Next in the MS Flight Sim franchise scores big!
Written: Mar 13 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Updated graphics engine looks great! ATC finally included. Professional includes editors.
Cons: Requires a fast machine. Some small bugs, especially in training.
The Bottom Line: If you are interested in flying on your PC, this is a must-have!
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| mlang905's Full Review: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional for W... |
The latest in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series is even better than before. In a languishing market for flight simulators, Microsoft has managed to add another version to the series that finally begin to take advantage of the horsepower available in today's machines. Gone are most of the competitors, including Terminal Reality's Fly! series (personal favourite) and others.
The graphics are significantly updated from earlier versions, with the most interesting graphic feature being the auto-generation of terrain. Basically, objects are sprinkled randomly across terrain areas based on the type of terrain, a significant departure from the older technique of rendering hi-res textures. While this looks much better from low altitude than the old texture maps, be warned that you need a fast machine to keep the framerate up to something playable. If you want to see even better graphics, take a look at the MS Combat Flight Sim series!
From a modeling perspective, the actual 3d models are much much better, with higher polygon counts and more accurate detailing.
While I haven't had a chance to really examing the flight modeling in detail, limited testing on my part would suggest that aircraft behave relatively realistic.
Rod Machado also lends a hand in the training modes, which while being a little buggy, are fantastic! I am stuck in one of the private pilot lessons where I have completed the required takeoffs and turns, but keep failing the lesson (you have to pass the lesson to move on). There are lessons that have been expanded from earlier Flight Sim versions to more closely follow what real-world training looks like. And being a big fan of Rod Machado, who loves to inject a little humour into the learning, makes the training exercises very enjoyable even while performing some of the more mundane routines required to get or stay in the air.
As a private pilot in real life, I would recommend this to others interested in persuing a career in flying, or even just pushing some pixels around on the screen.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mlang905
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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