Microsoft Flight Launches End of February
Microsoft Flight takes to the virtual skies on Leap Day.
Microsoft's rebooted Flight Simulator franchise for the PC -- AKA Microsoft Flight -- will officially take to the virtual skies on February 29. Interested PC gamers worldwide will be able to download it for free and explore the Big Island of Hawaii without having to shell out a dime. Even more, players who sign in to their Games for Windows -- LIVE account automatically receive additional free content, including the Boeing Stearman plane, supplementary missions, and access to Achievements and an Online Pilot Profile.
The news of the February launch follows the conclusion of a successful beta program that reportedly reeled in more requests than Microsoft anticipated.
"There was an overwhelming demand for access to the Microsoft Flight beta and the number of requests was far more than what we initially planned for," said executive producer Joshua Howard. "We received amazing feedback from the beta participants and it’s great to see this level of excitement from fans as we move toward the release of Microsoft Flight."
Also available on Games For Windows -- LIVE at launch will be the premium Hawaiian Adventure Pack costing 1600 Microsoft Points, offering access to hundreds of miles of airspace above the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Also packed into the DLC will be 20 new missions, new challenges, and the Vans RV-6A, a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt airplane made famous for its speed and maneuverability.
In addition to the Hawaiian Adventure Pack, fans will also have two additional planes they can purchase and fly at launch: the Maule M-7-260C for 1200 Microsoft Points and the North American P-51 Mustang for 640 Microsoft Points. The former plane will reportedly feature "a richly detailed external model and a beautifully created cockpit."
"All the aircraft have been created with detailed graphics and accurate physics: Some models allow players to take the helm using highly rendered, accurate cockpits and master authentic piloting procedures, or they can simply use their mouse and keyboard to control any plane in an exterior view," the team stated on Monday. "Players can tailor the flight controls to match their skill level, making Microsoft Flight easy for beginners while still challenging the most accomplished PC pilots."
The Microsoft Flight team adds that no special hardware or past experience is required to play. "IF you have a mouse and a PC, you can fly!" the team added.
It seems as though Flight will release (for free) with only with the Hawaiian Island, and then Microsoft will release content over time to slowly expand the game. The extra content will probably cost money in the form of Microsoft points, but as long as the content is good I won't mind. At any rate, don't expect to fly across the country in a Boeing airliner when the game is first released. But I could be completely wrong, they haven't told us anything beyond what Kevin has written here.
The biggest question I have is whether it will be possible to have extra 3rd party content like their was in the previous MS Flight Sims. But if my guess on their new sales model is correct, I doubt they'll allow 3rd party content.
MS has said there will be no SDK which means there can't be 3rd party add-ons
But who knows how much things might change a few years down the line...
And yes we are still under NDA
Come on Microsoft, step your game up here!
It seems it will be a long time (if ever) before Flight gets to the level of FSX Gold with a few hundred in payware add-ons. Flight physics realism is another aspect I enjoy, but no version of FS has ever realistically simulated the yaw-roll reaction of an aircraft or crosswind landings very well. As a real world private pilot, I'm hoping Flight will at least simulate these physics better.
You can search videos on Youtube for FSX in all its glory of eye candy capabilities. Sure the screenshots and videos of Flight look great, but they don't appear to be a step up IMO from what FSX's engine can still produce. We'll see. Finally, I hope Flight reacts better to video card upgrades than FSX which is almost entirely CPU bound which allows performance increase mostly to CPU speed alone. And will quad/hex core CPUs finally get to show their stuff? More questions that will be answered.
Personally, I just don't get it...why would MS stupidly spend money like this instead of bringing back ACES? It ain't like MS doesn't have the money, you know! I mean, really, if you want some simple flight app, there are plenty of options out there. What a waste.
By the way, FSX is capable of handling 256 cores.
No, actually 1600 points is about $20.
you are now on the US watchlist. Better not fly there in game may get sent home /sarcasim
thanks....i will be careful, lol
Really? Where? I was just in a couple of stores this past weekend and they were still the price I was quoting. Still, 1600 points (even at $20) = a whole copy (almost) of FSX. Once you start to add-in content, and you will find you are wasting your money in this.
Sorry, I confused the cost of 4000 points with that of 1600. My bad. Still doesn't change the cost equation for Flight vs FSX.