W33

I think the key to any hobby's longevity, is to have more than one.

Playing pretend pilot, day after day, week after week, would drive even the most ardent simmer mad, which is why I try and combine flight simulation with other pursuits.

If I were you, I wouldn't delete your account, I would just take a break and perhaps pursue some different activities.

W33

Like many others, I'm thoroughly enjoying my time with MSFS.

Not only is the default topography fantastic, there's also the excellent photographic overlay to go along with it (how much would that cost in the past?). Then there's the added challenge of sloped runways (like X-Plane and more recently, P3D), plus some wonderful weather effects.

Yes, it's not complete (or finished some would say), but then again, I can't remember a sim which has been. If you're looking for the perfect "binary" flying experience, then all previous simulators have been incomplete in one way or the other.

I'm just grateful that we have a range of simulators to choose from. None of them are perfect, none of them are real, but all of them in their own way are enjoyable.

W33

People viewing the forum right now:

 

FSX (378)

MSFS Screen Shot Forum (298)

FS2004 (260)

MSFS Flight Simulator 2020 (175)

 

 

...these numbers do tell a story - and I'm not bashing any sim.

That's only in here.

However, if you have a look on Facebook, you'll see:

FS2004 = 770 members

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1947180468719584

FS2020 = 60,000 members

https://www.facebook.com/groups/608473926761307

If you go to an X-Plane site, that will probably be in the thousands.

I can understand the passion for FS2004, it was a good sim in its day, but time moves on and as such it looks severely dated.

That doesn't mean it's not enjoyable...of course it is, very much so.

However, for those who do enjoy using it, I suggest they spend their time and energy playing it rather than trying to persuade others of its virtues. More often than not, you're not going to change anyone's point of view and the whole thread just turns into a slug fest. How often has Dominic or Nels closed threads because of this?

I suggest we just enjoy what we have and let others do the same.

W33

We had Flight Simulator (Sublogic) for the Apple II way back in 79, so I guess I go back a bit.

W33

I'm having the most fun I've had in years with the new sim.

Sorry to hear you're having difficulties.

W33

No issues here. My aging hardware worked out of the box.

Flying colors!

W33

I can see this is going to be another thread the mods are going to close.

Why can't you just respect each others opinions and enjoy what you use? If you have to put your point across, to it a manner in which you yourself would life to be spoken to.

Honestly, I come here to enjoy flight simulation, but all I see is constant bickering.

Please...it really does get tiring and you end up spoiling it for quite a few people.

W33

Its only one week later and CDKeys.com has it at 15% off. What's that tell you?

15% off...

I was told that you can "Pan" if you hook up an Xbox controller.

I have used an Xbox controller for panning since day one, and it works perfectly in Drone mode.

W33

Simming is simming and so will never totally replicate the real thing...even with VR.

Sure...it will add a degree of realism, but you're still planted on your backside sipping coffee pretending to be Chuck.

Don't get me wrong, my Rift is fun (for short periods of time on certain games)...but for a long flight on X-Plane; I don't use it.

When VR incorporates/includes additional senses, then I might be tempted, but in its current state...no.

I just have better things to do in life...like, experience things for real :-)

W33

so after an evening of installing 9 DVDs & then downloading the trueEarth Ive spent the morning flying a Cessna around the south of england and London. And WOW - the scenery at a height is truly incredible. Very glad I didnt wait until the new Microsoft sim is released. am well pleased - this will definitely keep me entertained for many months. Thank you for the suggestions

Excellent...really pleased you got the setup you wanted!

Now the sky really is the limit :-)

Happy flying:pilot:

Dominic

Can't wait...bring it on :-)

W33

These are some of the most realistic cloud formations I have ever seen in a home flight simulator.

The color and depth is incredible!

More here

https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/flight-simulators-volumetric-clouds-are-stunning-in-new-images-and-in-motion/

Exciting times for sure!

W33

As someone who's involved in the effort to help, I've witnessed more kindness in the past two weeks, than I have in the last ten years!

Yes it's bad out there, but there's also a lot of good!

Not what I see in here (the usual bitching and moaning).

W33

No, it's not my only PC. I have a Win 10 PC. For the first time in my life since leaving Win 7 and going to Win 10, it is no longer possible to run everything from one PC.

There are issues with almost everything that is not current in Win 10, everything is a headache. There are fixes and workarounds for some things, others simply remain broken and don't work. The list of broken things in Win 10 will only keep increasing. One day it'll swallow up FS9.

Hi Mark,

Totally agree with you on that one.

Having multiple computers with different operating systems is probably the best way to go (not expensive either).

From a workflow perspective I do prefer Windows 10 and OSX...but when I want to enjoy some vintage gaming, I'll power up the old Dell with Windows XP :-)

W33

When the "Win 10 has killed my FS9" threads appear I won't need to take part. haha

If all you use your computer for is FS2004, then sure, Windows XP is fine. However...if you do any sort of banking, or work with sensitive material, or want to play the latest games, then you're out of luck.

You'll also find that obtaining drivers for new hardware harder and harder to find (even some processors have a minimum OS requirement)...but like I said; if you have an ageing computer, and FS2004 is your primary sim, Windows XP can serve you well.

From what I have seen so far, the new and as of yet, unreleased new sim looks fantastic and I can't wait!

I'll always stick up for FS2004, but time moves on.

Regarding the images; the blurriness is due to jpg compression it seems. Here are some better quality shots:

I've had FS2004 since it first became available and really enjoy it, but I've never seen it look like this.

Perhaps some kind individual can show me some screenshots, plus the add-ons needed for such quality.

Thanks

W33

Many FS2004 users stick with this sim for very specific reasons.

 

I'm just curious who has used FS2004 for years now but is closely looking at moving to the new sim?

 

Myself, can't express how NOT appealing it is. I'll be losing many things I already have and enjoy in FS2004 for starters. I'm also not a fan of photo anything as photo anything will always be plagued with issues so the new terrain does little for me. Being a 2D panel freak, the chances are reasonable you won't even have them in the default aircraft in MSFS.

 

Cost, it's not a deal breaker but despite some discussions elsewhere, cost imo will be higher for MSFS than any other flight sim especially if you like to deck it out with payware. Just take weather for example. MSFS will come with what is realistically nothing more than a fixed Jeppesen. As per past flight sim versions, for historic weather or added weather features you will likely need to look elsewhere.

 

Is FS2004 perfect? No. I just can't see anything better coming along so I think I'll be sticking with FS2004 for a very long time to come.

 

Anyone looking to jump the FS2004 ship???

That's great that FS2004 suits your requirements/needs, but like many, I am extremely excited about the new version.

I use FS2004, FSX and X-Plane, but you can never have too many sims in my opinion.

As an individual who has travelled extensively the past 50 years, and one with a keen interest on geography, I can't wait to explore the world on offer!

W33

What would be a reason you would NOT get FS2020?

What kind of community it created...

Pretending to pilot an aircraft is fun, but so is sharing things with others (screenshots, fun facts, etc).

However, if I found the community (on the whole) to be unfriendly, I wouldn't even consider it.

Behind every word typed in a forum, there is a person, and many people (from across a wide spectrum)...seem to forget this.

Flight simulation is fun, but the ego trips which often go with it...are a real turnoff!

W33

A very generous individual...so please let him know his work is appreciated in the comments box below the interview:)

I always leave a comment when I can, but it seems that many just download without acknowledging the developer.

W33