Later this month, eager players will be able to apply to get an early hands-on with Microsoft’s ambitious new flight sim. This is the first main entry in Microsoft’s Flight Series Simulator since 2006’s Flight Simulator X, so understandably hardcore flight sim fans are more than a little excited about its upcoming release.
Along with an update to the current Alpha build, Microsoft has announced that the Closed Beta will launch on July 30th. Current participants in the Closed Alpha will automatically be enrolled for the Beta, and anyone who wishes to sign up for it can do so by following these instructions.
As much as the highly technical simulation of all the complex physics and nuances in how a plane controls are key to making a great flight simulator, on the surface, one of the most eye-catching elements of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator is just how beautiful it looks in motion. It’s not the flashiest game, and clearly, they’re going for authenticity and accuracy before anything else, but the calm and serene vibes as you take to the air really do capture the beauty of flight. The lighting, the advanced weather simulation, the attention to detail in the earth’s surface, and the accuracy of how the planes look and move really do set it apart from any past flight simulators. Of course, these surface elements aren’t the most important aspects of a flight simulator, but they might perhaps draw in new players who have used a flight simulator before but are enticed by the beautiful presentation here.
The Flight Simulator team is taking lots of feedback on board during the development of the Alpha, with player notes and bug reports all being addressed to some extent by the massive list of changes made in the latest update over on the Flight Simulator blog. There’s also a fantastic showcase of videos and screenshots taken during the beta, that go along way to showcase how this game is not just an effective tool for learning how to fly a plane, but also a way to engage in some virtual tourism, where you can see the world from the safety of your own home.
If you’re a passionate flight simulator fan looking to get back into them with the upcoming release of Microsoft Flight Simulator, we’ve got detailed system requirements posted over here, and if you want to upgrade your rig specifically to take to the skies, head over to our build guide for advice on how to get started.