 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Flight Simulator X
- Windows
- Price: $49.99
- Genre: Simulation
Common Sense Media says
The latest Flight Simulator game is the best yet.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the recommended age rating of "14 and older" isn't due to graphic material -- Microsoft's Flight Simulator products are family-friendly adventures with no violence, sexual content, or inappropriate language. But this simulation is very challenging and not suitable for younger kids. And for parents who are concerned about post-9/11 sensitivity, you can't crash your plane in this game -- you actually right through buildings (in the default setting). If you want to turn on collision detection, crashing causes the mission to start back at the beginning.
What's it about?
Microsoft Game Studios' ambitious FLIGHT SIMULATOR X lets gamers fly two-dozen commercial aircraft -- from the giant Boeing 747-400 to the deHavilland DHC-2 Beaver floatplane and the Bell 206B Helicopter -- with incredibly lifelike graphics that include authentically re-created cockpits, airports, and scenery (even cars and livestock). Players can even choose a season, time of day, the weather conditions, and more. In addition to free-flight modes -- either starting in the air or working with air traffic control to follow protocol and take off from a busy airport -- players can accept more than 50 challenging missions. These missions include successfully completing a transatlantic flight, demonstrating an Airbus A321 at the Paris Air show, dropping relief materials in the Congo, and landing a stunt plane on top of a moving school bus.
Is it any good?
Talk about attention to detail: the game lets you fly to or from more than 24,000 airports on seven continents. But be forewarned: Players must install two full DVD-ROMs on a Windows-based machine, totaling an incredible 14 gigabytes of hard drive space. What's more, installation takes about 35 minutes, and another 10 minutes to launch the first time you play. After this, however, it's smooth sailing.
Gamers can join other players online, where one chooses to fly the plane while others assume the role of co-pilot, air traffic control, and so on -- while chatting via a headset. If you don't own a flight stick peripheral, you can easily use a regular console-like gamepad. A recommended pick is the Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller for Windows ($29.99). If you want to try Flight Simulator X before you buy, visit the official Web site to download the playable 817MB demo.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the challenges commercial pilots face, including poor weather conditions, busy airports, and fuel management. Because you can fly to and from more than 24,000 airports around the world, not to mention take on more than 50 specific missions, families can discuss how important it is for pilots to understand world geography.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Very good game
If you reaaly interested of planes i recomend this game
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great game, but can be confusing for younger kids
It is a very realistic and great simulator, but With realism comes real-life complications. For very young kids, they won't be able to understand the game well enough to enjoy it. However, if you're old enough to understand aircraft systems, etc., you can enjoy the game
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Its ok
This game shouldn't be rated by age, it's just how much you know about aviation. Yes, i do know a lot about planes, flying, navigation, everything. a 7 year old could play this, he/she just needs knowledge.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Simple flight simulator is easy to play, hard to master
Some open chat, but people hardly ever swear.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A good product but too complex for under 14s.
MS Flight simulator X is a very realistic and well made flight simulator, but like all simulators it is extremely complex, and pointless for anybody under the age of 14ish. However, before you buy this product consider an alternative: FlightGear. FlightGear is a more powerful simulator that allows advanced users to share self-built planes and maps, allowing a virtually infinite amount of content. The best thing about FlightGear? It's completely free. However, it is a very complex product and really is only appropriate for 14s or over.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Flyer's delight!
Possibly the most realistic game out, it's mostly used for junkies and professional training, but is a fun alternative that isn't for everyone...
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
fun for all
i think it is a great game it is very fun and challenging
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
it can be hard
this is awsome! i love this game i am on it 24/7! i love flying and crashin the planes!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This game provides values
For an aspiring pilot, believe it or not, you can take the game lessons, go take your hours with an instructor, and get our licsence
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Platforms: | Windows |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Microsoft |
| Release date: | October 18, 2006 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for Everyone |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already played it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
