Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: Commodore 16, DOS
- Developers: subLOGIC
- Publishers: Microsoft
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 (1984): A Landmark in Flight Simulation
Released in 1984, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 was a groundbreaking flight simulator that set the standard for years to come. With its realistic graphics and physics, it was one of the most immersive and challenging games of its time.
Development
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 was developed by Bruce Artwick, a former Boeing engineer who had a passion for flight simulation. Artwick founded SubLogic in 1979 and released the first Microsoft Flight Simulator in 1982. Flight Simulator 2.0 was a major upgrade over the original, with improved graphics, physics, and aircraft.
Features
One of the most significant features of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 was its support for a wide range of hardware. The game could be played on IBM PC compatibles, Apple II computers, and Commodore 64s. This made it one of the first truly cross-platform games.
Another major improvement in Flight Simulator 2.0 was its physics engine. The game used a realistic flight model that accurately simulated the effects of lift, drag, and gravity. This made the game much more challenging and rewarding to play.
Flight Simulator 2.0 also featured a wide range of aircraft, from small Cessna 172s to large Boeing 747s. Each aircraft had its own unique flight characteristics, which added to the game’s replayability.
Gameplay
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 was a very open-ended game. Players could choose to fly anywhere in the world, and they could land at any airport. The game also featured a variety of challenges and missions, which added to its replayability.
One of the most popular features of Flight Simulator 2.0 was its multiplayer mode. Players could fly online with other players and compete in races or simply explore the world together.
Reception
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic graphics, physics, and gameplay. The game was also a major hit with aviation enthusiasts, who appreciated its accuracy and detail.
Flight Simulator 2.0 has been credited with popularizing flight simulation and inspiring a new generation of pilots. The game is still considered one of the best flight simulators ever made, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.
Legacy
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 had a profound impact on the video game industry. It was one of the first truly realistic and immersive games, and it helped to raise the bar for what gamers could expect from a video game.
Flight Simulator 2.0 also inspired a number of other flight simulators, including the X-Plane series and the Prepar3D series. These games have continued to push the boundaries of flight simulation, and they have helped to make the genre one of the most popular and respected in gaming.
Conclusion
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 was a groundbreaking game that set the standard for flight simulation. With its realistic graphics, physics, and gameplay, the game was one of the most immersive and challenging games of its time. Flight Simulator 2.0 also had a profound impact on the video game industry, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
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