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Flight Simulator X: Acceleration

When it comes to PC games, no series is more venerated than Microsoft's Flight Simulator. The granddaddy of all PC simulations, Flight Simulator first saw light of day on the PC in 1982 (and on the Apple II two years prior). From the monochrome wireframe glory of version 1.0 to the visually stunning and technically complex simulation that is Flight Simulator X, aviation buffs have continued to flock to the series. Without question, Flight Simulator is the de facto name in civil and commercial aviation simulations for the PC. The series has maintained success for over 25 years, mainly by catering to the dedicated crowd of enthusiasts who have permanent mock cockpits in their basements. Acceleration, the first expansion pack for 2006's FSX, is out, and it features new game modes and content, as well as anticipated DirectX 10 graphics options. Is it a worthy add-on for the PC's most well-respected simulation?

More Of What You Love

Flight Simulator is best-known as an authentic if forgiving simulation, and has been heralded for introducing many a future pilot to the wonders of air flight. With realism settings dialed all the way up, the experience is as close to a simulation as you can get without moving to dedicated hardware and software packages. But with realism settings moved to the Beginner level, it becomes less a simulator and more a game; a relaxing way to enjoy the various locales highlighted by the game's missions. Flight Simulator X: Acceleration is a fresh coat of paint on the mostly mundane gameplay; the new missions and head-to-head online multiplayer races are designed to satisfy those with a hankering for action. In addition to the expanded multiplayer and new missions, the expansion includes some new locales and aircraft. In all, nothing spectacular, but a decent value nonetheless.

Does anyone not like the Blue Angels? One of the classic F/A-18A Hornets heads skyward over British Columbia.

Aircraft are detailed to the extreme, which only highlights the underwhelming scenery.

Page 1: IntroductionPage 2: GameplayPage 3: Service Pack and DirectX 10Page 4: Performance & HardwarePage 5: Final Thoughts & Scores

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