Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight (PC CD) - PC and Console Games (Microsoft)

FLIGHT SIMULATOR V2004 A CENTURY OF FLIGHT UK

Customer Reviews of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight (PC CD)

fs geek
Sheffield, SY UK
26th October 2008

THE Flight Simulator
Although now succeeded by FSX, FS9 continues to bring a high standard of simulation to my PC. The possibilities with this game a re literally endless. The ability to expand FS9 makes it very customizable, with a plethora of add-ons ranging from scenery software to complete aircraft.

I bought FS9 as a novice and over time have added to my experience and all under the same platform!. For someone who only wishes to use the simulator to learn the basics of flight, FS9 would possibly be the wiser choice over FSX, as the former is bound to provide significantly higher frame rates (and it costs much less!).

A brilliant piece of software whether you are a total novice, a flght sim veteran or even a real-world pilot. Five stars, of course!

John A. Stedman
Rye UK
13th January 2008

Simulator or training aid?
This is a serious simulator. I've used the whole history of MS Flight Simulators and each gets better. I've used this one for over 3 years now and still don't tire of it. Limitations yes - the principal one being that you're trying to fly an aircraft through a single window. Realistic yes - though I have to say that flying a real light aircraft in good conditions is actually easier than flying this sim! Add ons available - limitless including many free options. With full scenery optional extras (third party) you can fly over and recognise your own house. Alternatively you can plan and fly around the world in real time and weather. Up to you.

If you are already a real world pilot (as I am) you can use this to brush up on your nav skills. Navaid frequencies are real world and you can use real world charts. You can practice IFR without any risk and cost - can you navigate using VORs with a 500' cloudbase?

If you're looking for a game then look elsewhere as you'll be disappointed very quickly. FS does need to be learned and that takes time. You'll also need a good quality joystick (with twist stick to accommodate rudder input) or flight controls such as those from CH. Given that understanding you will get your value out of FS thousands of times over - it will probably be the best bit of simulation software you will ever find for a home PC!

SE7EN
UK
30th December 2007

Beginner to FS2004
I have just today bought FS2004...without a joystick. So there i was playing...or should i say trying to play the game with my keypad. BIG MISTAKE PEOPLE!! i was getting fustrated and thinkin it was a waste of my money...and because i am new to theses games i wasnt sure what to do. i read some of the review for the game on Amazon where i found reviwers were suggesting to play the game using a Joystick, so tomorrow i will go buy one and find out whether its worth it. will let u know what i think once i play using the joystick. see if it makes the game easier and more enjoyable....i will let u know by writing a comment to this review :)

Mr. J. Ward
Leeds, UK
10th December 2007

Fs2004
Well, eventually I have had to upgrade (I have been an fs2002 devotee for the last few years) and it is a big improvement from the previous version. Better graphics and a wide selection of add-ons available. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because you have to use a cd to run the game, which can be an annoyance. Otherwise this is a brilliant buy.
Oh, and I recommend the Masters of the Sky add-on (avail from Amazon) & simviation.com for free add-on stuff!

Zaki Dogliani
London, UK
4th October 2007

The Best Flight Simulator Out There
This is, without a doubt the best Flight Simulator game ever made. It is difficult to learn at first but after you have taken some lessons on the game, you should be able to make a short flight eg. London - Manchester in good conditions with a light aircraft like a Cessna. Eventually, you should improve and be able to fly over the Atlantic or the Pacific in bad conditions with a Boeing 737. The graphics are fabulous, you can see individual buildings well and it has lots of famous world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, the Space Needle... as well as all the airports. There are hundreds or add-ons available on the internet so you can design your own planes etc.
Overall, it is a great game and if you like Flight Simulator games, you won't fail to like this.