Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a breathtaking experience, offering a level of detail and realism that truly sets a new standard for flight simulation. From the meticulously recreated cities to the stunning day-night transitions and expansive aircraft selection, the game delivers moments of pure magic. However, persistent cloud-based rendering issues hold it back from achieving its full potential.
A World Brought to Life
Soaring over Paris in an Airbus H125 helicopter, with the ray-traced sun glinting off the cockpit windows, the Eiffel Tower looming ahead, and the bustling city streets unfolding below, is a truly awe-inspiring experience. This is a flight simulator where you can fly down the Champs-Élysées, past the Arc de Triomphe, and even observe live traffic navigating the streets below.
Pure magic in the air: flying over Paris at sunrise, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and Versailles, is like a short holiday in front of the PC.
The level of detail extends far beyond major cities. Whether exploring the Kenyan savannah, landing amidst giraffes and elephants, or observing the realistically simulated shipping traffic off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, the game’s commitment to accuracy is remarkable. Every street lamp casts its own glow, car headlights illuminate the night, and even the displacement of water by different sized vessels is faithfully rendered.
Cloud Coverage: A Double-Edged Sword
While the cloud-based architecture allows for a vast and detailed world, it also introduces significant challenges. The reliance on streaming data, similar to how Netflix streams 4K movies, has led to performance issues, particularly at launch. Problems with texture rendering, including rivers abruptly ending, buildings failing to load, and airports appearing as simplistic shapes, frequently disrupt the immersion.
Flight Simulator is the Forza of the skies: Look at the hundreds of tiny details on this Airbus H225, which is available as a rescue helicopter, VIP and cargo helicopter.
When the system works as intended, the sheer amount of data on display is impressive. The enhanced atmospheric lighting, with more accurate cloud illumination and realistic sunsets, is particularly striking. Ray tracing adds another layer of realism to the cockpits of the 45 new aircraft. However, the inconsistent performance makes these moments of brilliance feel fleeting.
Cloud as atmosphere killer: The textures for the Manhattan skyscrapers do not load into the game and everything looks kind of muddy. Reloading 4K textures sometimes takes quite a long time.
A Fleet of New Aircraft
The 45 new aircraft are a significant addition, each meticulously modeled and offering a unique flying experience. From the massive Airbus A400M to the nimble Boeing 747 Global Supertanker, the luxurious Cessna Citation Longitude, and the historic Douglas DC-3, the variety is impressive.
Tankers, container ships, cruise ships, the entire global air traffic: all of this will be loaded live into Flight Simulator 2024 if we so wish. It’s simply impressive.
The attention to detail extends to the cockpits, with each instrument and control faithfully recreated. Flying the Douglas DC-3, with its analog instruments and challenging handling, offers a glimpse into aviation history. The intricate cockpits of modern airliners, requiring mastery of numerous systems and procedures, provide a demanding yet rewarding experience.
Microsoft and Asobo have recreated all the real oil rigs so that rescue missions also feel authentic. Stormy weather prevails here, waves crash against the outer walls.
Every single helicopter and aircraft has been scanned in 3D and provided with the original manufacturer’s data, and you can feel it. Every screw, the entire on-board system – everything is original and authentic.
According to Lufthansa pilot friends, the cockpits are completely authentic and the take-off sequence also corresponds to their own protocols. Even the input into the on-board computer and how quickly it calculates a new route are correct.
Playable history: It is absolutely fascinating to experience how difficult it was to fly the first Boeing. The pilots had to keep an eye on all these analogue instruments and navigate themselves.
Asobo has invested a lot of work in authentically simulating the melting of glaciers. Ray tracing also comes into its own here, as the ice is reflected in our cockpit.
Career Mode and Challenges
The career mode offers a structured progression system, requiring pilots to earn licenses for different aircraft types by completing missions and challenges. From rescuing crews from sinking ships to navigating challenging landings in strong winds, the career mode provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
The career offers an enormous amount of depth, as we first have to learn how to use winches and complete the rescue helicopter pilot license.
While the core gameplay loop is engaging, the implementation of AI voices detracts from the overall experience. The awkward and unnatural dialogue feels out of place in a game that otherwise strives for realism. Additionally, while military aircraft and aircraft carriers are included, the lack of combat missions feels like a missed opportunity.
The cloud is problematic because in the evening – when everyone is playing – there are significantly more reloading errors. Here, for example, the second part of a river is not loaded, but the first part is.
The challenges are often tricky – for example, when small helicopters are thrown off balance by gusts of wind. Landing on a tiny platform is tricky.
Highway to the Danger Zone: There are fighter jets and aircraft carriers, but no active combat missions or weapons on board.
Flight Simulator 2024 is much more staged than the 2020 version, but Asobo should urgently improve the poor AI voices – it’s embarrassing.
The cockpit of the Super Hornet is detailed and authentic, but there are no combat missions – only partially suitable for military sim fans.
Photo Mode and Final Verdict
The World Photographer mode offers a welcome escape from the rigors of simulation, allowing players to capture stunning aerial photographs without the constraints of real-world regulations. Circling Neuschwanstein Castle at sunset or performing daredevil maneuvers in an F18 Super Hornet provides a thrilling and visually impressive experience.
The sonic boom coming out of the speakers and flying very close to the ground at extreme speeds is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a game of immense potential, offering a level of realism and immersion unlike anything else. However, the persistent cloud-related technical issues significantly detract from the overall experience. Addressing these problems is crucial for the game to truly reach its full potential and earn its place among the best flight simulators of all time. The game’s stunning visuals, detailed aircraft, and engaging career mode are frequently overshadowed by frustrating performance issues, leaving the overall impression a mixture of awe and disappointment. Once these technical hurdles are overcome, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will undoubtedly soar to new heights.
