Info about Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition:

Official game description:
From light planes to wide body jets to gliders and helicopters, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition. The world is at your fingertips.  
**Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition** features 37 airplanes, gliders, and helicopters with unique flight models, 25 handcrafted airports, 4 classic commercial airports, 14 heliports and 15 glider airports.  
Explore Your World  
• Vivid and Detailed Landscapes - Immerse yourself in the vast and beautiful world that is our planet with over 1.5 billion buildings, 2 trillion trees, mountains, roads, rivers and more.  
• Living World - The Earth is vibrant and ever-changing and so is the world of Microsoft Flight Simulator, which includes live traffic, real-time weather, and animals.  
Earn Your Wings  
• Aircraft - Hone your pilot skills in a variety of aircraft from light planes to commercial jets with comprehensive flight models. Every aircraft includes highly detailed and accurate cockpits with realistic instrumentation.  
• Checklist System - From pro to beginner, scale your level from full manual to full assist with interactive and highlighted instrument guidance and checklist.  
Test Your Skill  
• Live Weather -The weather engine enables users to switch on the live weather mode to experience real-time weather including accurate wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rain and more.  
• Day and Night Engine - Experience flight at any time of day or year allowing for night VFR, visual flight rules, navigation.  
• Aerodynamic Modeling - A state-of-the-art physics engine with over 1000 control surfaces per plane allows for a truly realistic experience.  
Microsoft Flight Simulator has fulfilled the aspirations of aviators worldwide for 40 years. Celebrate the award-winning franchise with the **40th Anniversary Edition**, loaded with all-new features, aircraft and content that span the history of aviation.  
The **40th Anniversary Edition** update introduces:  
• 1 true-to-life Airbus A310 Airliner  
• 2 helicopters and 14 heliports  
• 2 gliders and 15 glider airports  
• 7 famous historical aircraft including the Hughes H-4 Hercules (aka the Spruce Goose)  
• 4 classic commercial airports  
• 24 classic missions from the franchise’s past  
The **Deluxe Edition** includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 5 additional highly accurate planes with unique flight models and 5 additional handcrafted international airports.  
**Deluxe Additional Aircraft**  
• Diamond Aircraft DA40-TDI  
• Diamond Aircraft DV20  
• Textron Aviation Beechcraft Baron G58  
• Textron Aviation Cessna 152 Aerobat  
• Textron Aviation Cessna 172 Skyhawk  
**Deluxe Additional Handcrafted Airports**  
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands)  
• Cairo International Airport (Egypt)  
• Cape Town International Airport (South Africa)  
• O’Hare International Airport (USA)  
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Spain)  
The **Premium Deluxe Edition** includes everything from the Deluxe Edition plus 5 additional highly accurate planes with unique flight models and 5 additional handcrafted international airports.  
**Premium Deluxe Additional Aircraft**  
• Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner  
• Cirrus Aircraft SR22  
• Pipistrel Virus SW 121  
• Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Longitude  
• Zlin Aviation Shock Ultra  
**Premium Deluxe Additional Airports**  
• Denver International Airport (USA)  
• Dubai International Airport (United Arab Emirates)  
• Frankfurt Airport (Germany)  
• Heathrow Airport (United Kingdom)  
• San Francisco International Airport (USA)

Release date: Aug 17, 2020

Categories: Flight Simulation, Open-World Exploration, Physics Simulation, Dynamic Weather and Mechanics, Aircraft Customization, Mod Support, Real-time Tactics, Environmental Simulation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 90; verdict: Predatory Monetization; summary: The game employs aggressive monetization strategies that significantly impact user experience. The base game is perceived as incomplete, with core gameplay activities and content locked behind overpriced DLC. Users feel misled by the advertised content of the base game and Deluxe Edition, as additional purchases are necessary to access what they expected to be included. The developer's focus on releasing a new version (MSFS 2024) instead of fixing the existing game is seen as a cash grab, further damaging trust. Technical issues with DLC purchases and installations compound these frustrations. Overall, the monetization strategy is viewed as predatory and exploitative.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The user feedback highlights significant challenges with the game's complexity, technical stability, hardware requirements, and user interface. The steep learning curve necessitates external instructional data, while technical issues such as login errors and crashes severely disrupt gameplay. Hardware setup and lengthy installation times further complicate the user experience, making accessibility a major concern.
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken; summary: The Steam Deck experience for *Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition* is plagued by significant technical barriers. The most critical issues include the requirement for an external launcher with slow download speeds, frequent crashes and stability problems, and poor compatibility with Steam Deck and Linux systems via Proton. Additionally, users report unreadable UI elements on the Steam Deck's small screen and suboptimal performance even on high-end hardware. These issues collectively create a frustrating and unreliable experience, particularly for users seeking a seamless or portable gaming experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Extensive modding and add-ons (weight 0.96): A vibrant modding community and marketplace provide thousands of add-ons, including aircraft, scenery, and tools (e.g., FlyByWire A320, VATSIM). This extends replayability and customization.
- High replayability and content (weight 0.94): Features like Bush Trips, Career Mode, live traffic, and multiplayer (VATSIM) offer endless activities. The game supports long-term engagement with regular updates and community-driven content.
- Unmatched open-world realism (weight 0.94): The game offers a highly realistic, open-world flight simulation with accurate global mapping, real-time weather, and dynamic environments. Players praise the 1:1 scale world, real-world locations, and immersive exploration.
- Stunning graphics and sound (weight 0.85): The game features photorealistic visuals, dynamic weather, and detailed landscapes, powered by Bing Maps and Azure AI. Sound design, including engine noises and ATC, enhances immersion.
- Accessible for all skill levels (weight 0.79): Built-in tutorials, customizable difficulty, and AI co-pilot assistance make the game beginner-friendly, while advanced players can simulate complex procedures or use study-level add-ons.
- Relaxing and rewarding experience (weight 0.79): Players enjoy the calming yet engaging gameplay loop, whether flying short hops, exploring landmarks, or mastering complex aircraft. The game offers emotional value through virtual travel and achievement.
- VR and hardware support (weight 0.77): VR integration and compatibility with flight sticks, throttles, and rudder pedals enhance immersion. The game also supports Xbox controllers and cloud gaming for accessibility.
- Real-world training potential (weight 0.75): Universities and flight schools use the simulator for training due to its realistic procedures, navigation systems, and aircraft modeling. It bridges the gap between gaming and real-world aviation.

Common complaints:
- Excessive download size and time (weight 0.68): The game requires 130–400 GB of storage and days to download/update, even on fast connections. Downloads often restart from zero, inflating playtime artificially and blocking refunds.
- Unreliable updates and storage bloat (weight 0.53): Updates (e.g., 140 GB) frequently corrupt installations or require full reinstalls. Storage usage balloons unpredictably, with no cache-saving mechanisms.
- Mandatory online dependencies (weight 0.48): Forced Microsoft/Xbox logins, constant online checks, and server dependencies cause crashes or unplayability when offline. VPNs and regional restrictions exacerbate issues.
- Buggy core mechanics and controls (weight 0.37): Autopilot, ATC, and flight physics are plagued by long-standing bugs (e.g., random trim jumps, gear failures). Keyboard/mouse controls are impractical without specialized hardware.
- Poor default content quality (weight 0.32): Default aircraft (e.g., A320, 787) and airports lack detail, with non-functional cockpit buttons and unrealistic taxiing. Paid add-ons are often required for realism.
- Refund policy exploitation (weight 0.17): Steam’s playtime counter includes download/install time, often exceeding the 2-hour refund window. Launcher-based downloads and forced updates prevent refunds despite minimal gameplay.
- Predatory marketplace practices (weight 0.04): The in-game marketplace is criticized for scam products, lack of refunds, and excessive paid content (e.g., airports, aircraft). Niche features often require additional purchases.

Gameplay feedback:
- Open-World Exploration (weight 0.75): MSFS provides a 1:1 scale Earth with photorealistic scenery, allowing players to explore real-world locations, landmarks, and airports. Features like bush flying, gliding, and low-altitude sightseeing enhance the exploration experience.
- Realistic Flight Simulation Core (weight 0.74): Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) is praised for its highly realistic flight mechanics, including physics precision, dynamic weather, and real-world satellite-based mapping. Players highlight the depth of systems like autopilot, ATC, and fuel management, which mirror real-world aviation procedures.
- Extensive Aircraft Variety (weight 0.73): The simulator offers a vast range of aircraft, from small general aviation planes (e.g., Cessna 172) to commercial jets (e.g., Boeing 787, Airbus A320) and helicopters. Third-party add-ons (e.g., PMDG 737) further expand options, though some require additional purchases.
- Steep Learning Curve (weight 0.72): While accessible to beginners via tutorials and assisted modes, MSFS demands significant time and effort to master. Realistic controls, systems management, and procedures (e.g., IFR navigation) pose challenges, especially for players without aviation knowledge.
- Modding and Community Support (weight 0.71): The game thrives on modding, with a robust community creating add-ons for aircraft, airports, weather systems, and tools (e.g., VATSIM, SimToolkitPro). Mods significantly extend gameplay depth and realism, though some require technical knowledge.
- Training and Career Modes (weight 0.7): MSFS includes structured training modules (e.g., flight basics, instrument ratings) and career modes (e.g., firefighting, cargo transport). These provide progression paths, though some players note repetitive or limited activities during long flights.
- Hardware and Input Requirements (weight 0.69): Optimal gameplay requires peripherals like joysticks, yokes, or controllers, as keyboard/mouse controls are often deemed impractical. High-end PC specs are recommended for smooth performance, particularly with add-ons or VR.
- Dynamic Weather and Live Systems (weight 0.64): Real-time weather (e.g., storms, auroras) and live traffic systems (e.g., VATSIM) create immersive, unpredictable conditions. These features enhance realism but may introduce technical issues (e.g., ATC malfunctions).
- VR and Multiplayer Integration (weight 0.61): VR support offers unparalleled immersion, while multiplayer features (e.g., VATSIM) enable shared experiences with real pilots. However, VR performance varies, and multiplayer requires additional setup.
- Technical and Control Issues (weight 0.61): Players report bugs (e.g., autopilot failures, EFIS malfunctions) and inconsistencies in aircraft behavior (e.g., glider physics). Control schemes can feel unintuitive, particularly for complex aircraft without peripherals.
- Arcade vs. Simulation Balance (weight 0.6): MSFS caters to both casual players (e.g., simplified controls, arcade-style flying) and hardcore simmers (e.g., study-level aircraft). Default aircraft like the Asobo A320 offer accessible gameplay, while add-ons demand deeper expertise.
- Global Realism and Scenery (weight 0.57): The simulator excels in replicating real-world locations, with photogrammetry for cities and handcrafted airports. However, scenery quality varies, and some regions lack detail or accuracy.
- Educational and Professional Value (weight 0.55): MSFS is used for aviation training, offering realistic procedures (e.g., gate-to-gate operations) and systems management. Features like Simbrief integration and real-world charts bridge gaming and professional piloting.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and instability (weight 0.57): Crashes occur during launch, updates, or gameplay, often without error messages. Common triggers include DX11/DX12 conflicts, Nvidia driver issues, and add-on incompatibilities. High-end PCs are not immune to these problems.
- Extremely high hardware requirements (weight 0.49): The game demands high-end PC components (e.g., RTX 4090, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, 64GB RAM) for stable performance at max settings. Many users report crashes or poor optimization on mid-range systems, with some requiring NASA-tier hardware for smooth gameplay.
- DX11/DX12 and driver conflicts (weight 0.3): Modern GPUs (e.g., RTX 40 series) crash with DX11, while DX12 may cause memory leaks. Nvidia driver conflicts (e.g., `nvngx_dlss.dll`) and VRAM overflow are common, requiring manual fixes like file deletions or DirectX switches.
- Network and authentication issues (weight 0.23): Microsoft/Xbox sign-in failures, VPN incompatibility, and server downtime prevent game launches. Wired connections and disabling other network services are often required for stability.
- Visual and rendering glitches (weight 0.03): Users report pink textures, flickering shadows, light bleed, and terrain/object LOD issues. Ground texture streaming and VR performance are particularly problematic in MSFS 2024.
- Hardware-specific bugs (weight 0.02): Older joysticks, RTX Vibrance, and specific GPUs (e.g., RTX 3060 Ti) exhibit unique issues, such as crashes after prolonged play or control key restrictions. Some problems are resolved via OS reinstalls or driver updates.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for aviation enthusiasts (weight 0.38): The game is frequently praised for its immersive and realistic flight simulation experience, making it ideal for aviation enthusiasts, learners, and professionals. Many reviews highlight its value for those genuinely interested in aviation or seeking a unique adventure.
- Requires significant hardware investment (weight 0.36): Players emphasize the need for high-end hardware, including flight sticks, throttles, and powerful PCs, to fully enjoy the game. Add-ons like mods, ATC software, and professional controls are often recommended for a realistic experience.
- Best purchased during sales (weight 0.36): The game is frequently recommended only if bought at a discounted price, as its full-price value is debated. Players suggest waiting for sales or only purchasing if extra funds are available for add-ons and hardware.
- Mods and add-ons enhance experience (weight 0.36): Third-party mods, aircraft, and tools (e.g., FlyByWire A320N, Vatsim, Simbrief) are highly recommended to improve realism and gameplay. These additions are often considered essential for serious players but add to the overall cost.
- Not suitable for casual players (weight 0.34): The game is described as demanding for casual players due to its complexity, hardware requirements, and additional costs. It is best suited for those willing to invest time and money into learning and enhancing the experience.
- Exploration and relaxation highlighted (weight 0.33): Players enjoy the game for its world exploration, relaxing flights, and the ability to visit real-world locations. It is praised for offering a unique and enjoyable way to spend time, even for non-enthusiasts.
- Alternatives may offer better value (weight 0.31): Some reviews suggest considering alternatives like X-Plane, FSX, or DCS for better stability, performance, or value, especially for those with mid-range PCs or limited budgets.
- Linux and Steam versions preferred (weight 0.29): Players recommend the Steam version over the Microsoft Store version for better compatibility and fewer issues. Linux is also suggested as a viable platform to avoid Microsoft Store problems.
- Standard version recommended (weight 0.29): The standard version is often advised due to poor airport quality in higher editions. Study-level aircraft add-ons are suggested as better investments than premium editions.
- Technical issues discourage purchase (weight 0.06): Many reviews advise against buying the game due to stability problems, installation issues, crashes, and poor user experience. Refunds and dissatisfaction are commonly mentioned, particularly for those seeking a hassle-free experience.

Other player notes:
- Criticism of corporate practices (weight 0.09): Players express frustration with Microsoft/Xbox's business model, including forced logins, lack of communication, and perceived exploitation (e.g., paid DLC for critical functionality).
- Deceptive download and playtime issues (weight 0.08): Players report misleading initial download sizes (130 GB) and playtime tracking during downloads, which affects refund eligibility. Installation and updates are time-consuming and data-intensive, particularly for users with limited internet speeds.
- Hardware and controller recommendations (weight 0.06): Players recommend using official Xbox controllers, joysticks, or yoke systems (e.g., HOTAS) for an optimal experience. Budget yoke options are also sought after for immersion.
- Comparison to older versions (weight 0.05): Players compare the game unfavorably to older versions (e.g., FSX, FS2004), noting a shift from community-driven development to a more business-focused model.
- Forced Microsoft account requirements (weight 0.03): The game mandates a Microsoft login for downloads, raising privacy concerns and frustration over forced verification. Players criticize Microsoft's account system and corporate practices.
- Poor customer support experience (weight 0.02): Players report dissatisfaction with customer support, citing unresolved account management issues and lack of assistance for technical problems.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.34): Players experience significant frustration due to persistent technical issues, including repeated crashes, failed launches, and prolonged installation processes. Poor optimization, control schemes, and server connectivity problems further exacerbate the negative experience, making the game unplayable for many despite extensive troubleshooting efforts.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Players express satisfaction with the game's realistic physics, immersive visuals, and stable performance, particularly after resolving initial technical hurdles. The availability of add-ons, avionics simulation, and long-term enjoyment from exploration and community contributions are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Disappointment stems from unmet expectations due to persistent bugs, incomplete base game features, and poor optimization, even on high-end hardware. Many players feel the game fails to deliver on its promises, with issues like terrain degradation, lack of manuals, and forced reliance on mods detracting from the experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is driven by the game's open-world freedom, realistic graphics, and the ability to explore iconic or personal locations. Players appreciate the immersive flight experience, diverse aircraft, and the potential for modding, which enhances replayability and engagement.
- Anger (weight 0.04): Anger arises from perceived corporate negligence, including broken installations, forced personal data collection, and poor customer support. Players feel misled by the game's state at launch, with unresolved bugs, refund difficulties, and a lack of accountability from developers exacerbating their frustration.
- Awe (weight 0.03): Players are awestruck by the game's technological achievements, including its realistic graphics, one-to-one world scale, and immersive flight mechanics. The attention to detail in visuals and physics creates a sense of realism that exceeds expectations for a flight simulator.
- Relief (weight 0.03): Relief is felt when players finally resolve technical issues, such as crashes or installation problems, often after extensive troubleshooting. Successful gameplay, especially on older hardware or after switching to more stable versions, also contributes to this emotion.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement comes from humorous or unexpected moments, such as satirical takes on the game's technical issues, exaggerated crash sounds, or playful experimentation with flight mechanics (e.g., sending an F18 into space). These moments provide levity despite frustrations.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy is derived from the game's exploration opportunities, such as flying over familiar or dream locations, and the fulfillment of aviation-related fantasies. The open-world nature and realistic environments create a deeply engaging and pleasurable experience for many players.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's realism, immersion, and the depth of its flight simulation. Players appreciate the complexity, replayability, and the ability to engage with aviation in a highly detailed and rewarding way, often logging hundreds of hours.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Enjoyment stems from the core flight experience, including piloting various aircraft, exploring diverse environments, and engaging with the simulation's technical aspects. Players find satisfaction in both casual flying and mastering complex procedures.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is directed toward the game's scope, realism, and technological achievements. Players praise its attention to detail, community-driven content, and the ability to simulate flight with such fidelity, often calling it a benchmark for the genre.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is expressed for the game's regular updates, active modding community, and the ability to fly anywhere in the world with realistic weather and graphics. Players value the effort put into maintaining and expanding the simulation.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by flying over places from the player's past or revisiting memories of older flight simulators. The game's ability to connect with personal history or earlier versions of the series adds a sentimental layer to the experience.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is felt toward the developers for reviving interest in flight simulation, providing emotional comfort during difficult times, or offering official support for technical issues. Players also appreciate the game's role in skill development or learning.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust arises from perceived poor business practices, such as forced data collection, broken installations, and inadequate customer support. Players feel betrayed by the developers' handling of technical issues and the overall quality of the product.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for future improvements, such as better photogrammetry, core issue fixes, and long-term support. Players see potential in the game and wish for it to live up to its promises with continued development.
- Resignation (weight 0.01): Resignation occurs when players give up after repeated failed attempts to run the game or accept its flaws, such as high system requirements or inefficiency for learning purposes. Some choose to uninstall the game despite initial interest.
- Recommendation (weight 0.01): Players recommend the game for its realistic experience, immersive graphics, and enjoyable gameplay, often after overcoming initial technical hurdles. They highlight its value for aviation enthusiasts or those willing to invest in hardware.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stems from unexpected requirements, such as login processes, or missing tutorials for complex procedures. Players may also feel puzzled by the lack of shared enthusiasm among peers for flight simulation.}