Coming back with a full global itinerary, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 invites players to explore the wonders of our planet from high above, much like the groundbreaking 2020 edition. While the sheer variety of experiences seems boundless, familiar hiccups remain a backdrop to this otherwise extraordinary flight journey. The last review saw me giving a perfect 10 to Microsoft’s 2020 installment, and as I dive into this year’s version, the thrill remains, albeit tempered. The game’s immense potential was slightly dulled by some rocky takeoff issues, like the first few hours of unplayability and the lack of early access. Still, as I continue exploring my fledgling pilot career and crafting this review, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 keeps impressing, albeit falling just shy of the jaw-dropping awe of its predecessor.
Kicking things off, the most notable addition is the career mode. You choose your base airport, sign up with a fictional airline, and embark on a pilot’s career journey. It operates much like a classic video game skill tree; completing beginner missions unlocks advanced opportunities. Moving from a commercial pilot’s license to tail-wheel endorsements, or even rotorcraft certification, opens doors to fascinating roles, like flying search and rescue missions or operating a sky crane—this feature alone makes me mutter a delighted, “hell yeah!” Each certification grants access to varied gigs, ranging from simple scenic flights to intricate helicopter operations.
As you build your reputation and finances, you eventually gain the freedom to establish your own aviation company. While I haven’t yet reached that milestone, I’m steadily acquiring fixed-wing endorsements and eyeing an eventual solo venture. Building my own fleet and reaping those entrepreneurial rewards is an exciting prospect.
Initiating career mode sees you taking on basic flight training, reminiscent of tutorials from 2020. The sessions revisit the same Sedona, Arizona airstrip and tasks, but with improved AI guidance and clearer tips on what each mission demands of you. The tooltips in 2024 are especially helpful, sparing me from endless Google searches for simple actions like releasing the parking brake. Even against my usual preference for disabling such aids, I find myself keeping them on; they’re just handy, given my knack for forgetfulness.
As you progress, new missions unlock, although with an interesting twist—they’re not always near your home field. After picking a secluded spot in Maine as my base, missions soon steered me towards European adventures like aircraft deliveries and skydives. While it somewhat disrupted my imagined career trajectory, it’s a minor quirk in an otherwise engaging experience.
Reflecting on the 2020 version, it was a marvel, offering unparalleled freedom to explore every corner of the globe by air, with a versatile set of aircraft and adjustable assists to suit pilots of all skill levels. The mapping technology elevated it from an impressive game to an awe-inspiring simulation, despite lengthy load times.
Now in 2024, I find joy in the new career mode, unlike 2020 where I crafted my own little missions such as airlifting pizzas to Matinicus Island. The structured setting provides a purpose for mastering flight intricacies, steadily honing my piloting skills. I’m thrilled at the thought of opening my own airline or helicopter business—or maybe both.
Adding to the mix is the challenge league. This segment brings a touch more of a game-y flair while preserving the sophisticated flight simulations I adore. Each week presents three new challenges and leaderboards, which I can’t help but compete against. The F/A-18 rally race through the Grand Canyon stands out with its exhilarating quest for speed through the slalom gates amidst this natural wonder—a blast despite its difficulty, achieving a mere Bronze league standing nonetheless satisfying.
One captivating feature I cherished from the last Simulator is back with a spotlight in 2024: sightseeing. In the photo challenges mode, you visit iconic landmarks to capture them in unique conditions. These tasks encourage landing, stepping out, and exploring the terrain on foot, although walking feels tediously slow compared to typical gaming paces. The environmental details depend on a blend of your PC’s power, internet connection, and cloud server health, offering a varied visual experience.
Despite minor issues like pixelated placeholders appearing instead of Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, the overall graphical leaps in terrain realism—from rolling grassy airstrips to sandy deserts—enhance immersion. My powerful PC rig—highlighted by an i9 processor and Radeon GPU—handles the high demands, yet reaches full capacity, an aspect needing optimization.
Reflecting on the launch glitches, I am enthralled by Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While it hasn’t recaptured the groundbreaking magic from its predecessor, the improvements are noteworthy. As early hurdles fade, I’m relishing both the unrestricted exploratory flights and the added depth career mode brings to understanding aviation. I plan to keep exploring before giving my conclusive verdict, but for now, even its initial troubles can’t detract from how remarkable the 2024 edition truly is.
