Microsoft Flight Simulator X

Microsoft Flight Simulator X (abbreviated as FSX) is a 2006 flight simulation video game originally developed by Aces Game Studio and published by Microsoft Game Studios for Microsoft Windows. It is the sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and the tenth and most current installment of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, which was first released in 1982. It is built on an upgraded graphics rendering engine, showcasing DirectX 10 features in Windows Vista and was marketed by Microsoft as the most important technological milestone in the series to date. FSX is the first version in the series to be released on DVD media.

"FSX" redirects here. For the FS-X program, see Mitsubishi F-2.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Developer(s)Aces Game Studio
Dovetail Games (Steam)
Publisher(s)Microsoft Game Studios
Dovetail Games (Steam)
Designer(s)Brandon Seltz
John Feil
Cendol Justin Wood
Patrick Cook
Paul Lange
Composer(s)Stan LePard[1]
SeriesMicrosoft Flight Simulator
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
  • EU: October 13, 2006
  • NA: October 17, 2006
  • AU: October 26, 2006
  • WW: December 18, 2014 (Steam)
Genre(s)Amateur flight simulation
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer (online)

In December 2012, over six years after its release, the FSX multiplayer matchmaking system over the GameSpy network was discontinued. On July 9, 2014, Dovetail Games, the developer of Train Simulator, announced that it signed a licensing agreement with Microsoft to continue development on FSX and the production of new content.[2] On December 18, 2014, the FSX: Steam Edition version of the simulator was made available through digital distribution via Steam. The updated release of FSX includes support for Windows 8.1 and later, along with updated hosting of FSX multiplayer features through Steam.[3]

Overview

Flight Simulator X marks the tenth version of the popular line of flight simulators. It was officially released to the US market on October 17, 2006. According to Microsoft's Web site for the game, a standard edition features everything from navaids to GPS and airways. It also includes 18 planes, 28 detailed cities, and over 24,000 airports with a deluxe version featuring 24 aircraft, and 38 cities. The player can fly anything from a small glider or a light experimental aircraft to jumbo jets. The game features an immersive air traffic control system and dynamic real-world condition weather. The geography matches the part of the world that the player is flying in. Jetways and ground equipment are also included in the game.

Flight Simulator X was officially unveiled at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) as a gaming showcase for Microsoft Windows Vista and is now also compatible with Windows 7, and with Windows 8 or Windows 10 via Steam. Microsoft released screenshots as well as a list of frequently asked questions as a press release on Microsoft Flight Simulator Insider,[4] and numerous flight simulator communities. This also included mission-based gameplay with mission specific aircraft as well as an upgraded rendering engine capable of increased detail. Following the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2006, Microsoft published new screenshots, videos and an official trailer. The graphical quality of the simulator has greatly increased.

Development

Spinoffs
Main article: Microsoft Flight

On January 22, 2009, it was reported that development team behind the product was being heavily affected by Microsoft's ongoing job cuts, with indications that the entire Flight Simulator team would be laid off.[5][6] The news was later confirmed by Microsoft officials stating they were committed to the Flight Simulator franchise, with expectations to continue product releases in the series, but had nothing specific to announce at that time.[7] On August 17, 2010, Microsoft announced Microsoft Flight, a new simulation game that boasted a further-improved graphics engine and enhanced simulation features.[8] In April 2012, Flight was released. In August 2012, further development of Flight was cancelled by Microsoft.

Features

Deluxe Edition
A screenshot showing the Cessna 172 with G1000 (glass) cockpit flying in a multiplayer session

Flight Simulator X was released in two editions: Standard and Deluxe. Compared to the Standard Edition, the Deluxe Edition incorporates additional features, including an on-disc software development kit (SDK), three airplanes with the Garmin G1000 Flightdeck, and the ability for the player to act as Air traffic control (ATC) for other online users with a radar screen.[9][10]

The Deluxe Edition added pilotable – Grumman G-21A Goose, Maule Orion M-7-260-C Super Rocket, and G1000 furnished versions of the Beechcraft Baron 58, Cessna C172SP Skyhawk, and the Mooney M-20-M Bravo.

The Acceleration pack added further aircraft – Agusta Westland AW101, Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, and a racing version of the P-51D Mustang.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition combines the Deluxe Edition and the Acceleration expansion pack into one.[11]

New features
A screenshot demonstrating the high resolution terrain capacity of FSX. In this example, payware scenery is used.

New features included in Flight Simulator X include:

  • Improved graphics
  • Airports with animated jetways and improved ground services
  • Ability for players to be an Air Traffic Controller
  • Support for DirectX 10 (in preview mode)
  • Proprietary SimConnect API allows FSUIPC-like access to Flight Simulator functions and variables
  • Advanced Animations, including wing flex

Missions and rewards

The inclusion of "Missions" adds a new facet to the simulation, adding task-oriented goals and encouraging users to fly worldwide, rather than just from their home field. Although a similar concept was available in previous versions, the new implementation of multipath & event-oriented situations substantially extends the potential for user interaction.

Pilots earn "Rewards" for completing various missions and reaching specific accomplishments throughout the game (in "Free Flight"). Some of the rewards exist as hidden easter eggs to be discovered by pilots.[12] Some missions have multiple and hidden rewards, receipt being dependent on performing additional actions.

Learning Center

The Learning Center has been carried over from FS2004, which introduces the user to the various features of FSX. Flying lessons are included (and improved from previous versions), voiced over by real-life pilot and instructor Rod Machado. The user can fly a checkride at the end of the learning process. Completion of these various checkrides certify the user with simulated pilot ratings (e.g. Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, etc.). This feature also contains aircraft information files that were, in earlier simulators, stored in Adobe Acrobat format.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) aircraft are non-playable aircraft built primarily for scenery and ambience. They sometimes also play a key role in missions. Three aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas MD-83, the Piper Cherokee, and the de Havilland Dash 8, have been supplied as AI only by Microsoft.

Patches and expansions

Service Pack 1

Microsoft released the first service pack (SP1) for Flight Simulator X on May 15, 2007 to address:

  • Activation and installation issues
  • Performance enhancements, including multithreading of texture synthesis and autogen to provide modest performance improvements on multi-core computers
  • Third-party add-on issues
  • Content issues[13]

Service Pack 2

Microsoft released another service pack for Flight Simulator X about the same time as its expansion pack (below). The update is primarily for Vista users that have DirectX 10- (DX10) compatible graphics adapters. This version takes advantage of DX10's improved shader model and more pixel pipelines and increased performance for Vista, approaching overall FSX performance on XP. It also adds the capability for players who do not have the expansion pack to participate in multiplayer activities with users of the expansion pack, along with support for multi-core processors.[14][15] FSX-SP2 also fixes some more bugs over the original release of Flight Simulator X. SP1 is not compatible with SP2 or Acceleration in Multiplayer. People with SP1 cannot enter a session with players who have SP2 or Acceleration in Multiplayer. In order to install SP2, SP1 must be installed already.

Flight Simulator X: Acceleration

Microsoft released their first expansion pack for Flight Simulator in years, called Flight Simulator X: Acceleration, to the US market on October 23, 2007 rated E – E10+ for mild violence and released to the Australian market on November 1, 2007 rated G.[16] Acceleration introduces new features, including multiplayer air racing, new missions, and three all-new aircraft, the F/A-18A Hornet, EH-101 helicopter and the P-51D Mustang. In many product reviews, users complained of multiple bugs in the initial release of the pack. One of the bugs, which occurs only in the Standard Edition, is that the Maule Air Orion aircraft used in the mission has missing gauges and other problems, as it is a Deluxe Version-only aircraft.

The new scenery enhancements cover Berlin, Istanbul, Cape Canaveral and the Edwards Air Force Base, providing high accuracy both in the underlying photo texture (60 cm/pixel) and in the detail given to the 3D objects.

Flight Simulator X: Acceleration can take advantage of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and DirectX 10 as well.[17]

The expansion pack includes code from both service packs; thus, installing them is unnecessary.[18][19]

Steam Edition

On December 18, 2014, Dovetail Games released Flight Simulator X on Steam titled Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition. It includes content that was provided with the original FSX: Gold Edition which includes FSX: Deluxe Edition, the Acceleration expansion pack and both official Service Packs and repackages them in one bundle and a single installation. The Steam Edition also includes an overhaul of the multiplayer support to go through Steam rather than the now-defunct GameSpy, improved stability on Windows 7 and 8, and features minor performance tweaks including a complete recompile using VS2013.[20]

Additionally, Dovetail Games has worked with existing developers and publishers to distribute their content on Steam as DLC. Currently, there are over 100 add-ons for FSX: Steam Edition from over 35 developers available on the Steam store including Aerosoft, PMDG, Orbx Simulation Systems, Real Environment Xtreme (REX), Carenado, Virtavia, and others.[21]

Most addons developed for the original versions of FSX are compatible with the Steam Edition release.

Reception
Reception
Aggregate scores
AggregatorScore
GameRankings80%[22]
Metacritic80/100[23]
Review scores
PublicationScore
GameSpot8.4/10[24]
IGN7.0/10[25]

In the United States alone, Microsoft Flight Simulator X had sold 1 million copies by late 2008.[26] The game received generally favorable reviews. On Metacritic, the game holds 80/100 based on 28 critics, thus indicating "generally favorable reviews".[23] On GameRankings, it holds 80%, based on 28 reviews.[22]

IGN gave Microsoft Flight Simulator X a 7.0/10, criticizing its framerate and lack of graphical improvement over its predecessor Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight.[25]

GameSpot gave the game an 8.4/10, praising the game's attention to detail, realism, graphical improvements, and approachable missions. However, the review also pointed out framerate issues on most computers back in 2006.[24]

In August 2016, Microsoft Flight Simulator X placed 23rd on Time's The 50 Best Video Games of All Time list.[27]

The editors of PC Gamer US presented Flight Simulator X with their 2006 "Best Simulation Game" award.[28]

gollark: You might as well just give them the money you'd pay. This is better for them.
gollark: You're spending money on getting *other people* negative expected value.
gollark: No it's not. It's still a waste of money.
gollark: What shiny new features does it have?
gollark: No you can't. You really can't.

See also

References
  1. "Composer Credits". June 6, 2011. Archived from the original on June 28, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  2. "DoveTail Games Licensing Deal with Microsoft Takes Flight". DoveTailGames.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  3. "DoveTail Games Clears Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition for Takeoff on December 18". DoveTailGames.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  4. Introducing Microsoft Flight! microsoft.com
  5. Remo, Chris (January 22, 2009). "Report: Microsoft Makes Big Cuts At Flight Sim Studio". Gamasutra. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  6. Plunkett, Luke (January 22, 2009). "Flight Simulator Devs Grounded By Microsoft Job Cuts". Kotaku. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  7. Ocampo, Jason (January 23, 2009). "Microsoft Confirms Aces Closure". IGN. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  8. "Introducing 'Microsoft Flight'". Microsoft. 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  9. "Most Popular Games of 2011". ListBuff. November 1, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  10. "Flight Simulator X – Product Information". Microsoft Game Studios. 2010. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  11. "Microsoft Flight Simulator X Gold Edition". Microsoft Store. Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  12. "Easter Eggs in FSX?". P-12C Pilot. October 18, 2006. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  13. "FSX: Steam Edition". cdn.microsoftstudios.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2007.
  14. Lee Purcell (2009). "Microsoft Flight Simulator X Soars to New Heights with Multi-Threading". Intel. Retrieved June 27, 2010.
  15. "FSX-SP2(DX10) delay factors – PTaylor's WebLog". blogs.msdn.microsoft.com.
  16. "'Flight Simulator X: Acceleration' Now Available!". FSInsider. Microsoft. October 23, 2007. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  17. "Flight Simulator X Acceleration Expansion Pack". Microsoft. 2007. Archived from the original on February 19, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  18. "Flight Simulator X Service Pack 1". Microsoft. 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  19. "Flight Simulator X Service Pack 2". Microsoft. 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  20. Dovetail Games (December 18, 2014). "Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition Change Log". Steam Community.
  21. FSX: Steam Edition Steam page
  22. "Microsoft Flight Simulator X for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  23. "Microsoft Flight Simulator X for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  24. "Microsoft Flight Simulator X Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. October 16, 2006. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  25. "Microsoft Flight Simulator X". IGN. Ziff Davis. December 2006. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  26. Magrino, Tom (January 23, 2009). "Confirmed: Microsoft Flight Sim studio closing". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010.
  27. "The 50 Best Video Games of All Time". Time. August 23, 2016. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  28. "The 13th Annual PC Gamer Awards Reveals The Best of the Best For 2006" (Press release). South San Francisco, California: Future US. February 2, 2007. Archived from the original on June 17, 2007.
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