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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Item: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresSimulation, Single Player

AvailableNov 19, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperAsobo Studio

Overview

Pursue your dream of an aviation career with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming to create the most sophisticated, immersive and awe-inspiring flight simulator of all time. To achieve this unprecedented level of accuracy, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is powered by the significantly evolved Asobo Studio engine.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 nails technical realism and structured progression with its career mode, but its narrative stumbles on repetitive missions, procedural dialogue, and underwhelming storytelling, leaving players craving depth over simulation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 highlight several positive aspects, particularly its structured career mode and instructional design. Critics like Games.cz and IGN France note that the introduction of a "career mode" adds narrative depth by offering players a progression system through missions, which provides a sense of direction and purpose. SomosXbox emphasizes that this mode gives the game a more defined structure compared to its predecessor, while COGconnected acknowledges the detailed instruction provided through assignments, even if the storytelling falls short. These elements collectively suggest that the game’s focus on realism and simulation mechanics is complemented by a framework that guides players through learning flight basics, making it accessible for newcomers. However, the narrative aspects of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 face significant criticism. Game8 and New Game Network describe the story as minimal, with repetitive mission structures and procedural dialogue that lacks engagement. COGconnected points out weak scriptwriting and voice acting, while IGN France refers to a "pseudo-scénaristique" element that feels robotic and underdeveloped. Gamers Heroes and New Game Network also note the lack of depth in mission scripts, with the latter criticizing bugs and repetitive tasks that undermine immersion. These critiques underscore a general consensus that the game prioritizes simulation over storytelling, leaving its narrative elements feeling thin and unremarkable. Overall, critics agree that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is less about traditional storytelling and more about delivering an immersive flight experience through realism and structured progression. While Games.cz and IGN France acknowledge the career mode’s contribution to narrative depth, most reviewers emphasize that the game’s strengths lie in its technical execution rather than a compelling story. The mixed reception reflects a divide between players who value simulation accuracy and those seeking richer narrative elements. Despite the shortcomings in storytelling, the game’s focus on progression and realism appears to resonate with its target audience, even if it falls short of delivering a traditional "story" in the conventional sense.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dazzles with vast, immersive modes and RPG-like progression, but repetitive tasks, clunky controls, and technical hiccups sink its potential—balancing ambition with frustrating flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 receives praise for its expansive variety of modes, immersive simulation depth, and structured progression systems. Critics like IGN and Gaming Nexus highlight the career mode as a standout feature, offering RPG-like progression through certifications, mission diversity (ranging from firefighting to aerial construction), and educational value for both newcomers and veterans. The inclusion of free flight, photography modes, and challenge leagues adds layers of accessibility and engagement, with Areajugones noting the game’s ability to cater to casual and serious simulators alike. Metro GameCentral and GameStar commend the detailed aircraft roster and realistic mechanics, while COGconnected emphasizes the flexibility for players to customize their experience from simplified flying to advanced simulations. These elements collectively create a rich, multifaceted gameplay loop that appeals to aviation enthusiasts. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that temper the game’s potential. Issues like repetitive mission structures, grindy progression systems, and technical flaws dominate the feedback. Shacknews and But Why Tho? criticize the career mode’s tedious tasks and lack of reward, while GRYOnline.pl and Vandal highlight inconsistent AI behavior and clunky control schemes, particularly on consoles. New Game Network and Gamer.nl note bugs, slow pacing, and unclear tutorials that frustrate players, especially newcomers. Additionally, Push Square and Windows Central point to console-specific challenges, such as imprecise controls without specialized hardware, and Checkpoint Gaming mentions a steep learning curve with underdeveloped tutorials. These issues create friction for players seeking seamless immersion or streamlined progression. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 succeeds as a ambitious simulation title with strong core mechanics and diverse content. While Generación Xbox and Hobby Consolas acknowledge its balance of accessibility and complexity, the recurring complaints about technical polish and design flaws—such as those highlighted by Worth Playing and Voxel—suggest room for improvement. The game’s dedication to realism and variety earns it praise, but its execution often falls short of expectations, leaving players divided between admiration for its scope and frustration with its shortcomings. Ultimately, the critics agree that while the gameplay is rich and engaging, addressing these issues would elevate it from a compelling simulation to an exceptional one.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dazzles with hyper-realistic visuals, immersive Earth-scale detail, and dynamic weather—yet its streaming tech falters, plagued by texture delays, blocky glitches, and inconsistent performance, making technical hiccups a costly flaw for an otherwise groundbreaking simulation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are widely praised for their ambition and realism, with many critics highlighting its stunning attention to detail and immersive world-building. Reviewers like GamingBolt and Voxel laud the game’s breathtaking visuals, noting its hyper-detailed landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and photogrammetric cities that create a lifelike representation of Earth. The 1:1 scale world, accurate airports, and procedural generation of environments are frequently cited as standout features, with PC Gamer praising the "stunningly detailed Earth recreation" and Impulsegamer emphasizing improved ground textures that allow for immersive virtual walking tours. Additionally, IGN Italia and Jeuxvideo.com highlight the game’s photorealistic landmarks and seasonal changes, while GameStar notes that landscapes and aircraft appear even more refined than in its predecessor. These positives underscore the game’s commitment to realism and scale, making it a visual marvel for aviation enthusiasts. However, the game faces significant criticism due to technical limitations tied to its streaming-first design. Multiple reviewers, including New Game Network and GamersRD, point to issues like delayed texture loading, blocky trees resembling Minecraft, and poor draw distance that undermine immersion. Atomix and Worth Playing note inconsistent rendering, bugs (e.g., "trees from buildings"), and variable visual quality dependent on internet stability. The PS5 version, as highlighted by COGconnected, suffers a noticeable downgrade in environmental textures and pop-in effects, while Vgames and CD-Action criticize poorly rendered urban areas and AI-generated errors, such as oversized trees in cities or incomplete updates for regions like Poland. These flaws, exacerbated by cloud-based data streaming, create a mixed experience where technical hiccups detract from the otherwise impressive visuals. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 represents a significant leap forward in visual fidelity and world-building, even if it isn’t without flaws. While GamingBolt and PC Gamer acknowledge technical issues like low-res textures and inconsistent streaming, they also recognize the game’s groundbreaking approach to realism and scale. Similarly, Worth Playing and CGMagazine note that while the visuals are occasionally marred by glitches, the sheer ambition of the project—such as its "digital twin" of Earth and dynamic skies—makes it a standout title. Critics like Gamer.nl and Eurogamer emphasize that the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, with many viewing it as a testament to the potential of cloud-based rendering in gaming. Ultimately, while the technical challenges are undeniable, the overwhelming praise for its visuals suggests that 2024 is a landmark achievement in simulation gaming, even if it falls short of perfection.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dazzles with hyper-realistic engine sounds, weather immersion, and DualSense haptics, but stumbles on clunky AI voices, muffled 3D audio, and repetitive music—its audio shines in technical detail yet falters in consistency, leaving a mixed legacy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

85%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 receive praise for their technical execution and immersive elements, particularly in creating a realistic aviation experience. Critics like COGconnected highlight effective engine sounds, weather effects, and environmental audio, while GamingBolt notes the realism of aircraft noises and ambient details. Metro GameCentral commends the DualSense haptics for conveying runway textures and the spa-like ambient music, which enhances the game’s atmospheric quality. Vandal praises immersive engine sounds, wind effects, and environmental details, while Generación Xbox and Hobby Consolas laud the impeccable aircraft sounds and "soft melody" soundtrack, respectively. These positives underscore the game’s commitment to authenticity and sensory detail, particularly in simulating flight dynamics and regional environments. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings that detract from the audio experience. COGconnected, Game8, and GamingBolt criticize underdeveloped 3D audio implementation, uneven sound mixing through headphones, and a lack of engine noise clarity, which diminishes tactile feedback. Push Square and Eurogamer describe the audio as "scruffy" and underutilized, with AI-generated voices in career mode and ATC feeling stilted or immersion-breaking. Gamer.nl notes technical flaws in VR, where audio effects occasionally mute without explanation, while But Why Tho? and GamersRD highlight repetitive music and lifeless AI voiceovers that clash with the game’s emotional depth. TheXboxHub also mentions glitches in AI-generated voices, further undermining immersion despite realistic aircraft sounds. These critiques reveal a persistent gap between the game’s ambitious audio goals and its execution. Overall, critics agree that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 excels in technical sound design and atmospheric details but struggles with consistent implementation of AI voiceovers, music integration, and 3D audio optimization. While COGconnected and Vandal acknowledge the game’s strengths in realism and environmental fidelity, others like Game8 and Eurogamer argue that these positives are overshadowed by repetitive or poorly executed elements. The consensus leans toward a mixed reception: the audio is functional and technically impressive in parts but marred by flaws that hinder immersion, particularly in career mode and VR. Despite this, many reviewers recognize the game’s potential for improvement through mods or future updates, as noted by COGconnected, though such solutions remain unlikely on PS5.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s AI voice acting is a disaster: robotic, emotionless, and riddled with glitches that shatter immersion, despite sparse praise for minor tweaks in clarity or training cues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

57%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 receives mixed praise, particularly for its functional aspects and minor improvements. Critics like IGN note updated instruction voiceovers in Career mode training, suggesting some refinement in delivery, while Gamer.nl highlights that the instructor’s voice remains consistently audible in VR, offering a degree of clarity. SomosXbox acknowledges that robotic guidance improves player understanding, even if it lacks emotional depth, and IGN France mentions the absence of AI-generated voices in certain contexts as a neutral point. These positives, however, are overshadowed by broader criticisms, as many reviewers emphasize the game’s reliance on AI-driven dialogue for core interactions. The negatives dominate the critique, with widespread dissatisfaction over AI-generated voice acting. COGconnected, GamingBolt, and Vandal all condemn the AI voices in Career mode and ATC as “immersion-killing,” citing robotic delivery, overlapping lines, and unnatural inflections. Eurogamer and Gameliner criticize stilted, emotionless dialogue, while CD-Action and IGN Italia highlight poor localization issues, such as awkward accents and mispronunciations in non-English versions. Checkpoint Gaming and Worth Playing note clunky AI instructor lines and repetitive, incorrect phrases, further undermining the game’s realism. Even Metro GameCentral acknowledges that ATC voices, while functional, carry a “peculiar inflection” that feels artificial. These flaws collectively detract from the immersive experience expected in a simulation title. The overall consensus among critics is that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s voice acting is a significant drawback, particularly due to its heavy reliance on AI-generated dialogue. While some reviewers like IGN and Gamer.nl acknowledge minor functional improvements, the majority—such as Vandal, Eurogamer, and Multiplayer.it—emphasize that the synthetic voices lack authenticity, emotional depth, and polish. The issue is exacerbated by localization problems in non-English versions, as highlighted by CD-Action and IGN Italia, while Shacknews and Hobby Consolas condemn the generic, call-center-like quality of ATC interactions. Despite some praise for clarity or specific features, the overwhelming sentiment is that the voice acting fails to meet expectations, undermining the game’s immersive potential and leaving players frustrated by its artificial auditory experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched with chaotic technical issues across all platforms, but Xbox saw the most improvement post-launch, PC struggled with persistent cloud and optimization flaws, and PS5 fared best despite minor hiccups—yet all shared a shaky reliance on unstable cloud infrastructure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

Positives for Each Platform: The technical performance of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 saw improvements over time across platforms, with some critics noting stabilization post-launch. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub and GAMES.CH highlighted that initial server issues, long load times, and crashes were largely addressed via patches, leading to improved stability and user-friendly menus. SomosXbox also noted smoother performance on Xbox compared to PC, suggesting the console version benefited from optimized resource management. For PC, IGN France acknowledged potential future local data support and overall post-launch improvements, while PC Gamer mentioned that severe server issues from launch were largely resolved, though minor glitches like plane spawning errors persisted. On PS5, Metro GameCentral praised the stable launch experience despite minor frame rate drops and texture pop-in, and Vandal noted no major issues during pre-launch testing, indicating the console port handled technical challenges better than other platforms. Negatives for Each Platform: Technical flaws plagued Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 across all platforms, with persistent issues undermining the experience. On Xbox Series X, GamersRD and New Game Network criticized severe crashes, locked 30fps, and unstable cloud streaming, while Metro GameCentral reported lingering texture loading problems and visual glitches weeks after launch. For PC, Oyungezer and Voxel highlighted server instability, long load times, and poor cloud system implementation, with IGN France noting high GPU usage and optimization concerns. The reliance on internet connectivity was a major pain point, as seen in critiques from Multiplayer.it and TechRadar Gaming, which linked performance to bandwidth and latency. On PS5, Push Square and COGconnected cited long load times, texture pop-in, and occasional disconnects, while Gaming Nexus pointed to procedural generation flaws and physics glitches. These issues were compounded by the game’s cloud-based architecture, which critics like Vandal and GRYOnline.pl argued introduced instability and graphical anomalies. Overall Consensus: While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 faced widespread technical challenges at launch, the consensus among critics was that these issues varied in severity across platforms. Xbox Series X users experienced significant early problems but saw notable improvements through patches, though some lingering bugs and dependency on internet connectivity remained (e.g., GamersRD, TheXboxHub). PC players endured the most persistent struggles, with cloud streaming, server instability, and hardware demands drawing sharp criticism from outlets like Oyungezer, IGN France, and Vandal. PS5 received relatively more favorable reviews for its stable launch and fewer critical flaws, though texture pop-in and load times were still cited as issues (e.g., Push Square, Metro GameCentral). Despite these differences, all platforms shared concerns about the game’s reliance on cloud infrastructure, which critics like TechRadar Gaming and GAMES.CH argued introduced unpredictability. While post-launch updates mitigated some problems, the technical hurdles—particularly on PC—highlighted the challenges of balancing ambitious design with reliable performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 delivers near-endless replayability with its vast modes, immersive exploration, and customization, but repetitive missions, technical hiccups, and a steep learning curve risk alienating casual players—proving addictive for aviation fans yet frustrating for others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of reviewers praise Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for its exceptional replay value, emphasizing its vast array of modes, activities, and immersive content. Critics like Gaming Nexus highlight the "extensive content across multiple modes" and the game’s ability to offer "hundreds of hours of gameplay," while Metro GameCentral applauds the diversity of experiences, including Career Mode, Free Flight, World Photographer, and Discovery Flights. The game’s open-ended nature, with its detailed global landscapes and customizable aircraft, is frequently cited as a key draw. IGN notes the "long-term engagement through Career mode progression, Challenge League's weekly updates, and Flight Planner's educational depth," while GamingTrend emphasizes the variety of goals, from sightseeing to competitive challenges. The game’s flexibility—allowing players to toggle between casual exploration and structured simulation—creates a sense of endless possibilities, as noted by Vandal, who credits its "infinite exploration" and evolving content for sustained interest. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that may limit replayability for some players. Issues like repetitive mission structures, technical bugs, and a steep learning curve are recurring concerns. Voxel argues that the game’s "repetitive missions" and lack of varied content beyond flying can lead to monotony, while COGconnected (PC) mentions technical limitations and a "steep learning curve" deterring casual players. Oyungezer criticizes Photographer Mode for its static missions lacking incentives for repetition, and Eurogamer notes that "some mission repetition may reduce long-term engagement." Additionally, GameStar and Gameliner highlight that repetitive tasks and bugs can diminish the experience, particularly for those seeking seamless gameplay. These critiques suggest that while the game’s depth is impressive, its accessibility and polish remain areas needing improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a strongly positive assessment of replay value, despite acknowledging flaws. Most agree that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers "near-endless content" through its diverse modes, aircraft, and exploration opportunities, as highlighted by Gamer.nl and Games.cz. While some reviewers, like Voxel and Oyungezer, express reservations about repetition and polish, the majority view the game as a compelling long-term investment for aviation enthusiasts. IGN and GamingTrend emphasize its ability to keep players engaged through progression systems and evolving challenges, while TechRadar Gaming acknowledges that technical hurdles "may limit accessibility" but don’t overshadow the game’s core appeal. The balance between depth and frustration ultimately depends on player preferences, but the critical reception underscores a shared belief in the game’s enduring replayability for those who embrace its complexity.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 highlights its ambitious scope, immersive visuals, and innovative features that set it apart in the simulation genre. Critics consistently praise its stunning realism, with IGN France calling it a “must-have” for aviation enthusiasts and GamingTrend hailing it as the “best flight simulator available.” The game’s detailed world-building, enhanced graphics, and new mechanics like Career Mode (lauded by Voxel and Impulsegamer) are frequently cited as standout elements. Additionally, the PS5 version receives acclaim for its technical stability and expanded accessibility, with Metro GameCentral dubbing it the “definitive console experience.” TheXboxHub notes that despite a turbulent launch, the game has stabilized and delivers on its promises, while Jeuxvideo.com acknowledges its evolution as a significant step forward for the franchise. These positives underscore the game’s potential to redefine flight simulation through its scale and dedication to authenticity. However, the consensus also emphasizes persistent technical flaws and design shortcomings that detract from the experience. Shacknews and New Game Network criticize the game as “underdeveloped” and “rushed,” with significant bugs, streaming instability, and a lack of polish. Oyungezer and GamersRD highlight performance issues, crashes, and repetitive gameplay, while IGN Italia and TechRadar Gaming point to poor voice acting, unclear monetization, and incomplete features. The reliance on AI-generated content (Vandal) and the steep learning curve (Gaming Nexus) further complicate accessibility. Critics like SomosXbox and COGconnected note that the game feels more like an early access release than a polished product, with some versions—like the PS5—suffering from visual downgrades and limited cross-play. These issues create a divide between the game’s lofty ambitions and its current execution, leaving many to question its readiness for broader audiences. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is one of cautious optimism. While most agree that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is technically flawed and incomplete, they recognize its potential to become a landmark title in the simulation genre. Hey Poor Player’s 3.5/5 score reflects this duality, acknowledging improvements but stressing the need for refinement. IGN Italia and GamingBolt argue that the game’s immersive depth and innovation justify patience, even with its current issues. TheXboxHub and Windows Central note that post-launch updates have stabilized the experience, suggesting it will evolve over time. While some critics, like Vandal (PS5) and Metro GameCentral, praise specific iterations for their polish, others urge players to wait for patches or consider older versions like FS2020. Ultimately, the reviews paint a picture of a game that is ambitious and promising but requires significant post-launch support to fully realize its vision.

TL;DR

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dazzles with hyper-realistic visuals and ambitious innovation but is plagued by technical flaws, repetitive gameplay, and a steep learning curve. While hailed as the best in its genre, its rushed polish and PS5-specific issues leave it feeling incomplete, despite post-launch updates hinting at potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

86 reviews found

Games.cz

Dec 17, 2024