Microsoft Flight Simulator X (abbreviated as FSX) is a 2006 flight simulation computer
game originally developed by Aces Game Studio and published by Microsoft Game Studios for
Microsoft Windows.
It is the sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and the tenth and most current installment
of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, which was first released in 1982.
It is built on an upgraded graphics rendering engine, showcasing DirectX 10 features and
was marketed by Microsoft as the most important technological milestone in the series to date.
FSX is the first version in the series to be released on DVD media.
In December 2012, over six years after its release, the FSX multiplayer matchmaking system
over the GameSpy network was discontinued.
On July 9, 2014, Dovetail Games, the developer of Train Simulator, announced that it signed
a licensing agreement with Microsoft to continue development on FSX and the production of new
content.
On December 18, 2014, the FSX: Steam Edition version of the simulator was made available
through digital distribution via Steam.
The updated release of FSX includes support for Windows 8.1 and later, along with updated
hosting of FSX multiplayer features through Steam.
== Overview == Flight Simulator X marks the tenth version
of the popular line of flight simulators.
It was officially released to the US market on October 17, 2006.
According to Microsoft's Web site for the game, a standard edition features everything
from navaids to GPS and airways.
It also includes 18 planes, 28 detailed cities, and over 24,000 airports with a deluxe version
featuring 24 aircraft, and 38 cities.
The player can fly anything from a small glider or a light experimental aircraft to jumbo
jets.
The game features an immersive air traffic control system and dynamic real-world condition
weather.
The geography matches the part of the world that the player is flying in.
Jetways and ground equipment are also included in the game.
Flight Simulator X was officially unveiled at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics
Show (CES) as a gaming showcase for Microsoft Windows Vista and is now also compatible with
Windows 7, and with Windows 8 via Steam.
Microsoft released screenshots as well as a list of frequently asked questions as a
press release on Microsoft Flight Simulator Insider, and numerous flight simulator communities.
This also included mission-based gameplay with mission specific aircraft as well as
an upgraded rendering engine capable of increased detail.
Following the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2006, Microsoft published new
screenshots, videos and an official trailer.
The graphical quality of the simulator has greatly increased.
== Development ==
== Spinoffs ==
On January 22, 2009, it was reported that development team behind the product was being
heavily affected by Microsoft's ongoing job cuts, with indications that the entire Flight
Simulator team would be laid off.
The news was later confirmed by Microsoft officials stating they were committed to the
Flight Simulator franchise, with expectations to continue product releases in the series,
but had nothing specific to announce at that time.
On August 17, 2010, Microsoft announced Microsoft Flight, a new simulation game that boasted
a further-improved graphics engine and enhanced simulation features.
In April 2012, Flight was released.
In August 2012, further development of Flight was cancelled by Microsoft.
== Features ==
=== Deluxe Edition ===
Flight Simulator X was released in three editions: Standard, Deluxe, and later Gold which is
a marketing package rather than a "version" as it contains both the Deluxe and Acceleration
versions (only one of which may be installed).
The Deluxe Edition incorporates additional features, including an on-disc software development
kit (SDK), three airplanes with the Garmin G1000 Flightdeck, and the ability for the
player to act as Air traffic control (ATC) for other online users with a radar screen.Deluxe
Edition added pilotable – Grumman G-21A Goose, Maule Orion M-7-260-C Super Rocket,
and G1000 furnished versions of the Beechcraft Baron 58, Cessna C172SP Skyhawk, and the Mooney
M-20-M Bravo.
Acceleration pack added further aircraft – Agusta Westland AW101, Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, and
a racing version of the P-51D Mustang.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition combines the Deluxe Edition and the Acceleration
expansion pack into one.
=== New features ===
New features included in Flight Simulator X include:
Improved graphics Airports with animated jetways and improved
ground services Ability for players to be an Air Traffic Controller
Support for DirectX 10 (in preview mode) Proprietary SimConnect API allows FSUIPC-like
access to Flight Simulator functions and variables Advanced Animations, including wing flex
=== Missions and rewards === The inclusion of "Missions" adds a new facet
to the simulation, adding task-oriented goals and encouraging users to fly worldwide, rather
than just from their home field.
Although a similar concept was available in previous versions, the new implementation
of multipath & event-oriented situations substantially extends the potential for user interaction.
Pilots earn "Rewards" for completing various missions and reaching specific accomplishments
throughout the game (in "Free Flight").
Some of the rewards exist as hidden easter eggs to be discovered by pilots.
Some missions have multiple and hidden rewards, receipt being dependent on performing additional
actions.
=== Learning Center === The Learning Center has been carried over
from FS2004, which introduces the user to the various features of FSX.
Flying lessons are included (and improved from previous versions), voiced over by real-life
pilot and instructor Rod Machado.
The user can fly a checkride at the end of the learning process.
Completion of these various checkrides certify the user with simulated pilot ratings (e.g.
Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, etc.).
This feature also contains aircraft information files that were, in earlier simulators, stored
in Adobe Acrobat format.
=== Artificial intelligence === Artificial intelligence (AI) aircraft are
non-playable aircraft built primarily for scenery and ambience.
They sometimes also play a key role in missions.
Three aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas MD-83, the Piper Cherokee, and the de Havilland Dash
8, have been supplied as AI only by Microsoft.
== Patches and expansions ==
=== Service Pack 1 ===
Microsoft released the first service pack (SP1) for Flight Simulator X on May 15, 2007
to address:
Activation and installation issues Performance enhancements, including multithreading
of texture synthesis and autogen to provide modest performance improvements on multi-core
computers Third-party add-on issues
Content issues
=== Service Pack 2 ===
Microsoft released another service pack for Flight Simulator X about the same time as
its expansion pack (below).
The update is primarily for Vista users that have DirectX 10- (DX10) compatible graphics
adapters.
This version takes advantage of DX10's improved shader model and more pixel pipelines and
increased performance for Vista, approaching overall FSX performance on XP.
It also adds the capability for players who do not have the expansion pack to participate
in multiplayer activities with users of the expansion pack, along with support for multi-core
processors.FSX-SP2 also fixes some more bugs over the original release of Flight Simulator
X.
SP1 is not compatible with SP2 or Acceleration in Multiplayer.
People with SP1 cannot enter a session with players who have SP2 or Acceleration in Multiplayer.
In order to install SP2, SP1 must be installed already.
=== Flight Simulator X: Acceleration === Microsoft released their first expansion pack
for Flight Simulator in years, called Flight Simulator X: Acceleration, to the US market
on October 23, 2007 rated E – E10+ for mild violence and released to the Australian market
on November 1, 2007 rated G. Acceleration introduces new features, including multiplayer
air racing, new missions, and three all-new aircraft, the F/A-18A Hornet, EH-101 helicopter
and the P-51D Mustang.
In many product reviews, users complained of multiple bugs in the initial release of
the pack.
One of the bugs, which occurs only in the Standard Edition, is that the Maule Air Orion
aircraft used in the mission has missing gauges and other problems, as it is a Deluxe Version-only
aircraft.
The new scenery enhancements cover Berlin, Istanbul, Cape Canaveral and the Edwards Air
Force Base, providing high accuracy both in the underlying photo texture (60 cm/pixel)
and in the detail given to the 3D objects.
Flight Simulator X: Acceleration can take advantage of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and
DirectX 10 as well.The expansion pack includes code from both service packs; thus, installing
them is unnecessary.
=== Steam Edition === On December 18, 2014, Dovetail Games released
Flight Simulator X on Steam titled Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition.
It includes content that was provided with the original FSX: Gold Edition which includes
FSX: Deluxe Edition, the Acceleration expansion pack and both official Service Packs and repackages
them in one bundle and a single installation.
The Steam Edition includes an overhaul of the multiplayer support to go through Steam
rather than the now-defunct GameSpy, improved stability on Windows 7 and 8, and features
minor performance tweaks including a complete recompile using VS2013.Additionally, Dovetail
Games has worked with existing developers and publishers to distribute their content
on Steam as DLC.
Currently, there are over 100 add-ons for FSX: Steam Edition from over 35 developers
available on the Steam store including Aerosoft, Orbx Simulation Systems, Real Environment
Xtreme (REX), Carenado, Virtavia, and others.Most addons developed for the original versions
of FSX are compatible with the Steam Edition release.
== Reception == In the United States alone, Microsoft Flight
Simulator X had sold 1 million copies by late 2008.
The game received generally favorable reviews.
On Metacritic, the game holds 80/100, based on 28 critics, thus indicating "generally
favorable reviews".
On GameRankings, it holds 79.79%, based on 28 reviews.IGN gave Microsoft Flight Simulator
X a 7.0/10, criticizing its framerate and lack of graphical improvement over its predecessor
Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight.GameSpot gave the game an 8.4/10, praising the game's
attention to detail, realism, graphical improvements, and approachable missions.
However, the review also pointed out framerate issues on most computers back in 2006.In August
2016, Microsoft Flight Simulator X placed 23rd on Time's The 50 Best Video Games of
All Time list.The editors of PC Gamer US presented Flight Simulator X with their 2006 "Best Simulation
Game" award.
== See also ==
History of Microsoft Flight Simulator FlightSimCon
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D flight simulator FSX spin off
X-Plane (simulator) cross platform flight simulator
Flight Gear open source cross platform flight simulator
GeoFS free, online flight simulator using WebGL technology
Microsoft Flight Flight simulator
Computer simulation List of Games for Windows titles