Virtual Travel with Flight Simulator X

Lately, I've been getting back into Microsoft Flight Simulator. 2002 and X are both in the software collection, with X taking up residence on the rebuilt laptop. Granted, the accrued flight hours and awards are gone, but the pleasure was in joy riding with a Jetranger vs. building anykind of real flight training. Even so, it's fun to see how long you've spent at the controls.

Needless to say, I forgot how eye-opening the scenery is and how much fun it is to travel the simulated world. Seeing little things like The Queen Mary near Los Angeles (something I've been to in Real Life) or Disneyland is a unique thrill. Not surprisingly, it inspires one to go back to those places, or visit new ones after seeing them ingame. Downloading Service Pack 1 makes the experience even better.

Shifting into dork mode, I really enjoy the real-time weather feature. For those that don't know, X will tap the global weather net for conditions and then feed that info into whatever location you set up. Translation: If it's rainy in Orlando Florida, then it'll be rainy in simulated Orlando Florida, plus or minus 15 minutes. This feature really adds a lot to the game. It's a wild feeling to take off from gate 69 G at Orlando International, in the rain, and know that's exactly what's going on, at about the same moment, down in Florida.

The Xbox 360 controller integration is also a winner. All the important features are well layed out, including rudders! X has over 2002 in that the rudders are mapped to the trigger buttons, not the acceleration. Big help if you're making a tight turn or landing adjustment. In some ways, I almost like that control scheme better than a throttle and stick combo. No, it's not accurate to the air craft, but it is easy to use. Oh don't kid yourself, I'd still love a high end throttle and stick combo as part of a bigger simulator, but, that's theme park and travel money and I want a Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit pick magnet. ;)

Yep, I'm having fun and have yet to delve into the free downloads and add ons. For the previous installments, I've seen everything from UFOs to Naboo Star Fighters as plug-ins. Hopefully I can find either a Goodyear Blimp or similar Steampunk airship to fly. That would be sweetness. Until then, sorry Goose, but it's time to buzz the castle. The Disney World castle, that is. ;)