Much like its acclaimed predecessor, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers the entire globe for exploration, bringing an incredible wealth of experiences to the table. The 2020 edition earned a perfect 10 from me, a rare accolade, but this year’s version, despite its massive offerings, has been somewhat overshadowed by lingering technical issues. Unfortunately, due to access issues and a shaky launch, I couldn’t dive into the action for the first day. This means I’m still navigating my path to becoming an ace aviator alongside trying to get this review off the ground. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 certainly has some jaw-dropping features that distinguish it from its predecessor, but it hasn’t quite captivated me to the same degree as the last iteration. Rather than utterly stunned, I find myself “merely” impressed.
One of the most significant additions this time around is the career mode. You start by selecting an airport to call home, join a fictional aviation company, and climb the ranks as a pilot. It’s like a classic video game skill tree; as you master initial missions, new opportunities unfold. For instance, after obtaining a commercial pilot’s license, you can pursue a tail wheel endorsement, opening doors to new aircraft and jobs like search and rescue. Alternatively, you could become certified in rotorcraft, leading to unique roles such as a sky crane operator–which, I must admit, I’m quite excited about. Each new certification or endorsement unlocks a variety of job options, from simple flights to more intricate operations, especially with helicopters.
As your reputation and finances grow, the game allows you to break free and start your own aviation enterprise. While I haven’t reached this milestone yet, I’m steadily progressing through my fixed-wing endorsements. Though I’m plotting my future move, the prospect of starting my own company and reaping the profits is enticing. Expanding my fleet of aircraft is a goal I’m eager to achieve.
The career starts with basic flight training missions designed to teach you the ropes. However, these missions mirror the tutorials from the 2020 version, taking place at the same Sedona, Arizona airfield and featuring identical tasks. The standout difference is the improved clarity of AI-generated instructions, which are more user-friendly. The tooltips are extremely helpful, given the vast array of controls. I used to rely on Google to remember how to release the parking brake, but now I might actually keep the tips on for convenience.
As you progress in career mode, more mission types become available. I did find it slightly odd that not all missions were centered around my home airport. After starting at a small field in eastern Maine, I unexpectedly found myself heading over to Europe for aircraft delivery and skydive missions, which hindered the immersive career narrative I imagined. My imagination might need a bit of tuning!
Reflecting on the 2020 Flight Simulator, it’s easy to say it was a groundbreaking experience. The thought of flying anywhere on the planet freely is exhilarating. The base game’s extensive range of aircraft and adjustable assists cater to all skill levels, transforming the game into an incredible simulation, regardless of the long loading times. From famous landmarks to remote airstrips, it’s an unparalleled way to virtually roam the world.
As for 2024, I’m thoroughly enjoying the career mode. Back in 2020, I would create fictional missions, like air-delivering pizzas from Maine to Matinicus Island. But now, the structured missions offer legitimate reasons to improve my skills, stealthily turning me into a better sim-pilot. This aspect is undoubtedly my favorite, with grand dreams of running my own airline or a helicopter company on the horizon.
An exciting new feature is the challenge league, which brings a competitive edge with three weekly challenges and leaderboards. Competing against others resonates with me, as I’m fiercely competitive by nature. Of the first three challenges, the F/A-18 rally race through the Grand Canyon stands out. Navigating Maverick’s jet through the canyon’s gates in search of speed is nothing short of thrilling. It took numerous attempts to clock in at 1 minute 54 seconds, landing me a spot in the Bronze league. But besting an unknown Xbox Live Gamertag still feels great, and I eagerly anticipate each week’s challenges.
Additionally, the game’s photo challenges mode offers a captivating sightseeing experience. Tasked with capturing famous landmarks like the Great Sphinx during specific conditions adds a unique twist. And yes, you can now disembark and get up close, though the experience is impacted by your PC’s capabilities and internet connection. The detailed terrain, whether it’s desert sands or lush grass, enhances the realism, with tracks from your wheels leaving a lasting impression.
There’s also been a marked increase in animal presence. Gone are the days of static markers; animals appear naturally in their expected habitats. A bull moose crossing a Maine airstrip reinforced that authentic airfield experience. While I’ve not seen other animals yet, the game’s open-source animal database means sightings are always possible.
Visually, Flight Simulator 2024 can outperform its predecessor, especially in areas like the Grand Canyon. On a top-tier PC setup, this year’s iteration looks phenomenal. However, the cloud-based streaming has its kinks. During a flightseeing mission in Venice, a glitch transformed St. Mark’s Basilica into a polygonal figure lacking textures. A hybrid model with on-disc data would be welcome, but for now, cloud reliance remains.
It’s also worth mentioning that on my robust PC, the game pushes my GPU to full capacity, even on recommended settings. Lowering the graphics marginally alleviates the stress, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Despite the rough start, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is winning me over, just not quite like the original did. The improvements and novel features enhance the experience without recapturing 2020’s awe-inspiring magic. As issues have smoothed out post-launch, I’m diving back into the skies, appreciating the structured engagements that deepen my understanding of aviation. While I continue exploring all it has to offer, this edition, despite its initial hurdles, is still a remarkable addition to the series.
