Microsoft not out of the flight sim game after all...

[Dozer_EAF19]

Blackdog, I agree completely. Every one of your posts seems to be excellently written. Are you a professional writer?

The civil flight sims (MS and X-Plane) shouldn't be regarded as a finished product straight out the box. They're more like a second operating system for your computer. A PC with Windows and nothing else is pretty stupid, using Notepad and Solitaire and Internet Explorer. Same with FSn and X-Plane. You need to invest the time and sometimes money in getting the specific software to do what you want to do. But a flight simulator with a load of stuff installed into it is a lot more fun than a PC operating system

The problem I found is - maybe I'm a bit too compulsive - I end up spending more time finding, downloading, installing, maintaining, and talking on forums about the addons than I actually would spend flying and enjoying myself. But that's my own bad discipline and inability to recognise the things I do and don't enjoy in life

[robtek]

As we are getting IFR, ok, rudimentarely, in 4.10 i am pretty shure that we will have NDB's and other radio-navigation aids in BoB:SoW.
From there it is but a small step to pre-war airliners like Ju52, Fw200, Ju G38, DC3, DC2, Ford Trimotor and so on.
As this game-engine will be used for the korean theater as well we will have jet engines an more IFR-aids, that might lead to super-connie, strato-ctuiser, comet, 707 and so on.
As third party developers are possible, i don't see why there shouldn't be a civil simulation with detailed maps, realistic FM and DM.
The world is wide open, and i hope it starts this autumn.

[Flyby]

I hope MS codes the new sim to make use of multi-core processors up front and not as an after-thought. I think FSX, FS2004, and other MS efforts have their place. They seem to have large followings, and companies make and sell add-on aircraft for them. I own FS2004, and it was kind of neat flying from a local airfield and cruising the area.

I liked CFS3. I liked CFS2. Both were/are beautiful sims, and there are plenty of 1% planes to add, and expand the enjoyment of these sims. CFS3 could have used coding for multi-core processors (if they were around). Perhaps a new effort on that front?

There are only a few producers of flight sims out there, and fewer still of combat flight sims. Room enough for all, and to each his own flavor. Combat flight sim fans are such a tiny market, I'd say any company trying it's hands must have a huge set to carry around. I respect that. That's my opinion. I'm sticking with it.
Flyby out

[Blackdog_kt]

Originally Posted by Dozer_EAF19

Blackdog, I agree completely. Every one of your posts seems to be excellently written. Are you a professional writer?

Not really. I just make long sentences explaining every little thing so that there's as little room for misunderstanding as possible, mixed with judicious use of the preview button for proof-reading

On a more serious note, i just happened to study/learn English as a second language when i was younger. From that point on, it was thanks to getting into flight sims and computers in general at the age of 12 that i had a constant reason to use the language daily (in written form obviously), instead of ending up forgetting it through lack of use.

[Dozer_EAF19]

haha, I find myself re-writing with shorter sentences in an effort to reduce misreadability!

[The Kraken]

FWIW there's some new footage on the site which apparently shows some in-game graphics:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/

Nice but pretty much the same as FSX which shouldn't come as a surprise. Of course it's probably all WIP (maybe they'll still add DirectX 10 effects ) and who knows what kind of gameplay they'll come up with for their new "social gaming experience" customer group...

[KG26_Alpha]

Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is "Microsoft Flight?"
A:
"Microsoft Flight" is a new PC game from Microsoft Game Studios. The new title will be available on the Games for Windows – LIVE service and will bring a new perspective to the long-standing "Flight Simulator" franchise. From new game play elements and enhanced scenery and terrain to new aircraft and integrated content marketplace, it is an entirely new breed of virtual flight. The Games for Windows - LIVE platform sets the stage for all your virtual flight needs while connecting you to a global base of users, content and endless exploration. Microsoft Flight builds off its heritage of deep, immersive simulation and is redesigned to make the experience easier for virtual fliers of all interests and skills.
Q:
How does “Microsoft Flight” differ from “Flight Simulator?” Why the new name? What’s changed?
A:
With “Microsoft Flight” we’re approaching the virtual flight genre from the ground up, with the focus on the universal appeal of the experience of Flight. We believe the simplicity of “Microsoft Flight” perfectly captures that vision while welcoming the millions of existing Flight Simulator fans. The new “Microsoft Flight” retains the full fidelity simulation longtime fans have come to expect while offering all players a whole new look and feel, a wide range of new game play and challenges, persistent experiences and social connectivity.
Q:
How does Games for Windows – LIVE factor in?
A:
Games for Windows – LIVE introduces a new level of connectivity to virtual flight, enhancing both the social and game play experiences of the title. Content is updated virtually. You can fly solo or join an entire global flight community online. You can easily connect with and facilitate flight experiences with your friends. The addition of Games for Windows - LIVE creates an ubiquitous virtual world of flight that offers easy and engaging access to the magic of flight for all.
Q:
Who is developing “Microsoft Flight” now that ACES is gone?
A:
“Microsoft Flight” is being developed internally at Microsoft by a team that includes many of the same creative minds that helped deliver countless entries in the “Flight Simulator” franchise.
Q:
Why did Microsoft shut down ACES Studio last January?
A:
Microsoft Game Studios is always evaluating its business model to determine what is best for both gamers and the company. Many factors were considered in the difficult decision to close ACES Studio, but we feel the 2009 closure helped us better align with our goals and long-term development plans. "Microsoft Flight" is being developed by many of the same creative minds that shaped "Microsoft Flight Simulator," and we're excited about delivering a new take on this classic franchise.

[philip.ed]

Alpha, weren't those questions posted a while ago on the site for the afore-mentioned game?
In any case, thanks for posting

[KG26_Alpha]

Well where'd ya think they come from

I really don't care enough about Microshite's next piece of bugged to hell throw at consumer and let 3'rd party developers fix our crap software.

I have had all their flight sim stuff from FS 3.0 to FSX

None of its ever impressed me as an out of the box fully working product.

And none of the pre release screen-shots and video garbage they spew out is ever attainable at the consumer end.

If Oleg did a Civilian Flight Sim he would clean up the market if the code was as stable as IL2 1946 not withstanding the new BoB SoW engine.

Would I buy another MS FS ? NO

Would I buy a 1c Team FS ? YES

[AWL_Spinner]

Originally Posted by The Kraken

FWIW there's some new footage on the site which apparently shows some in-game graphics:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/

Nice but pretty much the same as FSX which shouldn't come as a surprise. Of course it's probably all WIP (maybe they'll still add DirectX 10 effects ) and who knows what kind of gameplay they'll come up with for their new "social gaming experience" customer group...

My thoughts exactly. i.e. nothing to see here, it's just FS-X repackaged with some "2010" graphical tweaks.

They've even got some lovely blurry vomit ground texture around the tarmac on that trailer (although at least that would indicate it is actual game footage, and they haven't just made it up).

Deeply underwhelming.

I can just about run FSX with Orbx scenery and REX cranked up to a nice level, and I don't play it online, I'm not seeing anything here to get remotely excited about so I think I'll be sticking with that for my civvie kicks.

Oleg FTW.