Overall – 80%
80%
Official Score
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an absolute must for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Not only does it feel great, it will leave pilots with a strong feeling of wanderlust and a yearning for their next flight.
Although Asobo Studio’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched in a very rough state, a few weeks have passed since then. Is this title ready for takeoff?
Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 Review
We did not play the original Microsoft Flight Simulator released 2020, so the skies of the 2024 release were new to us
While a campaign is available, it simply serves as tutorial that runs pilots through the “basics” of the game. The only thing basic about it is the flying – and that’s a stretch.
Beyond that, players will question how one will ever remember everything. From removing the blocks from under the plane wheels to unplugging the exhaust pipe before takeoff, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 goes deep. However, with enough trial and error, flying becomes second nature.
At that point, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 becomes really enjoyable.
After passing certifications and doing some flying, players can begin missions that earn credits. These can then be used to buy more planes and get more certifications for new plane types, helicopters, and the like.
While some are easy, like dropping off skydivers or doing escort missions, others task players with picking up injured people and drop them off at a hospital – always a bit dicey on a controller.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s missions are a great addition to the title, definitely keeping one busy – even if they don’t pay much.
The crux of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is flying anywhere on Earth you want to go. The flying itself takes a bit of getting used to, especially since each plane is handles differently.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s best option is the free flight mode. You just pick a plane, pick a spot to spawn in at, and then start flying. It is very relaxing until you fly too high or take a turn too quickly and start hearing “Stall! Stall! Stall” right before you drop like an anvil.
It’s a lesson you only need to learn once.
While you can visit anywhere in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s Free Flight mode, the World Photographer mode takes a more direct approach.
Featuring a series of challenges, players will set out to find real-life monuments like the Pyramids or the Golden Gate Bridge. One can even leave one’s plane and explore the monuments on foot.
We visited a Japanese temple with a float plane, which we never expected to be flying. The only downside is you’ll want to visit these places in real life – at least, until you look up ticket prices.
As for other objective-based game types, one can check activities in the main menu. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 features a few different race types with leaderboards, with races against a ghost rather than other players.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 also features landing challenges. These are not fun and low altitude to boot, having players flying low for bonus points.
Despite that, low altitude does give players a fast jet, with climbs, with one blacking out for climbing too quickly. We originally thought we were respawning, but catching our breath got us our vision back. It’s a pretty cool feature, adding to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s authenticity.
There were issues logging into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 at launch, but they did not appear in the coming days during our review period.
Despite that, note there are issues when you are on the ground like pop in and textures refusing to load. However, this could be due to our always-online nature – the fault could very well lie on our end.
Do note Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is always online; if you can’t connect, you can’t play.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an absolute must for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Not only does it feel great, it will leave pilots with a strong feeling of wanderlust and a yearning for their next flight.
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION’s three-tiered table provides a triple threat of action.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a fantastic game that flirts with greatness but falls short of being truly incredible.
Continue Reading S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl Review – A Brilliant, Brutal, Buggy Mess
Fans of the original Dragon Quest III will feel right at home with this stellar HD-2D Remake. Rise, fellow heroes, and slay the great Archfiend.
While Rage of the Dragons NEO packs a steep learning curve, this fighter greatly rewards those that put in the effort.
Planet Coaster 2 harbors a level of creativity unmatched in this space. Its attention to detail is so intense, that its biggest challenge is forming a straight path without destroying half the planet.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival features a killer setlist, a great difficulty curve, and a splash of flash.