◊ No BS, Kick Butt Ultimate Flight Simulator Game For Flight Sim Fans
For years my friend Jamal and I had been playing flight simulator games twice a week, to blow off steam, at a local library in the neighborhood. We were evenly matched as players. But lately he has not been showing up at the arcade consistently. Something has been keeping him away …
Lately, he was wiping the floor with me almost any chance he got. He has been playing much better. His reflexes were noticeably quicker. And he appeared to have improved his skills.
And it really bothered me. I knew Jamal wasn’t playing anywhere else. Was he getting better or was it me? Was I losing my edge?
Finally, I confronted him. And he confessed …
He told me he’d been playing what he called the ultimate flight simulator game (see sidebar)…
I said, “Yeah, a flight sim game, so what? I’ve been playing the best arcade flight simulation game for years. You know that …”
“Yes,” Jamal replied, “but what you don’t know is … this particular flight sim is the only one that has been built to be as close to real life as possible! Everything from aircraft reactions, terrain, to planetary alignment and movements.”
“Do you know what that means?”
He leaned close to me … and lowered his voice as if he was about to reveal a trade secret.
“What would you say if I told you this sim had the power to literally improve your game skills in every way?” he said. Half whispering.
After the beating I just took from Jamal, naturally, I was all ears …
He went on. “I’m not talking about some kind of an upgraded arcade version of a PC flight simulator. I’m talking about an amazing virtual experience. So real it’s almost hard to believe that it is a sim … from beginning to end.”
“Imagine being able to feel your aircraft react to wind shear, buffeting, turbulence and g-force … being able to accurately map the solar system and real-time weather – if it’s raining in real life, it will be raining in the game … control the weather as you wish … sharper graphics to ease eyes strain … map real world military data for the entire globe to provide stunning accuracy and realism … great single-player and multiplayer mission/races and chatting abilities … when you could fly 120+ different aircraft from Concords, F16′s, aircraft carriers, helicopters, airlines and more – being king of the hill … and add-ons to keep on improving your skills … to boot!”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” Jamal continued, “there are other flight sims on the market. Like FlightGear and Microsoft Flight Simulation X (FSX) … and others. But none can hold their water against the ultimate flight simulator (see sidebar) …”
Needless to say I was sold on the promise this flight simulation game could offer…
This flight sim is built to give you virtual flying as close to real life as possible. It will appeal to the novice, seasoned pilots, military veteran pilots, flight simulator x fans and gamers alike.
This is a great game. Download the ultimate flight simulator game now (see sidebar). Get your copy before it runs out. Many hours of hugely enjoyable, REALISTIC happy flying await you!
◊ Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Acceleration (PC) Review
This is a review article about Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Accelerator – for flight-sim fans. You’ll learn how to master basic flight maneuvers … try new landing and take-off procedures … understand flight dynamics and more. However, if your skill level is moderate to advanced you’ll have to go to http://wp.me/p2drfG-Y
This may include:
Flight Simulator X: Acceleration Review
by Jeff Lackey
“While you can compile a laundry list of features that make Flight Simulator X a jaw-dropping piece of software, it’s the wide variety of aircraft and goal-oriented missions that create such a compelling experience for even the casual flight-sim fan. Microsoft’s new add-on, Flight Simulator X: Acceleration, adds more of what makes the sim great, offering three new aircraft, more than 30 new single-player missions, and 19 multiplayer missions/races. If you’re a Flight Simulator X aficionado, this expansion pack is a must-have.
The three new aircraft are very different from one another and provide fascinating new capabilities, introduced via the new missions. The Boeing F/A-18A Hornet is a fighter/attack jet with a breathtaking amount of power. While there are, alas, no useable weapons on this simulated jet, it is fully capable of carrier operations, and most of the included missions involving the Hornet require both a takeoff and landing on a carrier. Taking off is a blast, literally: Gently taxi up to the catapult, lower and attach the launch bar, throttle up, and then fire the catapult and hang on as you’re launched off the edge of the carrier. Easy enough, but as any naval flight sim fan can tell you, landing on the deck of a moving carrier is a nerve-racking experience in the best of conditions; throw in bad weather and/or darkness and you’ll be wiping the sweat off the keyboard. Acceleration provides a superb re-creation of carrier landings, complete with “calling the ball” and an on-deck flight officer talking you in. For a palpable thrill, set the weather to dark and stormy and clench your teeth as you come in out of the dark clouds in a storm, trying to find your carrier, find the twinkle of the lights emerging as you close in, line up with the carrier, bang your plane onto the moving deck, and then start breathing again as the wires catch and stop your plane.
In most sims, the focus of missions involving an F/A-18 would involve finding bad guys and shooting them down. Since Flight Simulator X doesn’t support combat operations, the missions here are more varied and, in some cases, unusual. A couple of the missions are well-done tutorials on carrier takeoffs and landings. The others include everything from flying cover to protect a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral to investigating and tracking an unusual flying vehicle over Area 51. Be sure to experiment with the knobs in your cockpit; we were surprised to find the radar and other electronics (other than weapon systems) were fully functional. Once you’ve played through the missions, you are, of course, able to set up your own free flights with the Hornet, and if you explore the oceans you’ll find other operational carriers. All in all, the power and capabilities of the F/A-18 make it a joy to fly and a superb addition to the simulation.
The next aircraft introduced in Acceleration is as different from the F/A-18 as a Ford pickup truck is from a Ferrari: the AugustaWestland EH101 medium-lift helicopter. This is a tough workhorse of a chopper with sling-load and hoist systems, specializing in picking up people and “things.” After the sleek, sexy Hornet, the EH101 may come across as pretty mundane and boring, but it is the focus of some of the most interesting new missions in Acceleration. Missions such as tracking down smugglers in the Florida Keys, trying to rescue geologists stranded at Mt. St. Helens before it erupts, and transporting avalanche-prevention crews provide a very different type of tension and drama than those provided in a supersonic jet. Of course, in the tradition of Flight Simulator X missions, what can start out as a fairly routine assignment may suddenly take a dramatic turn due to unexpected events or as a result of your decisions (for example, do you follow the smugglers in the transport that may contain a large contraband shipment, or the small plane that may be carrying someone important in the criminal world?)
The chopper itself, like most sim helicopters, can be a bear to control if you’re a novice to virtual rotary aircraft, but it will also provide a challenge to sim-chopper veterans. Lining up the helicopter so that you are directly above the cargo or personnel that needs to be retrieved or lowered, ensuring that you’re not too high or too low, and maintaining a stable hover during the operation requires a light and steady touch. Even when you have retrieved an item to be transported, the swinging motion of that cargo beneath the chopper can overwhelm your control of the aircraft (especially in bad weather). While helicopters have been present in the Flight Simulator series for some time, this hoisting/retrieval capability adds a new, challenging dimension to missions.
The P-51D Mustang offered here is a race-customized version, with double the horsepower of the original and other modifications focused on tailoring the aircraft for the Reno-style air races. The result is an aircraft that flies like a bat out of hell. Take this Mustang out on the Reno racecourses, crank the boost up, and judiciously apply doses of the ADI system to prevent engine lockups, and you can demonstrate why the comparisons of Reno air racing to NASCAR are about 300mph too slow and one directional dimension too low. When you fly the tutorial missions or simply fly in freestyle around the race courses in order to familiarize yourself with the track, it may seem a bit boring–after all, you fly fast and turn left, fly fast and turn left, and so on. But when you try doing that at 500mph with a cloud of competitive aircraft above, below, and beside you, wingtip to wingtip, “boring” is not the adjective that comes to mind. The P-51D here is quick and agile, and it’s a lot of fun just to buzz through the buildings and bridges of your favorite city. However, the Mustang is limited when it comes to missions in Acceleration, with only racing missions available.
Not all of the new missions involve the new aircraft. For example, one fairly simple mission (with a twist) involves flying the Secretary of Defense on a tour of Edwards AFB in a Beechcraft King Air 350. Unfortunately, he is a demanding and vocal SOB, and he can either make or break your career depending upon how the tour goes. Another mission places you in the pilot’s seat of the “Vomit Comet,” a Boeing 737-800 in which you will be taking a crew through a series of zero-gravity parabolas in order to provide them with weightlessness for about 20 seconds per maneuver. There’s a variety of such interesting missions, some dramatic, some just fun. But the wildest new mission type is the Red Bull Racing series.
Red Bull racing is, in a word, insane. In Acceleration you’re provided with three Red Bull racing venues: Istanbul, Longleat in the UK, and Tempelhof AFB in Berlin. Flying an extremely nimble Extra 300S, you are required to fly through a series of very closely spaced pylons, extremely low to the ground, with some requiring a wings-level pass, some requiring a knife-edge pass, and some allowing either. At certain points during the race you’ll also be required to perform specific aerobatic maneuvers. Fly too high through a gate: penalty. Go through the gate in the wrong position: penalty. Touch a pylon: big penalty. Flying at more than 200mph, a few measly feet above the ground while making tight turns and aerobatic moves in a competitive atmosphere, makes you admire the courage and skill of the pilots who compete in this real-world air-racing series and question their sanity and will to live.
The single-player racing missions in Acceleration (both Reno and Red Bull) are intended as practice for the multiplayer mode. Multiplayer offers 19 racing “missions,” including the aforementioned Reno and Red Bull formats, cross-country races in both small prop planes and gliders, and an exhilarating race through a deep canyon in F/A-18s.
In addition to the added missions and aircraft, Acceleration applies the latest SP2 upgrade to Flight Simulator X. Our tests showed a relatively small frame rate increase on a midrange system, and reports in the forums seem to indicate that SP2 isn’t magic; it won’t allow you to significantly raise the graphics level at which you can effectively run the sim, but you may gain a few frame rates here and there. One caveat: If you have a lot of third-party add-ons for Flight Simulator X, SP2 and some SDK changes may result in a few odd quirks, with some reporting the need to do a fresh install of Flight Simulator X, followed by an install of Acceleration, to smooth out the issues. As always in today’s world of infinite configurations, your mileage may vary. In our case, the install over a current Flight Simulation X installation, with a few third-party add-ons, was trouble-free.
There are a lot of third-party add-ons for Flight Sim X, and you can make an argument that, for example, the detailing is higher in one of these add-on F/A-18s. But the added capabilities that Acceleration brings to the sim, such as the hoist and retrieval capability with the new helicopter, the carrier operations, and the new multiplayer racing missions, make this a very attractive and recommended expansion for any Flight Simulator X fan.”
Article Source: http://www.gamespot.com/flight-simulator-x-acceleration/reviews/flight-simulator-x-acceleration-review-6183369/
◊ Is ProFlightSimulator Game Really FlightGear?
In this article the author addresses the controversy and shows the differences between ProFlightSimulator and FlightGear. But if you’d like to find out for yourself what ProFlightSimulator is like, you’d want to check out our outrageously generous offer and take it for a test drive to prove that it is the Ultimate Flight Simulator. Then you’ll get to experience the most realistic flight simulator … rather than read about it!
Statement by Dan Freeman
“ProFlightSimulator is an open source stand alone Flight Simulator.
As always disclosed this is a split / branch from the FlightGear community and has been set up for a very specific reason.
It’s different from FG due to the many major changes to the game.
Here are some of the changes:
- A plug and play system that works without the hassles of advanced customization. Makes it easy to start playing the game without having the need to perform complex technical installation.
- We offer a one stop launch system and makes it easy to add aircraft + scenery. No more fiddling with files and not knowing where to copy them. It’s a one-click installation process.
- The complete start-up of the game was rewritten to help new users with this issue.
- There is better hardware and add-on software interfacing capabilities. (Eg: Joystick support)
- We’ve incorporated more photo realistic scenery. New updates are added monthly.
- Reduce the lag effect in flying.
- New aircraft models are added on a regular basis.
(FG does not provide new updates very regularly) - VATSim network integration! Fly with other pilots on aviation networks. (should be ready in 4 months time)
To be compliant, we’ve released the game until the GNU/GPL license. All images are attributed and licensed according to their respective licenses.
There are also planned works to include a few major improvements in the next few months namely:
- Improving joystick interface (one-click configuration with all major flight control hardware)
- Integrating VATSIM and other network support
- Constant development of new aircraft and new scenery.
It would be much much different from what FlightGear was.
We have a team of paid developers who are working full-time to add new code and new ideas to fully develop this.
As such, the cost you’ll be paying will go into the development of this game. There will be new changes and updates every month.
This is a separate branch of FlightGear and it may be based on it but it is definitely NOT similar in the aspects mentioned above.
To say it is simply FlightGear would be inaccurate and illegal.
I hope that explains our position.”
Check it out at ProFlightSimulator.com now for instant download. Enjoy your flight!
Article Source: http://www.proflightsimulator.com/disclaimer.htm
◊ Who Else Wants The Best Flight Simulator Controls?
Flight simulator controls are an essential element in individual pilot as well as flight crew training. They save time, money and lives. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or just a gamer the main goal in taking your time to find the perfect controller(s) is to ensure that they meet you’re needs.
Generally speaking, the better the flight controls the better your game will be. Because you need to keep your aircraft in equilibrium and stable. That is, you need flight controls. However, there’s no easy answer to the question,“What is the best flight simulator controls for my type of game?”
Well, there are many types of game controllers to choose from depending on your game:
- flight yokes
- rudder pedals
- simple joysticks
- joysticks with throttle levers
- game pads
- computer mouse and keyboard
The "Link Trainer" flight simulator controls circa 1930
Most controllers are passive devices because they do not communicate any feedback information (data) to the user. However, they’ll get you off to a great start. But ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself which are the best controllers for your specific needs and game play styles.
But there is a class of flight simulator controls systems I’d like to alert you about … for the ultimate in flight enjoyment.
Saitek PRO Flight X-65F Combat Control System for PC. The joystick has no moving parts. Instead, it responds to pressure that you exert on the handle called force sensing (This is in contrast to force feedback which, we’ll discuss below). All input is detected from how hard you push on the stick, like those found in real modern fighter jets. Included is a force-sensing twist rudder control. Features on-the-fly adjustment of the force settings – including separate adjustments for each axis of the stick for the ultimate in response design. The shaft is made from high grade steel which, provides incredible reliability and longevity.
Logitech G940 Flight System. No playing around. This force feedback joystick takes your flying to a new level. The controls are carefully crafted to look, feel and work just like the real thing. Force feedback is a term often used to describe tactile and/or kinesthetic feedback. It uses haptic (touch) technology that would allow users to feel virtual objects via force exerting action, vibration or motion. Force feedback lets you feel your aircraft react to wind shear, buffeting, turbulence and g-forces. In addition, a dual throttle, rudder pedals and interactive, programmable throttle-base buttons give you the true-to-life control you want.
Compatibility: PC, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Wii, XBox, Xbox 360.
If you’re not sure what type of flight simulator controls for PC are best for your specific needs; consider visiting a local computer store to try the different options. There you’ll have the chance to literally “feel” which controller(s) is right for you. Think about button layout and quantity, grip fit, the type of controls the planes you like to fly have (yokes versus sticks) and so forth. If you have friends with several different controllers, try them in-game to get an even better idea. Enjoy your flight!
◊ Relive Your Inner Top Gun With Flight Simulation Online Games
Think about the military air flight simulators the Air Force have … worth millions. Give them a smaller screen and controls and you get today’s flight simulation online games. Now you can become a pilot without going to flight school Well, kind of. Here’s why …
Advancements in aviation technology!
Whether you’re a beginner who wants to learn how to fly or already a pilot or retired military pilot and want to recapture the thrill of flying once more; flight simulators can provide you with a superb re-creation of real flying. All you need is a dedicated flight seat and controller system combination that can transform your space (your office or living room) into a cockpit to raise your game …
Introducing the Playseat flight simulator seat. It was developed in cooperation with professional pilots and flight sim enthusiasts. It features a dynamic fighter plane cockpit style design. This aggressive yet sophisticated flight seat will enhance your sim-flight experience like never before. Lets you lean back and enjoy your pilot “training” in comfort or for fun.
The perfect match and fit controller for the Playseat is the Logitech Flight System G940. No playing around. This force feedback joystick takes your flying to a new level. The controls are carefully crafted to look, feel and work just like the real thing.
Force feedback is a term often used to describe tactile and/or kinesthetic feedback. It uses haptic (touch) technology that would allow users to feel virtual objects via force exerting action, vibration or motion. Force feedback lets you feel your aircraft react to wind shear, buffeting, turbulence and g-forces. In addition, a dual throttle, rudder pedals and interactive, programmable throttle-base buttons give you the true-to-life control you want.
This is what you get with the Playseat:
- Solid match – with hard mounting points that hold your simulator controllers steady for twisty tracks or dizzying dogfights. No more worrying about wobbly wheels or sliding pedals.
- Flawless fit – fully adjustable. Places the wheel, pedals, stick or yoke just where you need them for maximum control. Will fit up to a 42-inch waist.
However, casual flight simmers should beware. This Playseat – Logitech Flight System G940 combination is not for everyone. That said …
If you’re not a die-hard flight sim person, I would suggest items like Flight Simulator X: Acceleration (no combat operations) which is loaded with some cool capabilities. You can still experience that palpable thrill of flying. For example, it has a helicopter hoist and retrieval capability … carrier ship operations … and multiplayer racing missions which makes Acceleration worth looking into.
With the proper choice of a flight simulation online piece of software, you’ll be able to master basic flight maneuvers … explore different controls … try new landing and take-off procedures … discover new ways to fly … understand flight dynamics and more … without going to professional flight school.
