Flight Simulator X Gold Edition (includes expansion) reviews

I bought this flight simulation with the veiw of learning more about the characteristics of flight. This I have certainly done. But not only does it teach the principles of fixed wing flight, it also teaches the principles of rototary flight. I should warn people that this is not a shoot em up type but is a pure flight simulator and was exactly what I was after.

This game has to be THE most realistic game I have ever played to date. If you are a fan of all the other Microsoft Flight Simulators, this is a must have to your collection!

I don't have the most amazing computer, I was pleasantly surprised that my PC can handle a game of this quality.

Love this game, but that was to be expected as I enjoy flying planes. For those that like the idea of non-combat flying then I feel you will be happy with FSX.

However, the game can be improved on by vast amounts by buying addon packs for teh game. These are not put out my MS though, they are all ‘aftermarket’ products. However, they increase the beauty and enjoyment of the game 100 fold!

There are specific area graphics upgrades, enhancements to the auto generated graphics, weather systems and graphic enhancements and also addon planes that take a while to learn how to start them effectively let alone fly them. However, the learning curve is not so bad because some of the stock planes are easy to fly. The game comes with a ‘Learning Centre’ which walks you through your virtual Pilots licence(s) etc. Also, on your shopping list will be new controllers. if you do get addicted to flight simming there are things like Trackir and yokes and rudder pedals. The list goes on.

None of these are necessary but the game really comes alive and morphs into so much more. There is a great community of flight simmers out there for support, suggestions and info about the addons and just about anything else you may want to know.

They have virtual systems set up where real people man the Air Traffic Control and all planes are expected to act accordingly to real world rules. Again, totally optional (and free). If you prefer multiplaying (again optional) by just getting a couple of buddies together and seeing who can loop a 747 thats all good too. Summary- Game will not be for everyone as it completely lacks combat and blowing stuff up. For those that do enjoy it, you are likely to make this more of a hobby then playing playing a game.

Great Value for money, however the Graphics are lacking a bit and the accuracy of the maps in New Zealand are somewhat off. Great fun though. I would recommend playing this on a very large screen and getting the pedals etc.

Love it. It's not a combat simulator so don't expect it to be. However, it is an amazing virtual world in which you can fly. I love the way it is real geographical terrain. I took off from Wellington in the F18 at dawn and flew North. I could see the Hut Valley as I climbed, Mt Taranaki in the distance, and landed at Taupo airport after getting a good look at Ruapehu.

The actual textures aren't accurate, they are just generated, but there is also a wealth of third party upgrades you can add to make this simulator exactly what you want it to be.

Great price too.

Flight Simulator X is definitely the best of the flight sim series so far. New to this version is the ability to take on missions and receive rewards for completing them.

Tons of add-on content (freeware and payware) out on the net as well; aircraft, scenery, mission, etc.

Be warned though, performance will not be perfect, our computer has 1gb of graphics and the framerates still get choppy around big airports and citys (although I do have the graphics set quite high).

But overall, a great game and a great experience!

this game is excellent value for money. it is one of the best games i've ever played. the controls are easy and effective. i strongly recomend you to purchase this game. :)

The one single draw back to owning such a great sim coupled with 46inch hi-def monitor and grunty PC is having time to simulate! I would recomend this game to those that do and even those that don't!

Even with X-plane X around I still prefer FSX. The community is big and so many add-ons to download. With more and more planes being made you could fly anything. My favorite is the P-3 Orion

Very pleased with Gold over the de luxe version

You really need a joystick of some kind to control it better rather than using the keyboard only. Other than that, excellent!! The expansion disk really makes it worthwhile too. What really blew it away was the bargain price of the software!! Here's to the Mighty Ape Zoo.

This took forever to download and is little different to my original FSX. I thought I was ordering X flight 10 so perhaps this compounds my dissapointment

Quite involved

Great to simulate flying. One can easily spend hours on it, mastering flight!

Still the best flight sim available. Love it and loved the price. Thanks Mighty Ape.

This is such a great game and with a joystick makes it even better. I love this game and recommend it too anyone!! If your a real pilot or just someone wanting to experience a flight of a lifetime, this is the perfect game for you! Recommended to everyone!!!!!!

I have a Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit © PC and it is UNDER the minimum reqs. For FSX © but I got it working on ULTIMATE graphics settings on less than is recommeded. My laptop is low end and the Windows 7 Upgrade advisor © said you cant upgrade to ultimate as it cannot support it yet here I am writing a review on Windows © 7 Ultimate ©

Best deal EVER !!

This has got to be the best Simulator by Microsoft! With the add-ons you can get through flight websites it truly makes the game an awesome game to play.

This is a must have for all those wanna try out flying a plane, helecopter. The tutorials are fun to go on. I especially enjoy the arling pilot missions. Flyin an airbus is awosome.

Have not played yet but from all accounts seems like a great simulator

Good stuff, I don't like flying myself but if I feel a bit airsick after being the pilot I can turn it off and sit on the floor with a stiff drink. It is a lot safer this way.

Great fun

There is probably little that can be said that hasn't been already written about FSX. FSX is great on it's own, but with the addition of the expansion pack, it will cover any aspect of flying we armchair pilots could want. The Acceleration expansion pack replaces the standalone Flightdeck 6 with a version that does not crash on your system. This is every mans excuse not to go out and mow the lawns :~)

This game is fantastic. Upgraded to the gold edition with expansion pack from the basic flight simulator X. Heaps more planes and missions. This game is very easy to install and play. A must for any flight buff.

If you wan't a shoot 'em up game. This isn't for you. The Microsoft Flight Simulator is a very realistic well layed out game. The controls are easy (You can configure them if you want to). You don't need to know how to fly a plane for this simulator. You can just have fun if you want. But the mission based side of the game really helps you get into it and have some fun. Or really fly. The multi-player feature is really great to. If you have fun flying by yourself. Fly with your friends! 5/5

STILL the best Flight Simulator for PC on the market. The Gold edition includes the updates, meaning you won't have to download these after installation. Despite this being the last title in the series, the online developer community for FSX (and earlier versions) is still active and strong, including local developers for NZ content.

I'm late in taking up FSX (having remained with the previous FS9 version for 6+ years) but a recent PC upgrade meant I could finally take the leap.....while the minimum recommended “system requirements” will suffice to run this, you really won't be able to enjoy this to the fullest (highest realism settings) without a higher spec machine (processor/memory).

Still, an absolute must have for Flight Sim enthusiasts and the best option for anyone wanting to experience flight simming for the first time.

This has everything from Learning to fly to flying in the Red Bull Races. You definitely need a controller to enjoy it more.

This game offers a whole new experience for all those flight simulator lovers out there,i absolutly love it,the graphics are extreme and you feel like you are actually there!