Promising a monumental leap forward from the 2020 edition, which in itself was nothing short of phenomenal, is an ambitious claim to make. Given the sport’s vast scope and complexity, it’s hardly surprising that numerous developments are unfolding, many of which we’ve already addressed in recent discussions. There are, however, certain details that we both haven’t explored intimately, or at all, so as we count down the days until imminent release, let’s delve into a few more crucial aspects that you should know about it.
Here’s the improved text: Including a range of innovative features, the platform invites gamers to collaborate with their digital twin of Earth, with one exciting aspect being World Photographer Mode, which is likely to captivate gamers’ imagination. In this mode, you’ll be put to the test as a pilot and photographer, tasked with capturing a diverse range of scenes worldwide that showcase your skills in both piloting and visual storytelling. In the vast expanse of modern travel, digital tourism has emerged as a significant aspect of the industry’s expertise. Consequently, World Photographer Mode appears to be an apt fit for the game.
In its relentless pursuit of realism, the endeavour is committed to infusing an abundance of nuance and authenticity into its reproduction of our planet, manifesting in numerous forms and colours. The game’s incorporation of photogrammetry, its extensive library of airports and structures, meticulously crafted locations, and more have been discussed in previous options. While soaring above the globe on a flight, there’s also a high probability of spotting diverse wildlife species along the way. As you venture forth, you’ll encounter distinct species and herds exhibiting intelligent actions, lifelike animations, and authentic behaviors, tailored to the specific region you find yourself in. Because Microsoft has collaborated with developer Frontier to integrate Frontier’s wildlife assets into Microsoft Flight Simulator, a move that enables the incorporation of those animals into their own game.
As players explore the vast skies and diverse landscapes, they’ll embark on hours-long journeys across the globe, leveraging the game’s unique feature set. However, those seeking a more immersive experience can take advantage of the opportunity to disembark from their plane and assume the role of their avatar character, allowing for unparalleled freedom to land at will and investigate surroundings up close.
The latest addition is undoubtedly the Professional Mode, introducing a structured framework for the gaming experience, allowing players to make more deliberate progress throughout the game. As you start playing, you’ll initially have access to entry-level aircraft, but as you progress, you’ll gain the ability to purchase and maintain multiple planes. As aircraft maintenance appears to be tangential to the core fleet administration aspect, yet remains crucial for the overall gaming experience, players are tasked with managing each plane’s upkeep, repairs, and various expenses.
While Professional Mode in the sport’s context initially poses the risk of monotony arising from extensive playtime, its diverse array of mission types holds considerable promise. These programs will not only enable you to pilot a broad spectrum of planes, but also assess your flying skills across diverse scenarios and environments. Among the numerous profession mode mission types included in the sport is a diverse array of challenges, including business flights, firefighting missions, search and rescue operations, crop dusting exercises, cargo transportation runs, skydiving stunts, experimental plane testing procedures, climate reconnaissance sorties, and many more.
Technological advancements are particularly anticipated, considering the exceptionally high bar set by the 2020 edition, and understandably, the forthcoming one is promising numerous innovations. The options have also covered various aspects, including a cutting-edge lighting system, the incorporation of photogrammetry, enhanced physics and aerodynamics methodologies, and more. There’s simply nothing more to discuss on this topic, anyway. Gaming enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate the integration of advanced avionics features, refined failure detection and wear-and-tear algorithms, enhanced performance courtesy of optimized multithreading capabilities, and expedited loading and setup times thanks to the advent of cloud-based streaming technologies. Talking of which…
While we’ve discussed this previously, let’s clarify exactly how the shift to cloud streaming will impact the game’s reliance on it. Will this increased dependence lead to improved performance or new challenges? While requiring a robust internet connection – specifically, at least 10 Mbps for seamless play – the game’s install size is surprisingly compact, clocking in at approximately 50 GB. As most sports assets are stored on a cloud server, this shift will not only result in a significantly smaller and more straightforward setup for PC gamers, but also reap the benefits of enhanced global streaming and load times.
What about enthusiasts who crave a seamless gaming experience on PC with the most demanding settings in place? The sports car’s Extreme specification is readily accessible here, and indeed, it lives up to its name.
This system demands either a Ryzen 9 7900X processor or an Intel Core i7-14700K, paired with either a Radeon RX 7900 XT graphics card or a GeForce RTX 4080, with a minimum of 12 GB dedicated video memory. To function optimally, you’ll require a substantial allocation of resources: a staggering 64 GB of RAM, at least 50 GB of available storage space, and a robust internet connection with speeds of up to 100 Mbps? You’ll need a robust system to handle the demands placed upon it, no beating around the bush here.
The upcoming PC model is poised to debut with support for various Nvidia technologies, building upon the company’s recent announcements. With its support for DLSS 3, this technology offers gamers with suitable hardware the opportunity to enjoy smoother gameplay at higher frame rates without compromising on visual fidelity. Professional gamers seeking enhanced visuals may also confirm support for Nvidia’s innovative technologies, including latency-reducing Nvidia Reflex, alongside DLAA-enhanced graphics and the added depth of ray-traced shadows.
Has enjoyed unparalleled support following its launch, but can we really envision the game being discontinued as soon as its successor hits shelves in just a few days’ time? Not in response to Microsoft. The game’s upcoming DLC and subsequent updates promise a seamless experience, as the entirety of the newly released content will be supported by continuous post-launch enhancements. Whether the same level of support will be sustained remains uncertain, but it’s reassuring to know that the game’s longevity is all but guaranteed.
