Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 review

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 builds upon the success of its 2020 predecessor with bold ambitions and expanded gameplay mechanics. Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios, this latest installment introduces new features like a comprehensive career mode and more immersive environments. It also retains its realistic simulation core, complete with highly detailed aircraft and real-world locations mapped through Bing technology.

However, its launch hasn’t been the smoothest. It has been marred by server issues, long loading times, and frequent technical problems. These setbacks have overshadowed some of the game’s impressive achievements, leaving many, including myself, frustrated. Despite these challenges, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces a broader range of missions, updated aircraft physics, and varied gameplay options. By balancing realism with structured objectives, the game attempts to bridge the gap between simulation and entertainment.

In this review, we’ll look at the career mode, gameplay features, visual fidelity, and overall performance. We’ll also explore whether its enhancements justify its ambition and if it’s worth your time right now. Let’s dive into the skies and see how this simulator stacks up.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 details

Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Asobo Studio
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Flight simulation
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Taking to the skies

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 expands upon its predecessor by introducing a robust career mode and a wide variety of gameplay options. The career mode offers structured progression, guiding you through missions that range from firefighting to aerial photography. These missions provide concrete objectives that add purpose to each flight, appealing to those who want more than just open exploration.

One mission had me piloting a helicopter to rescue stranded hikers from a snow-covered mountain. Maneuvering through strong winds and low visibility was challenging but rewarding. Completing the rescue gave me a sense of accomplishment that pure exploration couldn’t match.

If you’re new to the series, the game’s detailed tutorials are a great way to introduce you to its complexities of flight mechanics. They break down everything from takeoff procedures to managing in-flight systems. This approach makes the steep learning curve more approachable, though you still need a lot of patience and practice. Customization options for assists and controls also help balance accessibility for casual flyers and add depth for simulation enthusiasts.

Beyond missions, free-flight mode lets you explore the world at your own pace. Powered by Bing Maps, the game recreates real-world locations with incredible accuracy. Flying over familiar landmarks, like Niagara Falls, is awe-inspiring. The addition of live weather adds to the realism, with storms and turbulence affecting both visuals and aircraft handling. Overall, I think Asobo Studio did an excellent job in bridging the gap between a hardcore simulator and a more approachable experience. Whether you prefer structured challenges or serene exploration, the gameplay offers something for every aviation fan.

A world alive

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 takes realism to the next level with breathtaking landscapes and meticulously detailed aircraft. The integration of Bing Maps and Azure AI does an incredible job of ensuring locations are rendered with accuracy, creating a visually immersive experience. Flying over the Rocky Mountains at sunset or circling the CN Tower at dawn feels almost like real-world travel.

The addition of live weather systems adds to the realistic experience. Clouds cast realistic shadows on the terrain below, while storms and turbulence challenge your piloting skills. During one flight over a forest near the Rockies, I came upon a thunderstorm. Watching lightning crackle through the sky as heavy rain hit my windshield was exciting, unnerving and breathtaking all at the same time.

Aircraft interiors and exteriors are equally impressive. From worn cockpit panels to glistening paint jobs, the level of detail adds to the game’s authenticity. However, there are some issues with the game’s visuals. Some objects and textures suffer from glitches, particularly during first-person exploration. While walking around an airport, I noticed blurry surfaces and poorly rendered NPCs, which was both surprising and disappointing. Despite these hiccups, the game’s visuals are one of its strongest points. Whether you’re flying above cityscapes or over mountain ranges, the sheer scope and detail of the world are undeniable achievements.

Grounded by bugs

While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 achieves incredible feats in realism, its performance issues hold it back from a truly smooth experience. Server-related problems, long loading times, and occasional crashes have plagued the game since launch. It has made reviewing this game a challenging experience to say the least.

On PC, you need high end hardware to run the game at its best. Even on a high-end PC, I experienced frame rate drops especially during weather scenarios and densely populated areas. During one flight over a city, my screen froze for several seconds before recovering. This happened at the absolute worst time when I was trying to land. Loading into the map often felt endless, testing my patience more than I’d like to admit.

On Xbox Series X, I’d say performance is steadier overall, but there are still issues. Frame rates are more consistent, but texture pop-ins, stuttering and long loading times are present. During a seemingly routine takeoff, a sudden drop in texture quality caused nearby buildings to look like blobs. It’s moments like this that really took me out of the game and highlighted the limitations of streaming assets from the cloud.

The cause of many Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s issues appear to be tied to server optimization. The integration of Bing Maps and Azure AI makes for great visuals but places a significant strain on infrastructure. Problems like this make you wonder if Microsoft should expand offline data caching to reduce reliance on constant connectivity. Despite these setbacks, ongoing updates and patches offer hope for improvement. With time, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s performance might live up to its ambitious design. For now, expect turbulence along the way.

Challenging yet accessible for every skill level

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 walks a fine line between catering to simulation enthusiasts and welcoming newcomers. While its complex mechanics and steep learning curve may intimidate casual players, the game includes tools to make things easier. Tutorials are thorough and well-structured, guiding you step by step through the essentials of piloting. Customization options let you adjust settings for assists and controls, creating a tailored experience that suits different skill levels.

If you are new, this means you can focus on the fun of flying. You won’t be overwhelmed by technical details. Whether you want a relaxing ride over scenic landscapes or to tackle your first precision landing, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers enough flexibility to meet you where you are. On the other hand, hardcore fans will appreciate the depth and realism the game provides. The career mode introduces a progression system that adds structure for experienced players who want more than free flight. Mastering advanced aircraft systems or completing challenging missions like firefighting or search-and-rescue will keep long time fans engaged.

Ultimately, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is best suited for those willing to invest time and patience. If you’re a fan of aviation or enjoy learning complex systems, you’ll find much to love here. For others, its demanding nature might be a barrier, but the rewards of mastering the skies can make the effort worthwhile.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a beautiful and ambitious experience that needs time to reach its full potential

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an ambitious evolution of the series. It offers beautiful visuals, intricate gameplay mechanics, and a fresh career mode to keep you engaged. The game does a great job delivering a richly detailed and immersive experience. It blends realism with structured challenges that both veteran pilots and newcomers will enjoy.

However, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s launch hasn’t been what Microsoft and fans were hoping for. Performance issues, server instability, and long load times overshadow its impressive achievements. These technical flaws often pull you out of the moment. The addition of missions and accessibility options broadens its appeal, but technical issues often undermine these features.

Pros	Cons
Beautiful, realistic landscapes powered by Bing Maps and Azure AI.	Frequent server issues and technical hiccups.
Flexible difficulty settings cater to different skill levels.	Long loading times disrupt gameplay flow.
Robust career mode adds depth and variety to gameplay.	Texture pop-ins and glitches break immersion.
Realistic live weather systems make each flight feel dynamic and authentic.	Limited offline data options increase reliance on connectivity.

Overall assessment of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Gameplay: 3/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 3/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.3/5 (66%)

While the current technical issues hold the game back, ongoing updates and patches offer hope for improvement. If Asobo Studio and Microsoft can follow through on optimization and server enhancements, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has the potential to set a new benchmark for the genre. For now, the game is best suited for those with patience and a love for aviation. It’s not a perfect experience, but for some, the turbulence might be worth it.

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