Ongoing Review of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Much like the previous version, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 grants you access to the entire globe, offering an overwhelming amount of content to delve into. The 2020 edition was special to me as it received the only perfect 10 score I’ve ever awarded in a review. This year’s installment certainly hasn’t skimped on options, although it’s not without its unresolved issues. I find myself still getting into the groove of my virtual aviation journey and crafting this review, chiefly because early access codes were scarce. Moreover, an initial hitch effectively grounded me for the first day. While the game features some fantastic new elements, the overall impact hasn’t quite reached the captivating heights of its predecessor. I was hoping for that mind-blowing experience again, but this time, I’m only impressed.

A notable enhancement in Flight Simulator 2024 is its career mode. You start by picking an airport as your base, join a fictional aviation company, and gradually make your way up the ranks. It’s set up like a typical video game skill tree. Mastering basic missions unlocks new possibilities, such as gaining a tailwheel endorsement after obtaining a commercial pilot’s license. This, in turn, grants access to advanced aircraft and roles like search and rescue or operating a helicopter sky crane. I have to admit, the thought of that got me pumped. Each certification or endorsement paves the way for a varied job roster, from straightforward sightseeing flights to intricate helicopter missions.

The opportunity to eventually break free from the company and establish your own aviation business adds to the excitement. Although I’ve yet to start my own venture, I’m diligently pursuing my fixed-wing endorsements. Wherever that leads, it seems rewarding, and I’m eager to cash in on the majority of those profits to expand and eventually own my fleet of planes.

The early career mode missions are basic flight lessons, essentially reiterating the training flights from 2020 with an identical backdrop of Sedona, Arizona. The tasks mirror those earlier ones but with improved clarity in AI instructions and prompts. The 2024 tooltips are a welcome addition, as they’re handy for keeping track of the multitude of functions. This time around, I’ll likely keep them active, a necessity given my tendency to forget simple things like releasing the parking brake.

The missions expand as you progress, though it struck me as a bit odd that not all missions align geographically with your chosen home base. Starting my career at Machias Valley Airfield in remote Maine, only to then get sent to Europe for various assignments, seemed odd and somewhat undermined my self-crafted “career” narrative. However, that’s more a gripe than a dealbreaker.

Reflecting on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, its sheer scope was incredible. The freedom to soar over any part of the globe in a variety of aircraft made it immensely appealing. The versatility it offered in skill settings meant it catered to all levels, while its real-world data heightened its status from an impressive game to an awe-inspiring simulator. The immersion was thrilling, and it was remarkable to land at well-known airports or uncharted runways across the globe.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s career mode is a delight. In 2020, I created my own mini-missions, like air-delivering a pizza to Matinicus Island off the Maine coast—a real-life occurrence! This structured experience is a fun way to deepen my aircraft knowledge and hone my flying skills. I’m plotting whether to start my airline, a helicopter service, or both, given that I have time on my side.

Adding variety, the challenge league features three weekly events and leaderboards, which I enjoy due to my competitive streak. The F/A-18 rally through the Grand Canyon stands out—it’s not just about speed but mastering flight controls. I managed a respectable time after several attempts, landing me in the Bronze league. The satisfaction of outpacing another player, whose Gamertag unknowingly became my arch-nemesis, keeps me returning to these challenges.

One of the best aspects of the previous game was its virtual tourism. Now, Flight Simulator 2024 spotlights this with photo challenges at world-famous sites. A unique task might require a shot of the Great Sphinx from a specific angle at sunset during the equinox, and you’ll even have to do it on foot.

A groundbreaking feature is the ability to disembark from your aircraft and walk around. While slightly underwhelming due to the slow pacing typical of realistic movement, it adds depth to the experience—terrain details are astonishingly lifelike. Elements like wheels leaving tracks in snow or mud enhance realism further. Encountering wildlife naturally populating their habitats, such as a bull moose crossing a runway in Maine, heightens this realism. I look forward to spotting African wildlife on future journeys—thanks to the use of an open-source animal location database.

Visually, Flight Simulator 2024 has significant improvements, capturing the essence of iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon with incredible detail. Running it on a high-spec PC with an i9 processor and Radeon RX 7900XT GPU elevates the experience, albeit at heavy GPU cost.

Cloud streaming remains a hiccup, as demonstrated by St. Mark’s Basilica appearing textureless amidst a beautifully detailed Venice. I wished for manageable local storage solutions for such vital details, but the developers seem committed to streaming.

Despite these hurdles, my GPU runs at full throttle simply to manage recommended settings, which is less than ideal.

Despite some launch turbulence, my affection for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 grows. While it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of its forerunner, its new features enrich the experience. The initial rocky takeoff is fading, letting me delight in exploring and learning more about aviation through its career mode. As I continue to explore its potential, it remains an impressive offering, even if it hasn’t quite recaptured that electric allure we witnessed with its predecessor.