Microsoft Flight Simulator...

[Yskonyn]

Bought this yesterday after hearing I will probably not fly IRL for the rest of the year due to the pandemic.

I am simply awestruck seeing this in action on my 4K 43" monitor in all its glory! The weather effects, the lighting and the scenery. Simply breathtaking! Not quite like mother earth, but uncanny no less! 😀

[Zulu1966]

How is everybody doing with this thing?

I cannot say that it meets my expectations. In fact I am thinking about canceling my PC upgrade program since more and more games aren't worth the expense. I think Assetto Corsa Competitione is the only game I play and like that would really benefit from new hardware.

Its fantastic ... one of those games that lived up to the hype. some things to address - but the basic promise was delivered.

[Yskonyn]

How is everybody doing with this thing?

I cannot say that it meets my expectations. In fact I am thinking about canceling my PC upgrade program since more and more games aren't worth the expense. I think Assetto Corsa Competitione is the only game I play and like that would really benefit from new hardware.

Its fantastic ... one of those games that lived up to the hype. some things to address - but the basic promise was delivered.

Well yes, but if you're unfamiliar with Flightsim and was only drawn to it from seeing the absolutely stunning trailers, I can imagine you might be left with some dissapointment if you were planning on going to have the full IFR experience in an airliner.

For VFR flights and general aviation class the sim is simply digital porn, but the IFR side (instruments and procedures + atc; NOT weather, thats awesome) is lacking.
The airliner you get when shelling out more for the deluxe edition is a shadow of the real thing.

BUT (I've said it before):

MSFS has always been good at general aviation and VFR and lacking in the IFR department; 3rd party developers always carried the torch there.
As a simming platform, however, MSFS 2020 blows everything out of the water on visuals and potential for expansion.

I've registered with FSEconomy. This allows you to make money doing flights and build a company over time. Gives one some nice direction to play!

[JasonPratt]

I wonder if there's any point hoping for Deadstick to appear someday, if FSEconomy and some clever modders manage to do much the same thing in FS2020?

[hellfish6]

I really liked Air Hauler 2 for FSX. I was flying a turboprop around Madagascar delivering whatever I could carry and enjoying the shit out of it. I'm definitely keeping an eye out for an FS2020 version.

The paradox for me is that I've always been a combat air simmer. I never thought I'd be keen on flying without bombing. Air Hauler 2 and the porn factor in MSFS changed my mind - especially after the disappointment of the new IL-2 series and the inability to remember all the details and switchology I need for DCS.

[JasonPratt]

I really liked Air Hauler 2 for FSX. I was flying a turboprop around Madagascar delivering whatever I could carry and enjoying the shit out of it. I'm definitely keeping an eye out for an FS2020 version.

So shall I then! 

[Yskonyn]

It's subscription based with a 7 day free trial:
https://www.onair.company/

Might be what you're looking for.

There is also this mod (free):
https://maugiroe.wixsite.com/neofly

It gives you randomly generated missions out of 10 'classes'. There is also a career mode included.

And if you want a more intricate (but vintage UI style) experience with slowly building up your assets there is https://www.fseconomy.net/

[hellfish6]

https://maugiroe.wixsite.com/neofly

It gives you randomly generated missions out of 10 ‘classes’. There is also a career mode included.

And if you want a more intricate (but vintage UI style) experience with slowly building up your assets there is https://www.fseconomy.net/

Oh nice. I'll check these out.

Now I just need my Navy patrol aircraft to get ported over... mmmm... PBM Marlin jumping around the South Pacific...