X-Plane

[Katahu]

I bought X-Plane v8.21 and I have to say, it's pretty damn impressive. The visual models of the aircraft still need catching up to do, but the dynamics and scenery really blew me away.

One of the major things that I like about it is the way is manages the graphics. Whenever the sim slows down [due to limited resources], the sim will automatically reduce the graphics by simply creating enough haze to help gain back some of the needed resources.  It even comes with texture compression and can remember the background scenery [the scenery beyond your field of vision] without having to reduce and reload it like FS does.

Downside: Even with DVDs, the sim still requires multiple discs for the entire world.

[Mobius]

I just got the World Scenery for Christmas, and I am also very very impressed.  X-Plane flies better, but still doesn't look quite as good.  I would still highly recommend it to any "true" flight simmer.  ;D

[Gunny04]

X-plane? Bought a version ages ago, and all I can say its crap, tried the new version, not much better..... I say FS is much much better, I think X-plane is maybe good competition to get M$ moving, but thats about it! Cheers, Gunny

[Katahu]

X-plane? Bought a version ages ago, and all I can say its crap, tried the new version, not much better..... I say FS is much much better, I think X-plane is maybe good competition to get M$ moving, but thats about it! Cheers, Gunny

Well, in terms of looks, FS9 is better. However, X-Plane is widely used to test out aircraft before they are made due to the accuracy of the flight models [or dynamics for short]. Remember Space Ship 1?

It's not how it looks that defines the two simulators. It's how you use them that defines them. If you use X-Plane just for sightseeing, them it is crap. But if you want to see how your imaginary plane flies or how tilt-rotor aircraft can handle in the air, then X-Plane is perfect for the job.

Don't forget, I have FS95 and FS98. In the past, these two sims were considered realistic. Now look at FS today. X-Plane is still young by comparison. But given enough time [about a few years from now], X-Plane will catch up. Do also remember Orbiter Space Flight Simulator? It started out ugly, but it's graphics are also starting to catch up [and it's still free].

[Gunny04]

Orbiter..... I have got to get that again, I nearly forgot about it! Cheers, Gunny