashes compared to newer simulators on some systems.
- • Ability to explore real-world locations adds immersion and personal connection.
Cons
- • Graphics are outdated and do not meet modern visual standards.
- • Random crashes and technical issues reduce overall reliability.
- • Expired certificates and DRM concerns cause startup problems for some users.
- • Requires significant investment in paid addons to modernize the experience.
- • Basic controls can be unintuitive or malfunction, such as the escape key.
- • Official support is limited and difficult to access, frustrating users.
- • DLC and addon prices are considered expensive by many players.
Rating Criteria
Take to the skies in the World’s favourite flight simulator! The multi award winning Microsoft Flight Simulator X lands on Steam for the first time. Take off from anywhere in the world, flying some of the world’s most iconic aircraft to any one of 24,000 destinations.