Microsoft Flight Launches End of February

By Kevin Parrish
published

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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab). "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.

25 Comments Comment from the forums
  • pckitty4427
    Thumbs up if you wish Aces never closed.
    Reply
  • nikorr
    Can't wait! : )
    Reply
  • Ragnar-Kon
    I'm in the Flight beta. Can't give too much away because last I checked it was still under the NDA. But, I think former MS Flight Sim people will love the game. They also gave the game a "simple" mode for the casual player who just wants to fly around randomly without all the added complexities.

    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.
    Reply
  • pckitty4427
    Ragnar-KonI'm in the Flight beta. Can't give too much away because last I checked it was still under the NDA. But, I think former MS Flight Sim people will love the game. They also gave the game a "simple" mode for the casual player who just wants to fly around randomly without all the added complexities.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...
    Reply
  • freggo
    Forget about silly 'Microsoft Points'; it's kinda like Vegas chips; not real money so you spend them more easily. I'd rather pay $50 for the game and than can have the usual add on development later.

    Reply
  • kitsunestarwind
    Also being a MS Flight Beta Tester I can confirm this is one great looking game, I do enjoy it greatly
    And yes we are still under NDA
    Reply
  • chaojohnson
    So I guess there won't be any add-on aircraft from PMDG, etc. any time soon. This is really disappointing as I've been an avid simmer for a long time. Work leaves me no time to do any actual flying, so simming is all I've really got.

    Come on Microsoft, step your game up here!
    Reply
  • house70
    With so much high-resolution content out there available, it would be really nice to have the whole world available as DLC's with high detail terrain. I hope that's where this is going.
    Reply
  • nebun
    al-quaida will be all over this....let's see, this building looks very interesting, plot that shit
    Reply
  • nebun
    this game needs dx11 support, not some cartoon animation
    Reply