Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
MSFS 2024, MFS 2024
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Simulation, planes, sandbox, Xbox exclusive, Game Pass, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a flight simulator that bets on realism, allowing players to fly aircraft all around the world in various atmospherical conditions. The game makes use of satellite photos, the Azure data cloud, and machine learning.
IGN: 9 / 10 by Seth G. Macy
After a very bumpy take-off, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has hit a smooth cruising altitude, with impressive new features and exciting modes that once again make it an outstanding achievement.
Rectify Gaming: 9 / 10
If you can look beyond the occasional performance hiccups on PC and the lingering graphical quirks that continue to be addressed through updates, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an experience that simply shouldn’t be missed. For the ultimate immersion, a flight stick is highly recommended, but even with a controller, the game delivers an engaging and authentic sense of piloting. Whether you’re soaring through familiar skies or discovering new corners of the globe, this flight sim offers a consistently rewarding journey through the breathtaking expanse of our world.
Worth Playing: 6 / 10 by Cody Medellin
The prospect of playing this game on a portable device like the Steam Deck is tempting, but it isn't possible at the moment. The game will get through the opening company logos, but the game will try to have you connect to Xbox Live once the opening movie starts. Before you can proceed to log in, the game produces an error message related to logging in, and every option you choose has the game crash out and the system gets thrown back to the dashboard. Looking at reports from Proton.db on the previous game, it looks as if the Xbox login process is buggy for that title as well, so those hoping to fly on a portable will have to hold out hope that the issue gets fixed eventually, especially since you can't use the GE version of Proton for some reason on the Deck. There is potential with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but for every positive thing the game does, there's at least one big negative to counteract it. The variety of aircraft you can pilot is more varied than before, but you'll need to brush up on the various controls to get the most out of each craft. The ability to take photos while flying and on the ground is neat, but be prepared to only be wowed in certain areas. Those hoping for some detailed shots in more populated areas on foot will be sorely disappointed (or horrified). The inclusion of actual people would've been nice if they didn't look so last generation, and while the game has an abundance of activities and a full-fledged career mode, it would have been nice if the experience had faster loading times and was more stable overall. If this follows the trajectory of the previous game, then what you'll get in time is a flight sim that will cater to the hardcore but still be accessible enough for the casual player. Unless you're dedicated enough to want to get in right now with the latest and greatest or need more variety and objectives in a campaign, you might want to stick with the 2020 edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator for a little while longer to get your casual flight fix.
The main pros of the game
- Graphics and Visuals: Many users praised the improved graphics, including detailed terrain, foliage, and wildlife, which enhance the immersion and overall experience.
- Career Mode: The introduction of a career mode was well-received, providing structure and purpose to flights with various missions and certifications that can enhance the player's experience.
- Flight Physics: Some users noted that the flight physics felt improved, making the flying experience more realistic, especially in terms of turbulence and ground handling.
- New Aircraft: The game features a larger fleet of aircraft compared to its predecessor, with several new and improved planes.
- Cloud Streaming: While controversial, some players appreciated the ability to save hard drive space by streaming assets, despite the associated challenges.
The main cons of the game
- Severe Launch Issues: Many players faced significant problems on launch day, including long loading times, server overloads, and being stuck in login queues. Some reported spending hours trying to get into the game.
- Bugs and Glitches: Numerous bugs were reported, including issues with aircraft functionality, mission failures, and graphical glitches. The game was described as "unplayable" by many users due to these issues.
- Cloud Dependency: The reliance on cloud streaming for game assets led to performance issues, particularly for players with slower internet connections. Many felt that the game should allow for local downloads to avoid these problems.
- User Interface and Controls: The new user interface was criticized for being clunky and difficult to navigate, especially for PC users. Control binding issues were also reported, making it challenging for players to set up their peripherals.
- Voice Acting and ATC Issues: Users found the voice acting to be poor and the air traffic control (ATC) communications to be unrealistic and frustrating, undermining the simulation experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Backwards Compatibility: Many users expressed disappointment that promised backwards compatibility with MSFS 2020 add-ons was not fully realized, limiting the use of previously purchased content.
- Offline Mode: The lack of an offline mode or the ability to download content for offline use was a major complaint, particularly for players with unreliable internet connections.
- Marketplace Functionality: The in-game marketplace was reported to be non-functional at launch, preventing players from accessing additional content.
- Refined Tutorial and Training: Some users desired more comprehensive tutorials and training missions to help new players better understand the game mechanics.
- Improved AI and Ground Traffic: Users noted that AI traffic and ground vehicle functionality were lacking, diminishing the realism of the simulation.
Summary
- Overall, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 shows promise with its graphics and career mode, the overwhelming issues at launch have led to significant frustration among users, prompting many to recommend waiting for fixes before purchasing.
Summary generated on:
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Description
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an advanced flight simulator developed by Asobo Studio, known both for their work on the series' previous installment from 2020 and the acclaimed A Plague Tale games.
According to the project lead, Jorg Neumann, it's no ordinary game, but rather a precise aerial sim. The product is extremely realistic due to its use of satellite images and such technologies as machine learning and the Azure data cloud.
Mechanics
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 once again lets us explore the entire planet aboard civilian aircraft, starting and ending our journeys at one of thousands of airport all around the world. Thanks to its multiple difficulty levels, the simulator can pose a challenge to veterans and entertain newcomers alike.
Apart from freely moving between different points on the map, we'll also participate in rescue service activities. They realistically portray actual emergencies, including extinguishing fires from the air, transporting injured people or extracting those stuck in hard to reach places, such as the mountains. Players desiring less stressful challenges can pilot agricultural planes to spray chemicals over cropfields, passenger planes and hot air balloons to enjoy the view.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 features authentic weather conditions as well as air and marine traffic - all data is downloaded from the internet in real time. It also features an increased level of detail on the ground, including nature. Depending on locations visited, we can spot grazing cows or wild animals migrating in search of food. From the cockpit we'll also experience changing seasons, polar lights, tornadoes and storms.
Technical aspects
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was designed with reducing installing, updating and loading times in mind. To do so, the developers have implemented cloud data, meaning the game only uses files necessary at the moment. The game's performance has been improved, as well as the aerodynamics simulation, physics and aircraft systems (electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic).
As stated by the developers, most expansions to Microsoft Flight Simulator from 2020 are compatible with the new release. Users who have purchased them previously won't need to purchase them again.
9
GAMES
in Microsoft Flight Game Series
Game Series
Microsoft Flight Series
The series of realistic aviation simulations considered one of the oldest game series in history. Owned by Microsoft, the brand is sometimes considered to set the genre standards.
9 video games
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Asobo Studio
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i7-6800K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 970 / Radeon RX 5700, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Recommended: Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, 32 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 2080 / Radeon RX 5700 XT, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Ultra: Intel Core i7-14700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7900X, 64 GB RAM, graphic card 16 GB GeForce RTX 4080 / 20 GB Radeon RX 7900 XT, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Xbox Series X/S
Uses: XSX: 30 fps @ 4K | XSS: 30 fps @ 1080p
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