Microsoft's new Flight Simulator: How to get it, cost, specs
If you’ve been hesitant to travel in recent months due to the pandemic but are missing the feeling of flying, we have good news for you. You will now have the option to hop on any flight path you want to and check out the world views while still staying socially distant.
That flight won’t force you to be strapped into a small airline seat in a mask, either. It will happen from the cockpit with you as the pilot — and you won’t need hundreds of hours of flight school to make it happen. We’re talking about Microsoft’s new version of its Flight Simulator video game — which takes you through the entire process of flying.
With Flight Simulator, you’ll launch off the runway, into the air, and then soar through the clouds on your path to anywhere your heart desires. While Microsoft has been releasing updates to its simulator since 1982, it’s been a while since it’s been updated. This new version is by far the biggest update yet — and we think you’ll like what it entails. Want to play other classic video games? Tap or click here to play Doom, Oregon Trail, Warcraft and other classic games online.
Flight Simulator’s new features
With nearly four decades under its belt, Flight Simulator is Microsoft’s oldest franchise. It allows players to take a flight to anywhere in the world in a plane that they navigate. This simulator has built a loyal fan base thanks to its realistic imagery and graphics — and the new update only adds to the draw.
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The new Flight Simulator starts off by asking you to choose a flight path. You are then placed on a runway and must go through the process of gaining momentum for liftoff — just as you would in real life. Once in the air, you have to balance your speed and momentum while dodging obstacles that are in the way.
That’s all pretty status quo for a flight simulator, but what’s cool about this new version is there are a ton of new features.
Incredible imagery
This update brings graphics and imagery depicting 1.5 billion buildings, along with real mountains, roads, trees, rivers, animals, traffic and more. The detailed airports you can visit were built from scans and blueprints used in real life, and the same level of attention is given to detail given to both large and small airports alike.
The satellite images work in tandem with Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology to create a world that is awe-inspiring and realistic, and the attention to detail can be seen throughout.
How to find the Wi-Fi password for any airport lounge
Think about it: What’s worse than being stuck at an airport for hours on end? How about not having access to the internet? Outside of reading or counting the sesame seeds on your stale airport bagel, there isn’t much to pass the time until you board your flight.
Never lose your boarding pass or flight details again
Do you travel a lot for business or pleasure? Navigating a busy airport is a nightmare, but it doesn’t always have to be.
Even if you arrive early, there are still lots of unexpected changes to deal with. Sometimes your plane switches gates at the last minute or there’s an extra-long line at the security check. Tap or click here to learn how to skip the security line at airports. The bottom line is flying isn’t always simple.