Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Review – A ROUGH TAKE-OFF

It’s been a good 4 years since we received the last entry in this series, so was Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 worth the wait? Long story short: yes. However, keep reading on and you’ll discover why I’m quite hesitant to recommend picking this version up at launch.

The Joy of Flight

I should first clarify that I’m not a hardcore aviation nerd, so I can’t exactly comment on how realistic or true-to-life each vehicle is to its real-world counterpart. That being said, the controls definitely feel less “floaty” (pun intended) than the 2020 version. If you’ve ever played Kingdom Hearts II & III, you’ll know the control difference moving from one sequel to the other was… awkward, to say the least. Even though it’s not to the same extent here, it is noticeable nevertheless.

The slightly changed controls take a bit of getting used to as well—especially coming from the 2020 version—but it won’t be long until you’re soaking in the sights or flying around like the top-iest of guns, featuring plenty of different assist options and toggles that you can mess around with. From fast-paced, tricky time trials to relaxing photography sessions that are more chill than yoga, this simulator is an aviation fan’s wet dream… Well, when it wants to work, that is.

As you’re playing, you’ll stop and think “Is this a flight sim? Or a loading screen simulator?” Because it was honestly hard to tell at points. Not only have people had issues simply reaching the main menu after installing the game, but it takes a good 2-3 minutes to start flying on PC every time. It takes even longer to load in the environments if your internet’s as fast as a sleepy koala, and your PC has to be kangaroo-level beefy enough to hit consistent frame rates on the highest graphical settings.

Start Packing For 2025

Speaking of animals; for the first time ever, pilots can step out of their aircrafts and go for a nice, leisurely stroll to check out some animals and nature. Albeit, even if the environmental graphics do look spick and span, the character modelling in this game isn’t great at all. Particularly when it comes to humans, I can’t count the amount of times I’d casually whip pan my camera over to a co-pilot and accidentally jump-scare myself to death. Santa Maria! They almost look like the mannequins from Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose. Why you do this, Microsoft? Why?!

While there is plenty of content to enjoy: the expansive Career mode where aircrafts can fight fires from above, search & rescue, help with aerial construction and so on, or the Challenge League and Activities modes where pilots can compete in races, practice precision landings and fly at precariously low altitudes, you’re still better off waiting until things are much more stable. Especially since Microsoft has announced that they’ll be releasing several content updates relatively soon.

As of writing this review however, the pricing for the four different 2024 editions honestly feel like skyway robbery. If you want all the potential aircrafts and airports that you can shake a stick at, the most expensive, Aviator Edition is currently going for $299.95 on Steam. Let that sink in for a moment… I’m sure you’ve already figured this out, but waiting for a good sale or sticking to the base game for now is definitely the best option.

Decision

Even though Asobo Studio catastrophically bungled the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, it’s still done one thing incredibly well—giving pilots more reasons to stay airborne. Whether it be the intense time trials, relaxing flights across the seven seas or on-foot moments where animals roam, this 2024 version has all that the series needs to reach its full potential. Just need to wait for the runway to be cleared up first.

By Anthony Culinas – Reviewed on PC

Good

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a fun but ridiculously frustrating experience. With solid visuals, new gameplay modes like aerial firefighting and on-foot sections, plus a range of customisable assist options, it makes for an exciting evolution of the series. However, its launch has been plagued by long load times, random crashing and an eye-watering $299.95 price tag for the all-inclusive Aviator Edition.

This game was reviewed using a download code provided by Microsoft. The Beta Network uses affiliate partnerships, however, this does not influence reviews or any other content published. The Beta Network may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links that are on the website.