Info about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Official game description: Edition Comparison ================== About the Game ============== **Fly with Purpose** Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment. **Advanced Simulation** Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator. **Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin** Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries. **Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Editions** **Standard Edition** Explore the world with our largest Standard Edition fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Standard Edition includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports. * Aero Vodochody L-39 * Aeroelvira Optica * Air Tractor AT-802 * Airbus A310-300 * Airbus A320neo * Airbus A321LR * Airbus A330-200 / 200F / 300 * Airbus A330-743L Beluga XL * Airbus A400M Atlas * Airbus Helicopters H125 * Airship Industries Skyship 600 * Archer Midnight * Aviat Pitts Special S1S * Aviat Pitts Special S2S * Beechcraft Bonanza G36 * Beechcraft King Air 350i * Bell 407G * Boeing 737 MAX 8 * Boeing 747-8I & 8F * Boeing F/A-18E * Cessna 152 * Cessna 172 Skyhawk (GP) * Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Ex * Cessna 400 Corvalis TT * Cessna Citation CJ4 * CGS Hawk Arrow II * Cirrus Vision SF50 * Cubcrafter NX-Cub * Cubcrafter X-Cub * Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" * Daher TBM 930 * De Havilland Canada CL-415 * De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver * De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter * DG Aviation DG 1001E * DG Aviation LS-8 * Diamond DA40 NG * Diamond DA62 * Douglas Aircraft Company DC-3 * Draco X * Erickson S-64 Aircrane * Extra E330 * Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog * Flight Design CTSL * Grumman G-21A Goose * Guimbal Cabri G2 * Heart Aerospace ES-30 * Hot Air Balloon N/A * Hot Air Balloon Motor FlyDoo * Hughes H-4 Hercules "Spruce Goose" * Icon A5 * Jetson Aero Jetson One * JMB VL3 * Joby Aviation S4 * Magni M-24 Orion * MX Aircraft Company MXS-R * North American P-51 * North American T-6 Texan * Pilatus PC-6 Porter * Pilatus PC-12 NGX * Powrachute Sky Rascal * Robin CAP 10 * Robin DR400-100 Cadet * Robinson R66 * Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis" * Stemme S12-G * Volocopter Volocity * Wright Cycle Company Wright Flyer * Zivko Aeronautics Edge 540 * Zlin Aviation Savage Cub **Deluxe Edition** The Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 10 additional aircraft and 5 additional handcrafted airports. * Amphibian Aerospace Albatross G111/HU * Beechcraft Baron G58 * Cessna 152 Aerobat * Cessna 172 (SP) * Cessna 188 AGTruck * Cessna 404 Titan * Cessna 408 SkyCourier * Diamond DA40 TDI * Diamond DV20 * Dornier SeaStar **Premium Deluxe Edition** The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports. * Airbus Helicopter H225 * Beechcraft C90 GTX King Air * Boeing 747-400 Global Supertanker * Boeing 747-400 LCE Dreamlifter * Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner * Boeing C-17 Globemaster III * Boeing CH47D Chinook * Cessna Citation Longitude * Cirrus Aircraft SR22 * Pilatus PC-24 * Pipistrel Taurus M * Pipistrel Virus SW 121 * Saab 340B * Zlin Aviation Savage Norden * Zlin Aviation Shock Ultra **Aviator Edition** The Aviator Edition includes everything from the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024. * Aero Ae-45 / Ae-145 * Antonov An-2 * Antonov An-225 * ATR 42-600 / 72-600 * Beechcraft Bonanza V35 * Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing * Beechcraft Model 18 Twin Beech * Bell Helicopter 47J Ranger * Boeing 307 Stratoliner * Boeing 707-320C * Cessna 195 Businessliner * Cessna 207T * Curtiss C-46 Commando * De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou * Dornier Do J Wal * Dornier Do 31 * Dornier Do X * Douglas Aircraft Company & Waco C-47D Skytrain & CG-4A * Focke-Wulff 200 Condor * Fokker F.VII * Ford 4AT Trimotor * Granville Gee Bee R2 / Z * Junkers F13 * Junkers JU 52 * Latécoère 631 * Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2 * Saab 17 B * Savoia-Marcketti S.55 * Short SC.7 Skyvan * Westland Scout / Wasp Release date: Nov 19, 2024 Categories: Flight Simulation, Career Mode, Open-World Exploration, Realistic Simulation, Multiplayer, Vehicle Customization, Dynamic Weather and Mechanics Feature scans: - MTX: score 70; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The game is heavily monetized through extensive paid DLC and microtransactions. Essential content like weather, scenery, and even livery changes are locked behind paywalls, and players face a confusing dual-currency system where real-money purchases still require in-game currency. Reviews consistently describe the game as a cash grab and DLC farm, indicating aggressive monetization practices. - Wiki: score 10; verdict: Tourist Tier; summary: The user feedback primarily revolves around technical bugs, lack of in-game instructions, and the need to seek external help. No complaints mention farming, inventory management, or complex mechanics, so the dependency is on basic navigation and bug fixes. - Proton/Linux: score 35; verdict: Works well with minor tweaks; summary: The game generally works well on Linux via Proton, with many users reporting out-of-the-box functionality or minor tweaks. Some users experience stability issues, controller problems, and account login friction, but these are not widespread. The game is not officially supported on SteamOS/Deck but runs on Bazzite. Overall, Linux compatibility is good with occasional need for Proton version selection or minor adjustments. - Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken with workarounds; summary: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 presents a high-friction experience on Steam Deck/Linux. The game suffers from severe performance issues, frequent crashes, poor controller support, and unreadable UI elements. While some users report it runs well with Proton, the majority encounter significant barriers, and the game is not officially supported on Steam Deck. Tinkering with Proton versions and settings is often required, but stability remains inconsistent. - Hardware Profile: - Summary: Performance across the six hardware cohorts is mixed, with both positive and negative reports of stability, frame rates, and VRAM usage. - Sample size: 927 (12% coverage) - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based. - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (mixed, 211 reports): Users report a mix of stable flights and frequent crashes, with VRAM usage a common concern even on 12GB cards. - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 196 reports): Reports are split between smooth performance on high settings and frequent crashes, freezes, and poor optimization. - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 165 reports): Some users enjoy playable frame rates, but many experience lag, crashes, and VRAM-related errors on lower VRAM cards. - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (mixed, 155 reports): Lower-spec systems show mixed results: some manage acceptable performance with DLSS, while others face severe lag and crashes. - Windows 16GB+ VRAM / 32GB+ RAM (mixed, 66 reports): Even on high-end hardware, users report both excellent visuals and stability, alongside frequent crashes and stutters. - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 32GB+ RAM (mixed, 64 reports): High VRAM and RAM systems still encounter stuttering, VRAM exhaustion, and crashes, though some report smooth 4K and VR performance. - Caveats: 927 of 7472 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based. Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $30.00 - $40.00 - Reasoning: The community perceives the $70 base price as too high given the buggy and incomplete state. Many suggest a fair price around $30, and even $39 is considered excessive. However, some find it acceptable when discounted, indicating a fair range between $30 and $40. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: N/A - Story completion: N/A - Session length: 4.0h - Endgame: 600.0h - Reasoning: The first two quotes describe typical flight durations of 4 and 6 hours, indicating that a single play session commonly lasts several hours; a session length of 4 hours is a reasonable central estimate. The latter two quotes show that reaching a decent economy in career mode requires about 600 hours, and 582 hours yields level 198, demonstrating that endgame progression is deep into the game; thus endgame is estimated at 600 hours. No evidence directly supports total game completion or story completion times, so those metrics are null. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: The game starts with a steep learning curve, bugs, and grindy early career missions, but enjoyment typically clicks after unlocking better missions or mastering the controls, despite persistent technical issues. - Stance: Clicks after - Anchor: Unlocking higher-paying missions - Time to anchor: N/A - Friction: steep learning curve; bugs preventing mission completion; repetitive early missions; control/input issues; tedious UI for control setup; grind for money and aircraft - Unlock drivers: unlocking higher-paying missions; mastering flight controls; unlocking company progression; updates improving stability; learning the UI; unlocking larger aircraft - Conditions: if you are a serious flight sim fan; if you have a strong PC; if you are willing to learn basic aviation; if you don't mind grinding; if you play free flight instead of career; if you have patience for bugs; if you use mods; if you play with friends - Player Archetypes: - Career Mode Grinder (no buy) - Motivation: To progress through a structured career mode, earn money, and buy aircraft, but they are blocked by bugs and excessive grind. - Playstyle: Focuses on career missions, trying to earn credits and unlock planes, but frequently encounters mission failures, crashes, and weather-related frustrations. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A - Free Flight Visuals Enthusiast (buy) - Motivation: To explore the world, enjoy stunning visuals, and have a relaxing flying experience without the pressure of career progression. - Playstyle: Flies freely in small aircraft, focuses on sightseeing and enjoying the scenery, and often uses free flight mode with minimal concern for bugs. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: MSFS2020 - Hardcore Simmer / Realism Seeker (buy) - Motivation: To achieve an authentic flight simulation experience with realistic systems, procedures, and immersion. - Playstyle: Flies with realistic procedures, uses add-ons, and engages in activities like VATSIM or virtual airlines, often focusing on airliner operations. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: flight sim fan; civil aviation enthusiast - Reference games: Digital Combat Simulation - Performance / Technical Critic (no buy) - Motivation: To have a smooth, stable, and well-optimized experience, and they are disappointed by the technical state of the game. - Playstyle: Tweaks settings, uses frame generation, monitors performance, and may play on various hardware configurations. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A 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: - Career mode is praised (weight 0.21): Players consistently highlight the career mode as a standout feature, noting its completeness, progression system, and variety of activities. It provides structure and motivation beyond free flight, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans. - Graphics are stunning (weight 0.12): The game's visuals are widely praised as breathtaking, incredible, and visually magnificent. Players note the high level of detail and realism in the graphics. - Better than MSFS2020 (weight 0.11): Many reviewers state that this game is a significant improvement over Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, citing better performance, graphics, and quality-of-life features. It is often recommended over its predecessor. - Flying experience is awesome (weight 0.1): The core act of flying is highlighted as a major positive, with players enjoying the sensation of flight and the variety of aircraft. The flying itself is described as fun and rewarding. - Free flight mode is excellent (weight 0.05): The free flight mode is specifically praised as incredible, enjoyable, and beautiful, with some saying it is worth the cost of entry alone. It is noted as being not buggy. - Realistic simulation experience (weight 0.04): The game is praised as a super simulator and a high peak in simulation gaming, offering a realistic and immersive flight experience. It is considered excellent for simulation enthusiasts. Common complaints: - Career mode is extremely buggy (weight 0.29): Career mode is plagued by numerous bugs, including mission-breaking glitches, doors not closing, and crashes. These issues persist even after two years and make the mode frustrating and often unplayable. - Career mode lacks aircraft variety (weight 0.07): Career mode only allows a fraction of available planes, often ignoring addon aircraft and those the player owns. This limits gameplay and frustrates players who expect to use their full fleet. - Loading times are excessively long (weight 0.07): Players spend a significant portion of their playtime on loading screens, with some reporting over seven hours of loading in a single day. This severely reduces actual gameplay time. - ATC system is unreliable (weight 0.04): The ATC menu is slow, glitchy, and often fails to respond correctly. Players report that ATC never works properly, causing frustration during flights. - Flight models are inaccurate (weight 0.04): Default aircraft have poor flight models, avionics logic, and system depth. Some aircraft have woefully inaccurate aerodynamics, making the simulation feel fake. - UI is poorly designed (weight 0.03): The user interface is confusing, unintuitive, and laggy. Players find it abysmal and a step back compared to other flight simulators. - Autopilot has bugs (weight 0.03): Autopilot behaves strangely on several aircraft, being unpredictable and buggy. It does not work properly on half the aircraft despite correct settings. - Runway glitches cause crashes (weight 0.03): Glitched runways and stuttering during landing approach lead to crashes. Players experience planes crashing on landing due to bugs. - Career mode lacks customization (weight 0.03): Players cannot customize aircraft with custom liveries in career mode, and addon aircraft or missions are not supported. This limits personalization and modding. - Flight planner is broken (weight 0.03): The flight planner never works properly in-game, with routes not working and imported flight plans rarely functioning. This hampers mission planning. - Aircraft compatibility issues (weight 0.03): Certain aircraft, including helicopters and seaplanes, have issues and are not fully compatible. Some aircraft go haywire and ruin flights. Gameplay feedback: - Career mode is core feature (weight 0.26): Career mode is a central game mode with generated missions, progression, and a reputation system. It includes various mission types and a business management aspect, making it a main selling point. - Career mode has progression (weight 0.21): Career mode involves building a company, buying aircraft, and expanding into new regions. Players start small, earn currency, and unlock larger aircraft and more challenging missions. - Realistic flight simulator (weight 0.09): The game is a highly realistic flight simulator with realistic aircraft and aviation simulation. It supports VFR and IFR flying, and includes sophisticated simulation around aircraft and navigation. - Helicopter missions available (weight 0.05): The game includes helicopters as a flyable vehicle type, with helicopter missions in career mode. These missions add variety to the gameplay. - Diverse mission types (weight 0.05): Career mode includes airline missions, sightseeing flights, search and rescue, cargo pilot roles, and charter flights. It also includes a PPL Check Ride and VFR arrival/departure procedures. - Autopilot and flight plans (weight 0.04): The game features an autopilot system on multiple aircraft, including the Cessna 172. It also supports flight plans and time compression features. - Cloud streaming required (weight 0.04): The game uses a cloud-streaming-first approach, streaming scenery from the cloud. It can run in streaming mode without a physical install, but relies heavily on online streaming. - Free flight mode (weight 0.03): The game supports a free-flying mode, allowing players to fly freely without career constraints. It also supports realistic airliner flying. - Explore entire planet (weight 0.03): The game features the entire planet in real scale, allowing players to appear anywhere in the world in a few clicks. It is a digital twin of the Earth. - Career missions structured (weight 0.03): Career mode missions require following specific steps and have specialization prerequisites. Missions are generated and require progression through the career. - Multiplayer and airline flying (weight 0.03): The game supports multiplayer flying and airline-style flying. Players can fly different aircraft models in a shared environment. - Sightseeing playstyle (weight 0.03): Sightseeing is a game activity and playstyle, making the game suitable for casual players who enjoy exploring and sightseeing. - Worldwide airports (weight 0.03): Players can approach various airports worldwide, including handcrafted airports. The game allows flying anywhere in the world at real scale. - VFR and IFR support (weight 0.03): The game supports VFR and IFR flying, and is compatible with Vatsim. This allows for realistic navigation and procedures. - Learning and exams (weight 0.03): The game allows learning flight knowledge and piloting various aircraft types. It includes a commercial pilot exam and experiences different aircraft performances. - Civil aviation operations (weight 0.03): The game supports civil aviation playstyle with flight plans and real-world procedures. It includes sophisticated simulation around aircraft, flight planning, and navigation. - ATC and weather systems (weight 0.03): The game includes ATC and weather systems, enhancing the realism of the simulation. - Live weather sync (weight 0.03): The game features live weather integration and real-time time of day and weather sync, providing an immersive experience. - Career certificates and specializations (weight 0.03): Career mode includes certificates and specializations for aircraft types. Players start as student pilots earning a PPL and progress through the aviation industry. - Career mode plane restrictions (weight 0.02): Career mode does not allow 3rd party planes and has requirements that some aircraft cannot meet. This limits which planes can be used in career mode. Performance notes: - Performance issues and poor optimization (weight 0.11): Many players report significant performance problems, including lag, low FPS, and general instability, regardless of hardware. The game is described as poorly optimized and heavy for most systems. - Frequent crashes during flights (weight 0.1): A large number of players experience crashes, often after long flights, leading to lost progress. Crashes occur randomly and can happen at any moment, sometimes without explanation. - High hardware requirements (weight 0.07): The game demands high-end PC specs, with many players noting that a beefy PC is necessary. VRAM is a particular concern, with 12GB being tight and 8GB only suitable for medium quality. - Stable performance on modest systems (weight 0.06): A few players report that the game runs smoothly on entry-level or modest PCs, with no crashes and good frame rates. This suggests optimization may be better than some claim. - Good performance on high-end systems (weight 0.05): Players with powerful GPUs like RTX 5070, 5080, and RX 9070 XT report smooth performance at high settings and high frame rates. This indicates the game can run well on top-tier hardware. - Performance varies on mid-range hardware (weight 0.05): Some players with mid-range GPUs like GTX 2060S and RTX 3070 report acceptable performance, while others experience FPS drops. Performance is inconsistent across similar hardware. - DLSS and frame generation help (weight 0.04): Using DLSS and frame generation can significantly improve performance, though some players report DLSS causing performance to regress. Overall, these features are beneficial for many. - Performance drops at large airports (weight 0.02): FPS can drop significantly at large airports, likely due to high asset density. This is a common issue for players with mid-range hardware. - Black screen and hang issues (weight 0.02): Some players encounter black screens, hangs, and crashes, which can occur during gameplay. These issues are not as frequent as general crashes but are still notable. - Performance better than 2020 version (weight 0.02): A few players note that performance is improved compared to the 2020 version, though not perfect. This suggests some optimization progress has been made. - Smooth experience on high settings (weight 0.02): Some players report incredibly smooth performance even with high graphics settings, indicating that the game can run well on certain configurations. - Game fails on high-end hardware (weight 0.02): A few players report that the game does not run properly on high-end PCs, which is concerning. This may be due to specific driver or system issues. Recommendations: - Recommended for aviation enthusiasts (weight 0.11): The game is frequently recommended for people with a strong interest in aviation, flying, or flight simulation. These players appreciate the core flying experience and visuals, even if other aspects are flawed. - Stick with MSFS 2020 (weight 0.11): Many players recommend staying with or returning to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 instead of upgrading to the 2024 version. They cite stability, cost, and the lack of compelling new features as reasons to remain on the previous title. - Wait for a sale (weight 0.09): A common piece of advice is to wait for a sale before purchasing the game, as many feel the full price is not justified by the current state of the product. This suggests the game has potential but is not worth its launch price. - Do not buy the game (weight 0.09): A significant number of reviewers strongly advise against purchasing the game, stating it is not worth the money and should be avoided entirely. This reflects a high level of dissatisfaction with the overall product. - Game is highly recommended (weight 0.07): A substantial group of reviewers highly recommend the game, praising it as a worthwhile purchase and a significant improvement. These positive reviews often come from players who are not focused on the career mode. - Best entry point for newcomers (weight 0.05): Some reviewers believe MSFS 2024 is the best starting point for newcomers to flight simulation, offering the most accessible and visually impressive experience. This is a counterpoint to the advice to stick with 2020. - Not recommended for casual players (weight 0.04): Reviewers advise against purchasing the game for those seeking a casual arcade-style flying experience. The game is seen as too complex or buggy for players who are not dedicated flight simulation enthusiasts. - Consider X-Plane 12 instead (weight 0.03): Several reviewers recommend X-Plane 12 as a superior alternative, particularly for those interested in realistic procedures and general aviation. They suggest it is more stable and offers a better simulation experience. - A joystick is essential (weight 0.03): Reviewers emphasize that a joystick or yoke is necessary to properly enjoy the game, as keyboard and mouse controls are inadequate. This is important advice for potential buyers to consider before purchasing. - Join VATSIM for multiplayer (weight 0.02): A few reviewers recommend joining VATSIM, a popular online multiplayer network, to enhance the flying experience once comfortable with the game. This is a niche but positive suggestion for community engagement. - Check other reviews first (weight 0.02): Some reviewers advise potential buyers to look at other reviews and ratings before making a purchase decision. This suggests the game has mixed reception and requires careful consideration. - Buy standalone study-level planes (weight 0.02): For players interested in study-level aircraft, reviewers suggest buying a standalone add-on plane instead of relying on the included aircraft. This is a specific tip for hardcore simulation enthusiasts. - Best flight simulator available (weight 0.02): A small number of reviewers call MSFS 2024 the best flight simulator currently available, praising its accessibility and overall quality. This is a strong endorsement from a minority of players. - Not worth it for free flight (weight 0.02): Some reviewers state the game is not worth playing even for free flight mode due to glitched planes and other issues. This suggests core gameplay elements are broken for some users. - Buy for long-term support (weight 0.02): A couple of reviewers recommend purchasing the game for its potential long-term compatibility and support compared to FS2020. This is a forward-looking reason to buy the newer title. Other player notes: - MSFS 2020 comparisons mixed (weight 0.2): Many reviewers compare this game to MSFS 2020, with opinions split. Some find it a step back with more bugs and instability, while others see it as an improvement in graphics and physics. - High price criticized (weight 0.07): The game is frequently criticized for its high price, with some versions costing up to $200. Reviewers feel the price is not justified given the game's quality and unfinished state. - Requires strong internet connection (weight 0.07): The game heavily depends on a stable and fast internet connection for streaming data, leading to long loading screens and issues with poor connections. This is a common complaint among users. - X-Plane 12 comparisons (weight 0.07): Reviewers compare the game to X-Plane 12, with some preferring X-Plane 12 for realism in scenery, weather, and lighting, while others find this game better in physics and specific aircraft implementations. - Feels unfinished or early access (weight 0.07): Several reviewers state the game feels like it is still in development or early access, with many bugs and incomplete content. This is a major point of frustration. - Large storage requirement (weight 0.04): The game requires a very large install size, around 300-400 GB including updates. This is a significant barrier for players with limited storage space. - Compared to FSX and older titles (weight 0.03): Some reviewers compare the game unfavorably to FSX and FS2004, stating it is not similar or that FSX is better. Others note that older titles are stable but outdated. - Addon compatibility with MSFS 2020 (weight 0.03): Most MSFS 2020 addons are compatible with MSFS 2024, but some are not yet. Transferring addons requires logging in with the same account, which is a positive for many users. - Requires Microsoft account (weight 0.03): The game requires a Microsoft account to play, and a MS/XBOX Live account must be connected to Steam. This is an inconvenience for some players. - Career mode modding limitations (weight 0.03): Career mode lacks true modding capabilities and is locked down, preventing the use of many paid addons or mods. This is a disappointment for players who enjoy customization. - Paid addons increase cost (weight 0.03): The game has many paid addons that enhance the experience but also increase the total cost. Some reviewers note this as a downside. - Compared to DCS World (weight 0.03): The game is compared to DCS World, with some reviewers preferring this game for its civilian focus and lower price, while others wanted to move away from DCS's military focus. - Compared to X-Plane 11 (weight 0.02): A few reviewers compare the game to X-Plane 11, with one stating this game is the base for flight simulation for coming decades, while others prefer X-Plane 12 and MSFS 2020. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.4): Career mode is riddled with bugs, including broken missions, unfair penalties, and crashes that waste hours of progress. Technical issues like long loading times, performance drops, and control setup problems further compound the frustration, making the game feel unplayable at times. - Disappointment (weight 0.12): The game's high potential is undermined by a buggy and shallow career mode, which was a major selling point. Many players feel it is a downgrade from MSFS 2020, with persistent issues and a lack of meaningful improvements, leading to a sense of unmet expectations. - Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players are pleased with the improved graphics, performance, and flight model compared to the 2020 version. The game runs smoothly on various hardware, offers a rich free-flight experience, and the career mode, despite its flaws, adds depth and enjoyment for many. - Enjoyment (weight 0.07): The core flying experience is highly enjoyable, with realistic physics, stunning visuals, and a vast world to explore. Players find fun in free flight, career progression, and the sheer variety of aircraft and missions, making it a rewarding experience when it works. - Anger (weight 0.06): The game's numerous bugs, crashes, and broken systems, especially in career mode, have led to significant anger. Players feel cheated by the high price and the lack of fixes, with some experiencing lost progress and unfair penalties, making the game feel like a rip-off. - Excitement (weight 0.02): The stunning graphics and immersive world have reignited players' passion for aviation. The career mode provides a sense of purpose and progression, and the fast load times allow for quick exploration, generating excitement about the possibilities the game offers. - Admiration (weight 0.02): The game is praised as a technological masterpiece, with breathtaking graphics, realistic weather, and an incredible level of detail. Players admire the depth of the simulation and the sense of being connected to the air, making it a standout in the genre. - Frustrated (weight 0.02): Persistent bugs, a lack of save options, and a steep learning curve for controls have left players frustrated. The career mode's restrictions and grinding, along with technical issues like crashes and poor VR performance, detract from the overall experience. - Annoyance (weight 0.02): Minor but persistent issues like long loading times, repetitive ATC dialogue, and control quirks have annoyed players. The need to constantly troubleshoot and the game's demanding nature in career mode add to the irritation, making it less enjoyable than it could be. - Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for its incredible graphics, realistic flight dynamics, and the immersive experience it provides. The career mode and the ability to train for real-world scenarios are particularly appreciated, making it a beloved addition to the flight sim genre. - Regret (weight 0.01): Many players regret purchasing the game due to its buggy state and high price. The transition from MSFS 2020 has been problematic, and the lack of improvements has led to a feeling of wasted money and time. - Amazement (weight 0.01): The game's visual fidelity and realism have amazed players, from the accurate topography to the stunning VR experience. The ability to see one's own house and the overall quality of the environment have left a strong impression. - Amusement (weight 0.01): Players have found humor in the game's quirks, such as AI voice acting bugs and the absurdity of crashing planes. The French translation of the radiotelephony alphabet and the 'advanced strategy' of emergency landings have provided comedic relief. - Appreciation (weight 0.01): The game is appreciated for its ability to let players explore the world from above and its deep simulation value. The beautiful scenery, excellent training potential, and the walk-around feature are particularly valued, making it a great tool for discovery. - Happiness (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the game's performance and visuals, which often exceed expectations. The game runs well on lower-end hardware and looks almost lifelike, bringing joy to those who took a chance on it despite mixed reviews. - Joy (weight 0.01): The game brings joy through its breathtaking realism and the ability to explore the world virtually. The first launch experience and the sense of flight are described as incredible, providing a level of fun that is hard to match. - Hope (weight 0.01): Despite current issues, players remain hopeful for the game's future, expecting improvements in optimization, bug fixes, and ATC. The potential for the game to evolve and become more polished keeps optimism alive. - Relief (weight 0.01): Players are relieved that the game runs well on their systems, especially those with weaker configurations. Finding solutions to technical problems, such as switching to AirLink, has also brought relief, as has the game's accessibility to newcomers. - Awe (weight 0.01): The game's graphics and realism have inspired awe, particularly in VR. The stunning visuals and believable flight model in free flight have left players impressed and immersed in the experience. - Sadness (weight 0.01): The removal of beloved features like bush trips and the lack of care in certain areas, such as repetitive monologues, have saddened players. The persistent bugs and broken career mode also contribute to a sense of loss and disappointment.}