Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Review

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the long-running aviation simulator from Xbox Game Studios, has finally landed on PlayStation. This landmark release brings the whole flight experience to a new audience as part of the ongoing release of previous Xbox exclusives to other platforms, inviting players to step into the cockpit and take to the skies.

Players will get their fill of classic biplanes to cutting-edge military jets, and even unconventional aircraft like helicopters and hot-air balloons. The game offers an unparalleled variety of ways to take flight, and with such a vast selection, the possibilities truly feel limitless.

So take flight with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and push your PS5 to the limits of what modern aviation can achieve!

Head to the Skies

Career Mode in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers players the freedom to begin their journey from virtually any airport worldwide, whether it’s Changi International in Singapore or other major hubs like JFK and Heathrow. But it’s not every day that you get to try out a flight simulator game, so it would be advisable to earn your stripes first and start small by learning the fundamentals of flight. For many, the difference between a throttle and a yoke will be unfamiliar territory, and the game ensures that this learning curve is addressed with care.

Unlike arcade-style games, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is quite the opposite, demanding precision and patience. Career Mode is designed to guide beginners through essential lessons, from takeoff and navigation to preparing for licensing exams. While the training modules can feel dry and may frustrate those seeking a quick, casual flying experience, they lay the groundwork for mastering complex maneuvers and understanding the intricacies of controlling your aircraft. With persistence, players earn the skills to pilot aircraft confidently, progressing from the basic Cessna planes to advanced jets.

Unfortunately, this is probably the least interesting and most frustrating part of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 if you’re not a plane or flying enthusiast. It’s best to reiterate that this is not an arcade flying game but an actual simulator. If you’re coming into the game expecting a quick tour or a fast-paced flyer, it’s best to manage expectations.

Unlike other simulator titles, players won’t really go into the “business” or economic side of things, as the focus is more on flying rather than playing Aircraft Manager or anything of that sort. That said, it’s interesting that you can get down from your plane and walk to a destination, bringing players up close and personal with the sights.

Since its launch late last year, one thing immediately noticeable about the game is its breathtaking sights. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a visual and technical marvel, and that remains unchanged in the PS5 version. Playing on an old, non-4K TV will not do this game justice, and part of the title’s appeal is giving players the chance to (safely) fly planes and see the sights anytime they wish. It all looks fantastic, and it’s quite a zen experience flying through these maps.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 treats players to an extreme amount of detail. The variety of planes you’ll be able to fly is vast, from Airbus to Boeing, and they also look as different as you would expect the real planes to look, down to the levers and dials in the cockpit. The amount of research Asobo Studio put into this game is mind-blowing, and the attention to detail is very welcome in a game that touts itself as a simulator.

Gameplay is further elevated by the DualSense controller, which integrates radio commands and responsive controls to heighten realism. Subtle inputs translate smoothly into aircraft movements, which also depend on what aircraft you are flying, reinforcing the simulator’s authenticity. DualSense features, such as adaptive triggers, add a new layer of immersion that’s greatly appreciated for a game of this type.

Crashes are handled with forgiving checkpoints, sparing players from severe setbacks while maintaining immersion. However, loading times on the standard PS5 can be lengthy, occasionally disrupting the otherwise seamless experience.

The World is your Oyster

Beyond Career Mode, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers a variety of experiences designed to keep players engaged long after mastering the basics of flight.

World Photography Mode allows you to soar across the globe and capture iconic landmarks from above. Whether collecting images for bragging rights or simply enjoying the view from the comfort of home, it’s a relaxing way to appreciate the simulator’s stunning visuals. Think of a photo mode ramped up to 11, and that’s basically what this is.

For those seeking adventure, Challenge Modes pit your flying skills against global leaderboards, including landing challenges. While casual players can still participate, serious contenders may find a flight stick essential to climb the ranks, as it offers finer control of their aircraft than a controller can. If you choose to do so, that’s an extra investment in the base game.

Additional activities, such as Low Altitude Flights and Rally Races, unlock once you’ve earned licenses, letting you test different aircraft from your collection and push your skills further.

If relaxation is your goal, Free Flight Mode provides the freedom to pilot any aircraft at your own pace, exploring the skies without constraints. Complementing this is a serene soundtrack that enhances the meditative quality of flight, creating a cozy, zen-like atmosphere as you glide through breathtaking maps.

Turbulence Ahead

While that’s all well and good, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 suffers from hiccups that can dampen the experience. Cross-progression is not available, so you’ll need to start over if you’ve been playing from before. The game will also crash or restart at times, which is hardly ideal. The menu navigation is also a bit clunky and slow, so it’ll take getting used to.

Verdict: Buy It!

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a steep learning curve, particularly for newcomers, but those who persist are rewarded with a wealth of activities tailored to aviation enthusiasts. This is not a casual experience because it demands patience, precision, and a willingness to embrace the complexities of real-world flight.

For dedicated aviation fans, however, the game is a dream come true. From piloting classic aircraft to mastering modern marvels of engineering, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers an expansive range of experiences that showcase the breadth of aviation history and technology.

It has to be explicitly said that this is not a game for everybody. Newcomers may find the very niche nature of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 a bit too boring or pointless, but for the target audience, it is a marvel and possibly an experience unlike any other, barring hardware limitations.

*Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has been reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.