Flight Simulator 2002 - Another masterpiece by Microsoft
Written: Aug 12 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Outstanding graphics and sounds, completely amazing compared to previous releases ... MUST BUY!
Cons: Can be a bit too much for older computers
The Bottom Line: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 is a must buy for any plane fanatic like me. I have spent hours upon hours at the computer playing this realistic game.
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| McGlynnEnter's Full Review: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional for W... |
Flight Simulator 2002 is Microsoft’s flight simulator that is constantly changing the flight simulator genre. Does that trend continue for this year’s version? In short, absolutely: the sheer size of the game is mind boggling, several large realism enhancers have been put in, and the graphics are nothing short of breath-taking. The graphics are superb. Even if you don’t have a top-notch computer, you should still be able to play the game and have it look OK in the process because Microsoft has virtually every graphical setting capable of being customized. The planes looked real, the cockpits were dazzling, and the terrain/cities that I flew over were simply brilliantly designed. Personally I’m looking forward to see what Microsoft has up their sleeves for next year’s version in terms of graphics because, in my opinion, there is very little that they can do to improve on them further. If graphics are what makes a flight simulator “real” to you, then you shouldn’t have to look any further than this.
The game interfaces are spectacular, the cockpits for the planes look extremely life-like and everything can be tinkered with, adjusted, and switched on-and-off. In addition to the cockpits, Microsoft has also included a handy interface, accessible through an extensive set of hotkeys, check lists, maps, note pads and logs. In other words, everything that you could possibly stuff into a cockpit in real life. While you are not in the air during a pre-flight briefing or while going through the “ground lessons” to qualify for a more advanced flight license, you’ll also be greeted with a slew of sleek, easy to use, easy interfaces. It’s my stern belief that the reason behind everything being so refined and flawless is due to the years of development put into these games and all that work is finally accumulating into a game that cannot possibly be improved further. Of course Microsoft could prove us wrong (like they’ve never done that before!) and pump out a product next year that will be even better, although I just don’t see how it can be done.
I will admit however that the actual flying can become quite boring at certain times. If playing in regular time mode (with no acceleration turned on), then the flights are the same time that they would be in real life. Now I’m not sure about you, but I don’t have 12 hours of time to spare to squeeze in that intercontinental flight. If you do, then by all means, more power to you. Good luck trying not to fall asleep though. As such, it comes with my heavy recommendation to take advantage of the time acceleration tools included. As for where you can fly, it’s more of a situation of where you can’t fly. Virtually every inch of the world is included and modelled realistically due to the usage of satellite shots. There are many pre-built flights included and you can also design your own with it’s own set of unique weather conditions, takeoff/landing location, and you can even spice the game up by adding engine problems, etc. to the flight randomly. The biggest additions we’ve seen are the inclusion of realistic and interactive air traffic controllers and other air traffic as you’re flying. These are implemented without a problem and yet again, take this game to the next level. The learning curve for this game can be lengthy or quite short, depending on how seriously you want to take it. If your serious about flying a plane then you will probably want to complete all the flight lessons and check out the massive amount of paper work included with the game. If you just want to simply screw around then start the game up, create a flight to your desire, and get the plane in the air.
Actually getting the plane into the air isn’t the hardest part, it’s actually getting to your destination, following the rules, and everything else that comes with flying a plane normally that poses a challenge.
Last but not least, we’ve got the sound effects in the game. Like everything else they are extremely realistic, just like flying in a real plane. The engine sounds are accurate; all the switches make a sound when you turn them on and off, and heck you even hear the flaps moving when you adjust them.
In conclusion, if you even remotely enjoy flight simulator titles then I immediately demand that you run out and purchase this game if you haven’t already done so. This year’s edition out does all others and really shows Microsoft’s drive at creating a flawless product with stunning graphics, realistic gameplay, dazzling interfaces, and sounds that make you feel as if you’re flying a real plane. I’m left scratching my head at the fact that I couldn’t think of any down sides besides the fact that the game can sometimes draw on and seem to never end in “real time” mode. Microsoft has of course put some thought into that and created a time acceleration hot key so even that isn’t an issue in the end.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
McGlynnEnter
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Member: Patrick McGlynn
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 8 members
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