When we reviewed Microsoft Flight Simulator back in 2020, there was no doubt that we were playing something special. Something crafted for not only hardcore flight fans but also a new adventure for curious future enthusiasts to explore and experiment with. It’s something I can admit I never thought I would come to love, but here we are today.
Ignoring its rocky launch day, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has truly spread its wings, bringing with it to the fold a newer, fresher experience that expands upon its predecessor in all the right ways. From the gorgeous visuals, accurate locations and even new game modes, there’s never been a better time to take flight.
The Sky is Yours
There’s plenty to cover once again, so let’s start with some of the newer modes and features. Firstly, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has provided players with an entirely new way to track flights and strive for new challenges with the Career Mode. You’ll begin by completing several training exercises to gain your Private Pilot License (PPL). This then allows you to take on smaller trips in smaller planes, which might involve flying a couple between airports or on a scenic tour.
While the training here is unfortunately the same as it was in 2020’s Microsoft Flight Simulator, it’s thankfully not too tricky or overbearing. That being said, general progression feels like more of a lengthy, stern challenge. The Career Mode essentially sees you completing these jobs for credits, to upgrade your license to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), to fly larger, commercial aircraft. I can imagine most people will begin to squeeze the most out of the experience here, as the challenge steepens while the versatility of new missions and aircraft brings a sense of depth to the fold.
For example, you’ll be able to deliver aircraft between airports, and even engage in Search & Rescue and Aerial Firefighting missions, all of which are procedurally generated. The options here are essentially limitless, and it’s a great way to enjoy various locations, flight paths, weather conditions and times of day while giving you something to strive towards.
Along the way, you’ll also earn experience points with each flight and mission completed, which can help you unlock newer aircraft, abilities and equipment. For example, you’ll be able to unlock certain ratings like the Jet Engine Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Hoist, Rope and Tailwheel Endorsements, all of which allow you to utilise new equipment. There are even exams you’ll have to complete later down the track to test your knowledge and skills, which I failed more than I’d like to admit.
Choose Your Wings
Outside of the new Career Mode, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 throws plenty more at you to keep things fresh and engaging. There’s a Challenge League that sees you facing off against other opponents in more light-hearted, arcade-style activities, like rally races, low-altitude challenges and even those awesome Red Bull and Reno Air Races.
You can even test your photography skills as you navigate the world and take shots of certain locations and landmarks. You’ll take photos to fill out your Travel Book, and even go one step further with certain photo challenges, in a bid for that perfect shot. You’ll even be able to walk around these locations, and while you walk painfully slow, I can appreciate the fact that it’s even there.
While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 gives you all these options, it’s doing so much more when it’s just letting you do your own thing. It’s not to discredit any of those aforementioned modes; they’re all great. But the amount of customisation and choice Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 presents you with at any turn, is nothing short of astounding.
From biplanes, commercial airliners, helicopters and even hot air balloons, you’ll be able to choose between 125 different aircraft as you navigate the skies. They’re all as detailed as you would expect, from the outer paintwork to the interior cockpit and controls. It’s honestly mind-blowing how much detail they’ve managed to cram in, without making things feel overbearing or claustrophobic. Your HUD labels your inner controls and outer landmarks so that nothing ever feels glanced over.
But beyond this, the actual amount of locations to fly in and around, still makes my head spin. Over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities are here, with more than 100,000 square kilometres of countryside photogrammetry. That’s 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports 10,000 heliports to take off from and land in, and 2,000 points of interest to snap photos of. That’s not to mention the procedural system that generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees on Earth.
Pick a place on the globe, and simply go. Of course, you can choose to take off from an airport of your choice, or simply begin your flight mid-air, at a specific location. Funnily enough, I chose to fly over my hometown of Melbourne, Australia before choosing anywhere else. Having that level of familiarity emulated in a video game is something I once again, cannot wrap my brain around.
To top it all off, players can even take to the Flight Planner, a web-based program that replicates real-world flight paths and trips that users can find and share. It’s also fully integrated with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. There’s a daunting amount to see here, most of which you’ll never get to the bottom of, but it’s awesome to be able to fly along a real-life path, as pilots do.
Look the Part
Through it all, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 looks incredible. Be it a detailed aircraft, accurate environments or stunning lighting effects, I just can’t get over how every location you can think of, can have so many different coats and looks.
For example, you’ll not only be able to choose a spot to fly around, but also be able to choose the weather and time of day. That sounds simple enough, and it is. But adjust the actual time of day and date, and you’ll get to fly through the weather conditions, as they were on that particular day. It’s that level of insane.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, with all its new modes and features might seem like an insurmountable task for newcomers and casual fans. But I say there’s never been a better time to jump in. This 2024 iteration simply expands upon all the features and aspects that made 2020’s Microsoft Flight Simulator so good in the first place.
While the Career Mode is certainly long and requires some level of patience and commitment, I love how it directs the overall experience. I also love how simply stopping by landmarks and countries to take photos provides a level of freedom you often don’t find in a game, especially at this level.
But freedom is the name of the game. Above all else, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 lets you do things your way. And I think that’s the best way to do them.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: New modes to enjoy; Fantastic visuals; Fly anywhere, anytime, your way
Lowlights: Career Mode is certainly lengthy; Walking speed while taking photos is painfully slow
Developer: Asobo Studio
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Game Pass
Available: Now
Review conducted on PC via Steam with a pre-release code provided by the publisher.
