Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is another amateur flight simulator game series. Asobo Studios developed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and was published by Xbox Game Studios. The series started in 1982. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 came after a 14-year break since 2006 when Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Microsoft Flight Simulator X was released. The development of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 began in 2014 and was finally released on August 18, 2020, for Microsoft Windows, followed by a virtual reality (VR) released later in December. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is the first series with a console release, compatible with Xbox Series X and Series S, coming on July 27, 2021. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 uses Microsoft Azure’s artificial intelligence to render three-dimensional representations of Earth’s features through its cloud computing. With Bing Maps, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 creates a mockup of the Earth’s topography. All these help Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 uses real-world data and renders quality visuals. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 offers realistic flight control systems, well-represented surfaces, including modeled hills and mountains.  You will also experience natural weather and traffic like in the real-life. Upon its release, many consider it the “most aesthetically pleasing game of 2020.”

Gameplay

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 comes with several sequences that allow a player to choose between learning the primary flight controls and other necessary controls to help the player gain knowledge of the game. The tutorial segment allows players new to the simulation to master it. A fictional assistant pilot in the segment helps a player in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 in the tutorial. Grades are given based on the success of landing, closeness to the runway’s touchdown zone, and the success of other landing difficulties. The virtual co-pilot in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 helps the player to manage checklists or request clearance. In addition, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has helper features that guide the player during flight and landing.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has a radio transmission with subtitles. A toolbar control helps the player access camera views, air traffic control, navigation log, flight rules, and modify checklists. The massive amount of topographical, object, and scenery data makes it essential for a high-speed internet connection to experience seamless simulation. Also, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has an offline mode that allows simulation without an internet connection. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 offers a real-life flight experience.

A World From The Air

No wonder Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is widely regarded as the “most aesthetically pleasing game of 2020.” The AI system renders the world as it is using Bing Maps to recreate the world as it is down to very small things like buildings and trees. There are even virtual rainbows and raindrops! The physics is just great, and the developer’s attention to detail is incredible. Everything, including the flight physics, cockpit view, skies, clouds, and flight movements, is just too real to ignore. At first, I spend a lot of time in the air viewing my small neighborhood. But, the feeling is of viewing the world as it is in a simulation game makes Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 one of the best simulation games I have ever played. 

An Experience Like No Other 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 gives the feeling of being in the right aircraft. Those who have traveled on-air several times can relate to the experience of flying. It replicates that experience. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 makes it pretty difficult to differentiate between flight simulation and real-world flying. It looks so real, and the feeling is just on the high. Different airports and several aircraft make the whole thing look so real, and you will wonder if you are in real life. 

Full Cockpit View And Control 

If you have ever been into an aircraft’s cockpit, you would understand what I am saying here. The controls are easy, and you will have no issue with navigation. Although, I have to say that as a beginner, I have to rely on a beginner’s luck. It went well on the first try. The subsequent 20 runs did not end so well since I either veer to the bush before taking off or fail to sustain myself in the air for long. I had to ask about the controls and their functions. Getting hold of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 can be frustrating at first but equally fun. I read that the developers invited airlines for test practices to compare the simulation with real-life flying. 

Single And Multiplayer Features 

I love to go for multiplayer mode. Of course, I consider flying alone to be more complex than playing with random players or friends. But once you have mastered your skill in flying and already enjoying the scenery, you can invite friends to have a group experience. The multiplayer mode might not be as complex as the single-player mode, but it gets more interesting with multiple players. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 allows you to choose someone you can fly with, and you can also send a request if you do not already have the person on your list. As long as there is an internet connection, you can always enjoy flying partnerships. 

No Internet, No Worries. Go Offline

It is not every time you have a strong internet connection, you can switch to offline mode. Since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 requires downloading a large amount of data to replicate the real-life scenery and environment, going offline means I am missing out on the virtual planet. So there are slight changes in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 in regions and overall mapping between offline and online modes. The experience in offline mode is still awesome though it feels more like a game compared to the realness in the online mode.