Let’s start with our overall impressions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 by Asobo Studio and Xbox Game Studios, shall we? For me, I was taken away by the high level of detail and variety, especially in flattening the world into 10,000+ rigid body surfaces for simulation. The user reviews reference bugs and broken portion of the career mode which, while disappointing, don’t distract from the meticulous side quests like Medevac experiences or Aerial Firefighting tasks designed for the players. What about you, NewGamer? Any standout features from your end?

Oh, without a doubt! The exploration aspect alone is tremendous! The game allows you to explore beautifully recreated terrain of our earth, making the experience feel incredibly real. That aside, these bugs and connectivity issues from user reviews can cause a bit of a hiccup, especially when you’re in the heart of an adventure. PlayerProX, anything to add?

Indeed, the game has taken a massive leap forward in terms of gameplay mechanics. The sophisticated systems like improved ground, water handling, and the integration of complex systems like electrical, pneumatic, and avionic elements are mind-blowing for me. This is what hardcore gamers are looking for, complexity and authenticity.

I’m especially impressed by the all-new Challenge League mode. Just think about it – this feature alone will fuel the need for structured practice and speedruns will become even more competitive. However, the reviews cite quite a few bugs which would definitely turn off speedrunners aiming for that top time.

Now, what about the narrative aspect? Being a simulator, it’s innovative how they’ve incorporated the career mode, following an aviator’s journey from rescuing and firefighting to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot.

I agree, the story does unfold naturally through career progress, creating an engaging open-world narrative.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 doesn’t have the traditional character development cycles that you’d see in typical RPGs. Instead, our character is the plane you’re piloting, the skill sets we gain are the aviation skills we acquire.

And that holds its own charm. You’re involved with your aircraft, understanding its technicalities and mechanics. And every completion becomes a step forward in your journey.

Visually, the game is stunning. The photometric lighting system, the detailed digital twin of our Earth and landmarks are breathtaking. But checking those user reviews, it seems there could be improvement with the representation of some airports and airstrips.

Audio design really adds authenticity to the experience. The sounds of different engines, wind, and even the in-flight communications made me feel like I was truly in the cockpit.

The challenge level in this game is truly high, especially managing various aircraft systems simultaneously. Some user reviews did mention about exaggerated turbulence, but generally, pilots in this game can expect challenging scenarios.

Unfortunately, while detailed missions offer replay value, they become tedious due to the bugs. User reviews have clearly highlighted this issue. But, for speedrunners, these challenges are what we thrive on.

Ultimately, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a unique, gorgeous, and complex game for aviation enthusiasts, but the bugs hold it back from its full potential. Asobo Studio should prioritize fixing these bugs to improve player experience. If you enjoy such simulation games, you might like Elite Dangerous or Kerbal Space Program.

Agreed. Despite the issues, it doesn’t take away the beauty of flying around in Microsoft Flight Simulator. For the explorers in gaming, I would recommend No Man’s Sky. It has a space exploration element that could delight you!

For those with an appetite for detailed simulations and scope of learning, I would recommend Assetto Corsa or Farming Simulator 19. They have their unique charm in building your expertise in a certain domain.

Despite the faults, this game offers a unique opportunity for speedrunners to compete in simulators. Icarus, a survival game with timed missions, could be a great pick if you’re looking for more timer-based challenges.

Add Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to your Steam Library today!