So there is much debate over what the best home flight simulator is and many are torn between the options. Let me preface by saying I have been using home flight simulators for 10+ years and have flown almost every home sim possible. Today I will give my opinion on two of the most popular and newest simulations. It is X-Plane 10 vs Microsoft Flight Simulator 10. I will break the review down by different aspects of the sims and will present a winner of each category. Hopefully this will help you decide which sim is best for you!
Graphics:
Obviously X-Plane 10 is the newer by 6 years or so but there is still some competition with graphics. In my opinion x-plane has crisper ground textures, roads, and water textures. X-Plane also has an awesome weather system. FSX is a clear winner when it comes to airports though. Without add on's X-Plane does not have any airport buildings, jetways, scenery, etc.. FSX can look as good as X-Plane in all the other departments with things like REX but those come at a hefty price. If you can live without airport buildings or want to purchase some then X-Plane is the winner. If you want jet ways and such but don't mind inferior textures then FSX is your bet.
My pick: X-Plane
Realism:
I wont go on and on about every little aspect of realism. Simply put X-Plane is more realistic feeling to me. After flying all summer in a 152 and a 172 then flying them on each sim I have to say X-Plane wins. FSX is simpler and more fun sometimes to fly each plane but X-Plane takes the cake for most realistic physics and flight model.
My pick: X-Plane
User Interface:
FSX has a great user interface and it is easy to use. It also has fun interactive missions and lessons you can take. While the developers at X-Plane are starting to make it easier to navigate it still looks dated and confusing.
My pick: FSX
Planes and Developer Content:
Since FSX has been around a lot longer it has much more add on content and cool realistic programs you can buy. I also think FSX comes with a better standard of airplanes when compared to X-Plane. However, many developers are switching to X-Plane so in a short amount of time this could be reversed. X-Plane is constantly being updated and has a solid future ahead of it while FSX was essentially shut down by Microsoft.
My pick for now: FSX
My pick in a year or less: X-Plane most likely
Overall they are both solid choices. I own both and like them differently for the reasons above. I will tell you the sim I play the most right now is still FSX. The added content I have makes it an attractive choice for me over the new X-Plane. However, X-Plane has been working its way up as I discover new things with it. I think in the future X-Plane has great potential to be THE flight sim for almost everyone. That is just my 2 cents on these sims. Let me know your opinion in the comment section!
I personally think X-plane's default 172 is too twitchy compared to a real Cessna 172. I only have the demo of X-plane, but the planes are still fully functional. In my opinion if you set the joystick sensitivity to full null then you have a more realistic 172. FSX's 172 is too easy to fly, howevery it feels better once you set full realism, and actually gets close. In my opinion the best 172 for a flight simulator is the default one featured in Aerofly FS, it flies (and sounds) pretty much like a real Skyhawk. It's just a little twitchy on the ground and I think there's a little bit too much propwash. The only other downside is that the aircraft isn't functional, however they devs might change that in the future. For the absolute best Cessna 172, I think it'd have to be a mix between FSX with full realism settings and Aerofly fs with full realism settings. Also with Full 172 functionality of course. As for other planes I can't say. I've only flown two 172s, one with a normal cockpit, the other glass.
ReplyDeleteI agree that x-plane can be a bit twitchy but I feel as if the physics are pretty realistic. I appreciate another point of view as it seems you know a lot about the subject. I will look into the Aerofly FS for sure.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, even though the planes are somewhat twitchy they physics of X plane are better. I also just learned today that my flight school uses the FAA approved version of X plane for training, and that you can actually log hours using it! Maybe I was wrong... But I would still recommend giving Aerofly FS a try!
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