Game: Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Deluxe Edition 

Condition: Pre-Owned 

Included: 2 Game Discs, Insider Information, Quick Reference & Case 

License: Product License Key Included 

Year: 2006 

Microsoft Flight Simulator X (abbreviated as FSX) is a 2006 flight simulation video game originally developed by Aces Game Studio and published by Microsoft Game Studios for Microsoft Windows. It is the sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and the tenth and most current installment of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, which was first released in 1982. It is built on an upgraded graphics rendering engine, showcasing DirectX 10 features in Windows Vista and was marketed by Microsoft as the most important technological milestone in the series to date. FSX is the first version in the series to be released on DVD media.

In December 2012, over six years after its release, the FSX multiplayer matchmaking system over the GameSpy network was discontinued. On July 9, 2014, Dovetail Games, the developer of Train Simulator, announced that it signed a licensing agreement with Microsoft to continue development on FSX and the production of new content. On December 18, 2014, the FSX: Steam Edition version of the simulator was made available through digital distribution via Steam. The updated release of FSX includes support for Windows 8.1 and later, along with updated hosting of FSX multiplayer features through Steam.

Overview

Flight Simulator X marks the tenth version of the popular line of flight simulators. It was officially released to the US market on October 17, 2006. According to Microsoft's Web site for the game, a standard edition features everything from navaids to GPS and airways. It also includes 18 planes, 28 detailed cities, and over 24,000 airports with a deluxe version featuring 24 aircraft, and 38 cities. The player can fly anything from a small glider or a light experimental aircraft to jumbo jets. The game features an immersive air traffic control system and dynamic real-world condition weather. The geography matches the part of the world that the player is flying in. Jetways and ground equipment are also included in the game.

Flight Simulator X was officially unveiled at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) as a gaming showcase for Microsoft Windows Vista and is now also compatible with Windows 7, and with Windows 8 or Windows 10 via Steam. Microsoft released screenshots as well as a list of frequently asked questions as a press release on Microsoft Flight Simulator Insider, and numerous flight simulator communities. This also included mission-based gameplay with mission specific aircraft as well as an upgraded rendering engine capable of increased detail. Following the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2006, Microsoft published new screenshots, videos and an official trailer. The graphical quality of the simulator has greatly increased.

Development

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Spinoffs

Main article: Microsoft Flight

On January 22, 2009, it was reported that development team behind the product was being heavily affected by Microsoft's ongoing job cuts, with indications that the entire Flight Simulator team would be laid off. The news was later confirmed by Microsoft officials stating they were committed to the Flight Simulator franchise, with expectations to continue product releases in the series, but had nothing specific to announce at that time. On August 17, 2010, Microsoft announced Microsoft Flight, a new simulation game that boasted a further-improved graphics engine and enhanced simulation features. In April 2012, Flight was released. In August 2012, further development of Flight was cancelled by Microsoft.

Features

Deluxe Edition

Flight Simulator X was released in two editions: Standard and Deluxe. The later released Gold Edition was merely a marketing package rather than a "version" as it contains both the Deluxe Edition and the Acceleration expansion pack (only one of which may be installed). Compared to the Standard Edition, the Deluxe Edition incorporates additional features, including an on-disc software development kit (SDK), three airplanes with the Garmin G1000 Flightdeck, and the ability for the player to act as Air traffic control (ATC) for other online users with a radar screen.

The Deluxe Edition added pilotable – Grumman G-21A Goose, Maule Orion M-7-260-C Super Rocket, and G1000 furnished versions of the Beechcraft Baron 58, Cessna C172SP Skyhawk, and the Mooney M-20-M Bravo.

The Acceleration pack added further aircraft – Agusta Westland AW101, Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, and a racing version of the P-51D Mustang.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition combines the Deluxe Edition and the Acceleration expansion pack into one.

New features

New features included in Flight Simulator X include:

Improved graphics

Airports with animated jetways and improved ground services

Ability for players to be an Air Traffic Controller

Support for DirectX 10 (in preview mode)

Proprietary SimConnect API allows FSUIPC-like access to Flight Simulator functions and variables

Advanced Animations, including wing flex

Missions and rewards

The inclusion of "Missions" adds a new facet to the simulation, adding task-oriented goals and encouraging users to fly worldwide, rather than just from their home field. Although a similar concept was available in previous versions, the new implementation of multipath & event-oriented situations substantially extends the potential for user interaction.

Pilots earn "Rewards" for completing various missions and reaching specific accomplishments throughout the game (in "Free Flight"). Some of the rewards exist as hidden easter eggs to be discovered by pilots. Some missions have multiple and hidden rewards, receipt being dependent on performing additional actions.

Learning Center

The Learning Center has been carried over from FS2004, which introduces the user to the various features of FSX. Flying lessons are included (and improved from previous versions), voiced over by real-life pilot and instructor Rod Machado. The user can fly a checkride at the end of the learning process. Completion of these various checkrides certify the user with simulated pilot ratings (e.g. Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, etc.). This feature also contains aircraft information files that were, in earlier simulators, stored in Adobe Acrobat format.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) aircraft are non-playable aircraft built primarily for scenery and ambience. They sometimes also play a key role in missions. Three aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas MD-83, the Piper Cherokee, and the de Havilland Dash 8, have been supplied as AI only by Microsoft.

Patches and expansions

Service Pack 1

Microsoft released the first service pack (SP1) for Flight Simulator X on May 15, 2007 to address:

Activation and installation issues

Performance enhancements, including multithreading of texture synthesis and autogen to provide modest performance improvements on multi-core computers

Third-party add-on issues

Content issues

Service Pack 2

Microsoft released another service pack for Flight Simulator X about the same time as its expansion pack (below). The update is primarily for Vista users that have DirectX 10- (DX10) compatible graphics adapters. This version takes advantage of DX10's improved shader model and more pixel pipelines and increased performance for Vista, approaching overall FSX performance on XP. It also adds the capability for players who do not have the expansion pack to participate in multiplayer activities with users of the expansion pack, along with support for multi-core processors. FSX-SP2 also fixes some more bugs over the original release of Flight Simulator X. SP1 is not compatible with SP2 or Acceleration in Multiplayer. People with SP1 cannot enter a session with players who have SP2 or Acceleration in Multiplayer. In order to install SP2, SP1 must be installed already.