Flight Update.

[airboatr]

I see Microsoft Studios have released some new screenies. The first in the lastest set is of a ship dockside, the shadowing is

And video showing off the scenery and VC shadowing.

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/

[DarrenL]

Microsoft have opened Flight for applications to the Beta testing.

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/#

Link on the page above.

[airboatr]

excellent update Darren.

[Paul K]

Looks very good indeed.The USS Arizona just below the water is particularly well done; appropriate, given the date. Doubt I'll buy it however, unless I can use the bulk of my FSX add-ons.

[speedbird591]

I'm trying to read between the lines of this Q&A. I'm not familiar with modern online gaming but does this mean that it will only be available online? I can see the 'attractions' of flying in a permanently active airspace peopled by 14 year old kids and pensioners ( ) but where does it leave add-ons (is that integrated content marketplace?)? Perhaps one of the younger members could enlighten me about the Games for Windows -LIVE service? I'm sure I'll buy/rent it anyway but I think it might be a big leap into the 21st century

Q:What is "Microsoft Flight?"
A:"Microsoft Flight" is a new PC game from Microsoft Game Studios. The new title will be available on the Games for Windows - LIVE service and will bring a new perspective to the long-standing "Flight Simulator" franchise. From new game play elements and enhanced scenery and terrain to new aircraft and integrated content marketplace, it is an entirely new breed of virtual flight. The Games for Windows - LIVE platform sets the stage for all your virtual flight needs while connecting you to a global base of users, content and endless exploration. Microsoft Flight builds off its heritage of deep, immersive simulation and is redesigned to make the experience easier for virtual fliers of all interests and skills.

Ian

[airboatr]

I'm trying to read between the lines of this Q&A.

Ian

I've tried doing that .... haven't found any print though


OK seriously

I'm guessing *the program will be bought like past versions - disk. The online part could be as simple as just logging into live.com
so the software can be authenticated.
Which could mean third party software added into the sim could be authenticated as well.
(kinda like apps used in a smartphone that have to be submitted to a " store " )
To interact with other Flight simmers online would simply be done by turning on multifly instead of logging into gamespy
and joining a public community.
Or making up a private one, where you don't have to worry about pesky 12 year olds. God love'm

All based on conjecture of course.

[Airspeed]

Well folks,
About 10 days ago, I put some questions to the MS Flight team, including whether it will be online only, like the latest IL-2, and whether they've put any effort into realistic night skies. All I've had is a note to say "I'm out of the office....." Not exactly inspiring. I have the horrible feeling that the IL-2 use of Steam is going to be the way it is.

[VEGAS]

This looks rather good. Although I don't know whether to be happy or upset given what dosh I have had to part with over the years to get my sim looking half as good as this.

Put my name down to be a beta.

No doubt I'll never hear from them again.

[SkippyBing]

whether it will be online only, like the latest IL-2

That'll be the latest IL-2 that I've only played offline then? Steam is just a way of distributing software and allowing you to connect to multi-player games, along with a side order of verification to protect the developers from pirates, it's not the apocalypse.

[airboatr]

it's not the apocalypse.

It might very well be if MSF release the sim with as many problems FSX had when it was released.