PC PILOT 'FLIGHT' magazine article

[benEggleston16]

I don't know how many people on this forum read PC Pilot magazine, the average bi-monthly circulation was apparently 17,416. It is a UK publication although writers contribute form all over the world. I'm thinking that figure was for the UK only.
So anyway, it's the only proper FS publication I regularly read, I've grown to like it but even if I didn't, it's the only FS magazine you can buy regularly at a newsagents (in the UK).
How many people (if any) read it, and if you don't is it because you don't like it or haven't heard of it?

Anyway in this months edition (released in shops tomorrow, Thursday 16th), there is a preview of FLIGHT

I would transcribe it but haven't found the necessary hours in hand to do so. I also think it might be a copyright infringement.
I was going to anyway, so that I wouldn't have to answer questions (everything I knew would be in the article) but I will instead take questions.

Here's a preview though, these are captions accompanying various images (use your imagination to decide what they're of!):


Microsoft FLIGHT Previews; A fresh approach to flight simulation

The Boeing Stearmann is availible when you sign up to Windows Live

Microsoft FLIGHT comes with the Icon A5 as the default aircraft

The lighting effects during sunset and sunrise are dramatic

Some of the weather conditions can make flying challenging

The Stearmann exhibits highly detailed external modelling

The slick-looking cockpit of the Icon A5 is both detailed and functional

Hilo is the main international airport of Hawaii

The Boeing Stearmann is easy to fly but a challenge to land well

The HUD displays useful information such as heading, speed and power settings

It is possible to exit the aircraft and explore the island on foot

The water dynamics in MS FLIGHT are better than they are in FSX

A number of different weather conditions can be loaded

MS FLIGHT includes missions to help biginners get started

The aircraft models in FLIGHT are detailed and have been designed using a new modular approach

Aerobatic challenges are also featured in MS FLIGH

It is possible to cycle through different views such as 'Cockpit' 'Chase' 'FlyBy' and 'FreeLook'

Despite having a larger number of objects, MS FLIGHT still maintains high frame rates

Many of the included missions take place in deep mountainous terrain

MS FLIGHT also includes sea vessels such as this highly detailed cruise ship

Hawaii comprises quite a high number of mountains and deep gorges which can be extremely challenging to fly through

I felt these best summed up the main points about the game

Lastly:

(the author's) Conclusion:
MS FLIGHT is a significant shift from previous incarnations within the FS franchise. Many features to which simmers have become accustomed to are omitted in FLIGHT, such as ATC, AI and real weather, not to mention most of the world. As a result, there are those, particularly the more 'hard-core' simmers, who will find FLIGHT quite limiting. Yet, in its defence, I must say that while the missions are a good starting point for new users, they are also fun to fly even if you are an experienced simmer. But there is no doubt that it has much more of a 'game' feel about it than previous incarnations of FS. The serious aspect of FS and the freedom to go off and explore the world or to load new add-ons is not currently possible in FLIGHT although new content will undoubtedly be made availible in the future.
It should be stressed that MS FLIGHT is initially not designed to be a replacement for FSX, but an entirely new concept and product in its right that stands alongside its older brother. FLIGHT will undoubtedly be developed and grow as time does on - but the nature of that development is still unclear. FSX is here for the foreseeable future - for which we are still seeing high quality third-party addons being developed, and I don't see that changing any time soon. So, it's probably best to view the two products slightly independently - one is for the more serious flying, while the other is currently focused on more 'fun' pursuits. By Richard 'Thor' Benedikz (native of Iceland, technical editor and technical director)

Bear in mind that article could have been written in early January (it's a bi-monthly magazine) and don't crucify Richard for (even admitting that he is; ) defending that travesty known as FLIGHT. A publication has to cater to all its target audience, in this case all FS enthusiasts, casual, serious, military, civil etc so please take it easy

[fxsttcb]

Actually, I find that Thor's "Conclusion" reflects my own. Flight is not FS11, won't replace FSX, and will have a different audience.
In a few weeks we'll know for ourselves if it is enjoyable enough to add it to our stable of sims.
For me, the excellent scenery is worth a "Flight" now and again, but, isn't an every day thing like FSX has become...Don

[Ragtopjohnny]

What????? No ATC AI or Weather? Its as if they've gone back to FS2000. No wait, FS2000 had weather. That's sheer stupidity on M$ part right there.

Way to go ruining it, M$

John Thuot II

[angels355]

What????? No ATC AI or Weather? Its as if they've gone back to FS2000. No wait, FS2000 had weather. That's sheer stupidity on M$ part right there.

Way to go ruining it, M$

John Thuot II

John,

I'm shocked by such language! You'd never hear me saying such a thing .......cough cough, gasp, arrrgh! Got something caught in my throat! Oh I know what it is, we asked for a simulator in higher fidelity, managers argued, the bad### managers from the game studio won out because their first person shooters were out earning MS FS so therefore what do the Aces know about making a flight simulator right? So they set to work in complete ignorance and not listening to a single thing WE actually wanted, and came up with the fanciest Pilot Wings one could dream up, to go head to head against Grand Theft Auto, using stunning Call of Duty technology in 32 bit and DX9, one of those rest on their laurels projects. And they shoved it down our throat, that's what I must be choking on!

Is this the replacement of that old obsolete FSX, or just a very expensive offshoot for people who can't live without simulated flying stuffed monkeys?

[benEggleston16]

What????? No ATC AI or Weather? Its as if they've gone back to FS2000. No wait, FS2000 had weather. That's sheer stupidity on M$ part right there.

Way to go ruining it, M$

John Thuot II

I think it meant no real-world (downloading) weather but yes, they have taken a step back

On the other hand, they wanted to build from the ground up and they might not have got tround to adding AI yet but then it seems cheeky to release the game prematurely now, then make us pay AI/ATC etc. later

[Ragtopjohnny]

I think it meant no real-world (downloading) weather but yes, they have taken a step back

On the other hand, they wanted to build from the ground up and they might not have got tround to adding AI yet but then it seems cheeky to release the game prematurely now, then make us pay AI/ATC etc. later

Yeah, but that's IF they're going to add AI/ATC. What would the AI be too? I hardly doubt that they would use real world airlines like Ultimate Traffic or other AI packages out there. They more than likely would use the typical Orbit, Soar, and whatever the third one was.

I also like my flights not knowing what to expect on weather upon arrival, or knowing by checking real aviation weather sites, and then knowing what to expect. At least you know, it will change....

It's really a step back, that's for sure. I'm shocked they went this route personally.

John Thuot II

[lefu]

I was wondering what does the demo offers to us.
i never used demos, and have no idea if we can find all the new game features in the demo..so we can finally decide to buy it.

[fxsttcb]

I was wondering what does the demo offers to us.
i never used demos, and have no idea if we can find all the new game features in the demo..so we can finally decide to buy it.It isn't a Demo! The Game is fully functional with the free download. The big difference from previous MS offerings, is it only comes with the Big Island and two planes.
If you want more of anything, you purchase it. From MS exclusively. No adding from various freeware libraries, no buying from the Pilot Shop, et al...Don

[alaskancrab]

Yup... and I imagine we'll realize that the market for addons isn't just limited to the people on these forums, or the 1.5 million copies FSX sold. I'm sure worldwide the number is higher, they just don't speak english :)