SamNeeds Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 (edited) Microsoft Flight Simulator X – My Verdict During the past few weeks Microsoft’s latest and arguably best looking Flight Simulator was released. Named Flight Simulator X – X for the 10th release in the series – its main update is in the graphics engine department where it’s been upgraded to support Direct X 10 and to be more compatible with Windows next incarnation, Vista. Microsoft claim that this version is the most important milestone to date – Which is all well and good, however, have they pushed it too far out of range for the average user to run it smoothly and as visually pleasing as they market it to be? Many gaming and review websites have noted how good it looks with all its new features and visuals – but the majority of them concur on the fact that its too resource intensive. Gamespot says “Microsoft's Flight Simulator X provides a mind-boggling level of depth and breadth--if you don't mind some less than stellar frame rates”. That sums it up pretty well. As per usual Microsoft were very generous with the recommended system settings – 1.0ghz processor, 256mb (XP) or 512mb (Vista) RAM, 14GB hard disk space and 32mb video card memory. This is about right – If your interest is flying around the open expanse of the Sahara desert. Where the simulator only has to render a flat surface, the sky and your aircraft. Get anywhere near somewhere which has trees, buildings or mountains and the frame rates find a sudden need to plummet. The system requirements are realistically 3 times more than Microsoft has recommended. 3.0 GHz processor, 1.5 – 2 GB RAM, X1800 / 7900 range graphics cards. You get the picture. So, enough of my criticisms and negative views of the game – and yes, I did say game and not simulation. The reason for this is that Microsoft have keyed it toward a wider market. Now featuring missions and rewards the user can now complete challenges to get rewards and points. This is turn gives it a bit more appeal for the average Joe who would think about purchasing the product. Personally I think that this was a good move and seasoned simmers alike now have more to enjoy on top of the simulation itself. Occasionally features are added to various games to which critics turn and reply “But why?” or “What was the point of that?”. This definitely isn’t one. Overall from the content perspective this definitely hits the mark. In fact, it hits the mark in style. Everything from missions, to the graphics, to the learning curve all make this a good move up from FS9 to FS10. However, this doesn’t make up for the fact that the game is unplayable on the average home computer if you want the visuals Microsoft have marketed the software to have. This really lets it down and certainly I was disappointed. With FS9 I would have easily attained upward of the 20 fps mark with all sliders to the right (maxed) and various other applications such as weather simulation (i.e. Active Sky) running in the background. But with FS10 this is only a dream, a spec in the oh-so distant horizon. In closing I can only but conclude on the fact that this bit of software is certainly a content rich experience for the user. Unfortunately it comes at a hefty price for the user. To experience the ‘simulation’ in all of its splendour and glory you will need to shed out a lot of cash in order to have a system worthy of running it in a smooth and visually pleasing manner. Which in this day and age is not really something the average computer user or gamer want to do. What hopes are there for me and you? The users who want to play it in all its glory but without having to spend more cash? Tweaks and patches will hopefully reduce its downfalls in the performance department. I’m sure enthusiasts will find things within the configuration files which improve performance and in turn, improve the whole experience of this game. It really has the features and does look great – It’s a shame though that this all comes at a tall price. Which if you want FS-X in all its glory you will ultimately have to pay. Either that or I’d recommend sticking with FS9 – which with user improvements (such as the recently released Real Environment Pro) looks just as good, if not better. As well as that you get very good framerates. Edited October 21, 2006 by SamNeeds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SuperTrix Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 Nice review, personally i don't like simulation games that much, but after reading your review and looking at a few screenshots, i might be tempted to buy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 I have to stick with FS9 for now - FSX looks aweful on my machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodel Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 I have to stick with FS9 for now - FSX looks aweful on my machine. Mine struggled to play it well too but I tried a few tweaks from this site and it runs so much smoother now. Especially step 4 and 5.1. http://www.fsstation.com/articles/flight-s...nce-tweaks.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarStorm Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Mine struggled to play it well too but I tried a few tweaks from this site and it runs so much smoother now. Especially step 4 and 5.1. http://www.fsstation.com/articles/flight-s...nce-tweaks.html Any chance you can post some screenshots of what it looks like with the tweaks. Also what are the specs of your system? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamNeeds Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 I will be updating the review with a section on the tweaks. Stay tuned for that one in the coming days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodel Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Any chance you can post some screenshots of what it looks like with the tweaks. Also what are the specs of your system? I can PM you some if you'd like as I don't want to hijack the review, but I don't have any before and afters. It's a good review Sam, I found the same frustrations with regards to performance. Like you said, it should be interesting to see what other tweaks come out as well as patches or new videocard drivers that are more suited to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarStorm Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 I can PM you some if you'd like as I don't want to hijack the review, but I don't have any before and afters. It's a good review Sam, I found the same frustrations with regards to performance. Like you said, it should be interesting to see what other tweaks come out as well as patches or new videocard drivers that are more suited to it. That would be really useful actually, cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sethos Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Do you mind sending a few of those Screenshots my way too mate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webeagle12 Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 here is my review of FSx WARNING CONTAINS BAD LANGUAGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcW3hbnR2EI :rofl: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6785077276 Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 I have it but haven't got round to installing it. It should run fine on my pc (see sig ;)) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarStorm Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 here is my review of FSxWARNING CONTAINS BAD LANGUAGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcW3hbnR2EI :rofl: lol thats great (Y) lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamNeeds Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 I must admit I laughed at that! Thanks for the comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mongoloid Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 After a bit of tweaking and such, I took my FSX from 8FPS to 20-30FPS. It just takes time and patience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tantawi Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 here is my review of FSxWARNING CONTAINS BAD LANGUAGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcW3hbnR2EI :rofl: The perfect laugh!! :D thanks! Thanks also for the review and tweaks, it helped me A LOT, now I can finally play! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamNeeds Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 After a bit of tweaking and such, I took my FSX from 8FPS to 20-30FPS. It just takes time and patience. I totally agree. However, by reviewing a product that has been tweaked and modified for performance gains the review is next to useless. You have to remember that a tweaked program is not the same as the product that will ultimately come out of the box when purchased. So by reviewing it in an 'un-touched' state I hope to give any potential users a real perspective on what they may be buying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6785077276 Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 I set my settings to around medium-high and it boosted my fps to around 30 too. When I set everything to the max I only get around 10fps or less. My monitor is 1680x1050 res by the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kombolcha Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 i'm going to build a new PC just to run this game! I'll get the game in about 19hours :shifty: i'll eventually buy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbo12141 Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Well make sure you wait for a few months so that the DX10 cards are out ;) Ive seen it running on my mates pc, however im going to stick to X-Plane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor V. Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Nice review, personally i don't like simulation games that much, but after reading your review and looking at a few screenshots, i might be tempted to buy it. It'll be worth every single dollar(or whatever is your money) you use on it, it's a really nice simulation. I just love flight simulators Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winlonghorn Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 It'll be worth every single dollar(or whatever is your money) you use on it, it's a really nice simulation. I just love flight simulators It is very nice, I agree. I received it the other day. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
invaderzim_2004 Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Bought the Deluxe Edition-though I'm having some problems getting up. But I love the improved scenery and World Airports style aicraft service vehicles and jet docking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echilon Posted October 30, 2006 Share Posted October 30, 2006 Not a bad review, but it needs pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
temur Posted October 30, 2006 Share Posted October 30, 2006 Great review! :rofl: I've got the game too, and I do agree with you that you do dream about getting 20 fps... Was in the shop, playing it on the shop PC, was laggy as hell :p I've got it in the French version [am on holiday, was desperate to play it] I saw you can get two versions of the game, Professional version and standard :D I love the fact that they now have an aircraft carrier :D And loads of new planes :) I like the one with the propeller at the back xD. I recommend this game if you want to have fun with these planes and go wild :woot: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zivan56 Posted November 3, 2006 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Wow, I haven't played any games since FS2004 came out, but this just slowed my system to a crawl. The graphics are reminiscent of FS5 on my Pentium 1, and it still going around 10 FPS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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