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If you’re a fan of flight simulation games, you’ve come to the right place. And, if you’re not, well… you will be. Why? Because the Flight Simulation Game Sale blog is not only jam-packed with fun and informative articles about everything to do with flight simulator games and the flying simulator community, it’s also the place to find all the very best deals on flight sim software and flight simulator controls. I mean, why pay more when I can point you to the lowest prices? Right?
Speaking of which, enough chatter. You’re here to find great flight simulation games at the best prices, so let’s get to it! Here’s a selection of some of the top games in the genre, at discounts that are hard to beat. Go get ‘em, Tiger!
Microsoft Flight Simulator X – Gold EditionIt’s pretty much accepted that the Microsoft Flight Simulator games are the best of the best when it comes to the genre of flight simulation games. Considering their awesome graphics, tons of add-ons, passionate community of users, and endless custom content, you’ll get no argument from me. And, with their latest (and allegedly last) entry in the series, Flight Simulator X, Microsoft certainly doesn’t disappoint. Flight Simulator X: The Gold Edition includes the full original version of the game, plus 20 new missions and lots of new content. It also comes with add-on service packs 1 and 2, so you won’t have to worry about downloading those. If you’re ready to launch into the flight simulation games world in a big way, you need to buy Flight Simulator X |
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Flight Pro SimIf you’re looking for a good alternative to the Microsoft series, look no further than Flight Pro Sim. With over 20,000 real life airports, super realistic controls, NASA flight models, and an entire Earth’s worth of scenery based on actual US Military Mapping, flight simulation games don’t get much more realistic than this. Best of all, this is a full flight simulator download, so there’s no waiting for a CD or DVD to ship. You could be soaring through the virtual blue in just a few minutes, piloting any one of over 100 planes and helicopters, from the Wright Brothers’ first airplane to the latest combat jets. Are you ready for the real thing? Download Flight Pro Sim! |
X-Plane v 9.0While Microsoft is often hailed as the undisputed king of the flying simulator world, it doesn’t mean there aren’t contenders for the crown. Many former fans of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator series have defected to X-Plane v9, claiming that the controls are more realistic, the graphics are better with less performance hit, and the sandbox options allow for far more freedom than the much more rigid FSX. Not only that, but X-Plane v9 allows you to design your own airplane (from instruments to fuselage to weapons), launch an X-15 into orbit from under the wing of a B52, and land a space shuttle or fly it to Mars. Basically, if you like your flight simulation games extra realistic, packed with options, and FAA-certified, buy X Plane 9 |
now!
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of FlightSo, in a list of great deals on today’s most awesome flight simulation games, why would I include one that’s over 6 years old? Well, I’ll tell you: Because, despite the fact that Microsoft released a much newer version (Flight Simulator X), Flight Simulator 2004 continues to be one of the most popular and best-selling flight simulator games on the market. For some, it’s because the newer Flight Simulator requires too much graphical muscle, and FS 2004 works better on older computers. For others, there’s a feeling that Flight Simulator X took a big step backwards in the realism department. And, for many, it’s because there’s so much custom content available for this version, there’s simply no reason to move on. If any of these are important factors for you, then don’t wait any longer; buy Flight Simulator 2004 |
today!
Wings of Prey: WWII Air CombatWhat list of awesome flight simulation games would be complete without an awesome combat flight simulator? Wings of Prey — which, despite the confusing name, is actually the PC version of the recent console title, IL-2: Birds of Prey — is one of the most advanced combat sims available, and it has the killer graphics to prove it (What? You don’t believe me? Check out this video). Wings of Prey features 50+ missions from WWII’s most famous battles, across six theaters of war in Eastern and Western Europe. With over 40 historically accurate aircraft (plus downloads!), 4 multiplayer modes, a flexible difficulty ranging from arcade to realistic simulation, and a new damage effects engine that will see your enemies getting torn apart by walking tracer fire before going down in big balls of flaming wreckage, it’s easy to see why you need to buy Wings of Prey |
right now!
If you didn’t find a flight simulator that does it for you in that list — and I find that hard to believe — then just keep pokin’ around the site, nugget. Here at Flight Simulation Games, there’s a lil’ something for everyone. For instance:
- Wanna fly a chopper? Check out our list of popular helicopter flight simulator games [COMING SOON!].
- Dig a good dogfight? Then take a look at the top combat flight simulator games.
Whatever you choose, I wish you happy flying. Now, check six and throttle up, Tiger!
Flight Sim Game for Nintendo 3DS
July 1st, 2010 . by flight simulation games
I’ve never been a huge Nintendo fan. And, I don’t even own a DS. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Nintendo has announced a new 3D flight sim game for their new 3DS handheld.
PilotWings Resort looks like a neat little 3D flight game, taking place on (and over) Wuhu Island (the same place as Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resort). You can relax and soar, or fly competitively. And, you can fly either a hanglider, jet pack, or airplane.
So, if you’re a DS user, look for PilotWings Resort, soon!
New Jane’s Advanced Strike Fighters
June 30th, 2010 . by flight simulation games
Although sources say “it’s not a sim,” Advanced Strike Fighters still looks like an awesome combat flight simulation game with some incredible military fighter jet planes. If anyone can license and use military jets, it’s the expert of the industry: Jane’s.
This new game is made by Trickster Games, which is made up of some of the Australian developers who created Heroes over the Pacific and Heroes over Europe (WWII flight action games).
This new title seems to be a mix of flight sim and action game that takes place in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Azbaristan … with 16 missions and 30 real licensed military fighters. Look for multiplayer support for up to 16 players and a co-op mode for up to four players.
Rumors are that this new Jane’s game will come out this summer some time.
And, some talk at E3 also indicates that Saitek, the king of joystics, controllers, and other flight simulation controls is partnering up with Jane’s for this title.
It’s definitely on my new “watch for” list.
For more screenshots and a video of gameplay, check out bigdownloads.
New WW1 Flight Sim Is Here!
June 29th, 2010 . by flight simulation games
Today is the big day, folks. After too many months with no new flight sim releases, the new and much improved version of one of the most underrated WW1 combat flight simulator games out there has finally been released.
That’s right, Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition hits the shelves today, and you know what that means: there’s a ton of awesome WW1 flight combat action in my future. And, if you’re smart, it’s in yours too.
I know, I know. There were problems with the first Rise of Flight game. Although the game itself was critically acclaimed and award winning — and the users who actually played the game pretty much all loved it and hailed it as a new classic — many other users complained about the registration difficulties and the fact that it required an internet connection, even for the single player game. And, unfortunately, these relatively minor problems helped to tank the game’s user ratings and scared many new players away from what was really a great game.
But forget all that! Why? Because the very dedicated team behind the first Rise of Flight game listened to all the complaints and worked very hard to address all the problems, and this new version has fixed ‘em. Registration is now super easy and virtually automatic, the single player game now has an offline mode, and you get unlimited installs. Basically, this new edition of RoF has all the good stuff and none of the bad stuff.
Even better, Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition has taken it to the next level with the addition of even more great stuff, including:
- Two new multiplayer dogfight modes, with respawn and the ability to support up to 64 players.
- Two scripted campaigns, complete with new awards and medals to win.
- New, enhanced graphics featuring HDR lighting and updated cloud layers
- Super realistic weather, including new winter terrain textures, snowflakes, true-to-life wind patterns with functioning windsocks, and the most realistic raindrops in the biz
- New G-effects, including blackout, red-out, and pilot wound effects (such as blood spatter, ringing ears, and control difficulty)
- Twice as many flyable airplanes, and twice as many enemy AI aircraft as the first game
- Bonus skinpack, featuring dozens of new, historical paintjobs
- Quick and easy mission editor, with two new terrains so you can create your own custom missions in seconds
If you’ve been looking for new combat flight simulation games to play, look no further. With the problems fixed, all the great stuff from the first edition of the game still in place, and plenty of new awesome features, Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition looks poised to become one of the new classic combat sims. Don’t miss it. Order Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition right now!
Why Helicopter Flight Simulation is important
June 22nd, 2010 . by flight simulation gamesYou’ve heard me extol the virtues of flight simulation games for real-world applications. Flying simulators can be valuable for all sorts of reasons: saving the world, saving yourself in case the world goes crazy, weekend jaunts to Vegas. You know, important reasons.
Well, if a picture says thousand words, then a video can speak a volume. THIS is why using a helicopter flight simulator is worth every minute and every penny:
Wow. Don’t be that guy. Get yourself a helicopter flight simulation game today!
Pilot’s Alphabet
June 19th, 2010 . by flight simulation gamesYou’ve all heard the International Radiotelephony Alphabet at one point or other. If you’ve ever watched any movie or TV show with pilots talking to towers, you’ve heard it.
Why learn it? Well, if you’ve ever spent more than 10 minutes with a computer tech support desk person, you’ve probably wished you knew it. More importantly, if you’ve been interested in actually flying a plane, you’ll need to know it, also.
Lastly, there’s a growing trend in flight simulation games to not only play multiplayer with friends in other planes, but simulated flight control tower players has also become big recently. To be able to communicate with tower personnel effectively is one of the most challenging parts of learning how to fly any plane, simulated or not.
It’s really not hard, but it does take a couple weeks of daily practice. There’s nothing worse than trying to cram it in, only to discover down the road that you’ve forgotten the word for “U” or “Y”, just because you don’t use that letter very often in day to day activities.
But, for your reference and learning pleasure, here’s the internationally accepted radiotelephony alphabet, or Pilot’s alphabet.
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A
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Alpha
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N
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November
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B
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Bravo
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O
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Oscar
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C
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Charlie
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P
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Papa
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D
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Delta
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Q
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Quebec
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E
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Echo
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R
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Romeo
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F
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Foxtrot
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S
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Sierra
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G
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Golf
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T
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Tango
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H
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Hotel
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U
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Uniform
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I
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India
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V
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Victor
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J
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Juliett
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W
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Whiskey
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K
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Kilo
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X
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X-ray
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L
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Lima
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Y
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Yankee
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M
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Mike
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Z
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Zulu
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Best Flying Game
June 18th, 2010 . by flight simulation games
There’s a question I get asked a lot lately (a frequently asked question, if you will). It’s a question that seems pretty simple on its surface, but is really rather complex. It’s generally asked by people who are looking for a new flight simulation game to spend their hard-earned time and money on, and it goes something like this: “What’s the best flying game?”
Seems like a simple question right? Straightforward. So why do I check my watch and start searching for the nearest exit whenever I hear someone ask it? Because the real answer to that question is also seemingly simple but really complex, and it rarely satisfies those who look to me as some sort of flight sim guru with all the answers. The answer — the only honest answer — is this: It depends.
There are a whole bunch of different flight simulation games out there. Not as many as some of us would like, but a lot. More importantly, different sims are created with different audiences in mind. Some are aimed at people who like heavy simulation, and some are aimed at people who like arcade-style action. Some are about flying serenely through wide open skies between real world airports, and some are about blowing historical bogeys out of the sky. Some are centered around robust multiplayer communities and some are all about the single player experience. As you can imagine with such variety, there is no one game that will satisfy every player.
Still, you want to know — that’s why you’re reading this, right? — and so I’m going to do my best to answer the question for you. Or, at the very least, to point you in the right direction. Simply follow the links below that appeal to you the most, and take a look at the lists I’ve compiled of some of the best games in each sub-genre of flight simulator games:
- If you like accurate simulations of real world planes that allow you to experience what it’s like to be a civilian pilot, check out our list of the top flight simulation games.
- If you prefer cool military aircraft and extreme dogfighting, featuring difficulty levels ranging from super accurate airplane simulation to entry-level arcade action, check out our list of awesome combat flight simulator games.
- If you’d rather jump into a cool helicopter flight simulator, take a look at our list of helicopter flight simulation games. [COMING SOON!]
Whatever you prefer, these lists feature the best of the best (IMHO), and will provide you with enough detail to get you started on your quest. When you find one that looks interesting, just keep following the links for even more detail.
As always, whichever you choose, happy flying. And, of course, don’t forget to check six and throttle up, Tiger!
Flight Simulation Games in 3D!
June 17th, 2010 . by flight simulation gamesIf you haven’t seen one of the really cool Nvidia 3d demo booths at your local Fry’s Electronics or other computer warehouse store, you should!
I realize 3d is a new bandwagon that the movie industry is jumping on, and it’s “hot” in the news right now. But, one of the few areas where it can make a tremendous difference is in the gaming industry. Playing certain games in 3d is really awesome. And, flight simulation games in 3d offer up some of the best results out there.
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Here’s what you need to play Flight Simulator (and |
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Granted, to actually set yourself up to play games in 3d, it takes a little bit of cash. First, there’s the $200 3d glasses. Second, you have to have a monitor that can handle 3d (which, basically, just requires a really fast refresh rate, but chances are your regular flatscreen monitor can’t cut it). Lastly, you need a graphics card in your computer that can handle 3d. Luckily, most flight sim enthusiasts already have this part covered, as we’re used to having a serious graphics card just to make the games work. But, 3d is a whole new level, so you do have to make sure your card is compatible.
Once you have those 3 things, though, it’s off to the races! Or, to the skies!
Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X is one of the highest rated 3d-compatible games out there. So, we’re in luck!
RC Flight Simulator Games
June 16th, 2010 . by flight simulation gamesI get this question now and again: “What’s the difference between an RC Flight Simulator Game and a regular Flight Simulator Game?”
RC (Remote Control) flight simulator games are a whole different animal from computer flight simulator games. And, many people will even say there shouldn’t be the word “game” in there, either. (Of course, some hard-core flight sim people don’t consider the best flight sims to be games, either)
In a nutshell, RC flight simulator games simulate the flying of remote control airplanes and helicopters, rather than regular airplanes. You might be like, “why would you have a simulator for a simulator?” Because remote control hobbyists are quite serious about their hobby. Plus, some of the R/C planes and helicopters out there are EXPENSIVE. Much better to practice your aerial tricks and flips in a simulator before you accidentally crash your $200 R/C plane into the ground. In Flight Sim, if you crash, you just restart and try again! I guess it’s the same reason I play my flight sims: I seriously don’t want to crash my real-life plane! =)
I’m not an R/C expert, by any means, but if you’re interested in RC Flight Simulator Games, you may want to check out Real Flight G5. It’s one of the most popular out there, it comes with one of the best controllers (which is why it’s kind of pricey), and would be a great place to start your R/C experience, before shelling out for the expensive R/C aircraft.
New Flight Simulator Game!
June 15th, 2010 . by flight simulation games
If you’re a freak for flight simulation games, then you’ve no doubt noticed one very sad fact about life: new flight simulators don’t come out every day. As a matter of fact, new flight sims don’t come out very often at all. And really great combat flight simulator games are even fewer and farther between. A person could seemingly grow old and gray waiting for the next new release.
Well, wait no more! On June 29th, the much anticipated Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition will finally be unleashed.
For those of you who didn’t experience the first Rise of Flight game, here’s the scoop. Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War was actually a pretty good game — in fact, one of the best combat flight sims out there — once you got it all set up. Almost without fail, people who actually played the game loved it and hailed it as a new classic. Heck, it even won awards.
However, it had a really painful and problematic registration process. And you absolutely had to be online, even when playing the single player game. This left many people unable to get the game up and running properly, and the game’s ratings and reviews got tanked by upset players who were complaining more about these issues than the game itself. Rightfully so, mind you. Frustration and failure doesn’t exactly make for a great night of gaming. Unfortunately, that meant the actual gameplay never really got a fair shake.
If you were one of those people who had problems with the first game — or were scared away from even trying the first game because of the bad word of mouth — then now might be a good time to take another look at the series. By all accounts, the very dedicated team of developers has listened to the complaints and fixed all the issues that bogged down Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War, and created Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition to be the game that the first should’ve been all along. The new in-game registration process is said to be pain-free with unlimited installs, and the single player mode is offline so that you can play even without an internet connection. Not only that, but the new game features:
- Two new multiplayer modes (with re-spawn) that support dogfights of up to 64 players
- Two new scripted campaigns, featuring new awards and medals to win
- Twice as many flyable aircraft and twice as many AI aircraft, as well as a bonus skinpack featuring dozens of new, historical paintjobs
- New winter textures and snowflakes added to the already hyper-realistic weather effects system
- Realistic wind patterns that interact with functioning windsocks and smoke
- G-effects, including blackout, red out, and pilot wound effects (such as blood splatter, ear ringing, and control difficulty)
- Enhanced graphics that feature HDR (High Dynamic Range) lighting and updated cloud layers
- A quick mission builder that allows you to create new combat missions in seconds, as well as two new, original terrain maps for creating custom missions
Add all that to the original’s award-winning combination of flight model, difficulty slider, challenging AI, beautiful terrain graphics, awesome 3D models, and a progressive damage system that will see your enemy’s bullet hole-riddled wings tearing off before he rides a flaming death spiral into the ground, and you’ll see that Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition should be one of the great new combat flight simulation games. I can’t wait!
If you can’t wait either, then make sure to pre-order Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition at the lowest price around!
