subject: The Recreational Market For The Best Flight Simulators [print this page] The Recreational Market For The Best Flight Simulators
Flight Simulators are a really market within a market. One doesn't lop flying games into the same category as other PC based games. Just as the "Sims" based PC series of games is in a market of its own, so are flight simulator games.
The thrill of being able to pilot anything from a simple Piper Cub to a Boeing 747 is fun and challenging to many. So where do you start? Of course you can go to a video game store such as Gamestop or you can simply go online and download a simple free flight simulator or pay for a more complex flight simulator and get several types of aircraft from which to choose. Most flying games enthusiasts prefer downloading simulators directly online.
Wether you choose to buy packaged software or purchase a download there a several things you want to look for: 1) Who developed the simulator? Was it a software engineer or an actual pilot with the help of a software engineer. To enjoy the most realistic simulation, choose a program that has been developed in cooperation with a pilot. There's nothing like really being in the cockpit, so if you're not a former pilot, wouldn't you want an actual pilot to have input in the development process? 2) How many different aircraft are available in the flight simulator that you are evaluating? Again free downloads typically offer a limited aircraft selection. 3) Are you interested in simulators that offer military fighter jets for the true game enthusiast? If that's the case check the types of fighters offered and what type of ordinance they carry. 4) How realistic is realistic? That certainly runs the gamut from easy (with software safeguards to keep you from crashing) to difficult (almost in the cockpit) with all of the features that a plane has from elevators to ailerons to specific flap control. 5) Do you want pre-packaged software (from a store) or online downloads? If you choose an online download, make sure that you have 24/7 access along with technical support just in case of a problem. The one nice thing about online downloads is that updates are easier to obtain than pre-packaged software.
Further, if you choose the online route, make sure that you're paying a ONE-TIME fee and not any type of monthly or annual "license" fee.
