Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the latest installment in the iconic series, debuted on November 19, for Xbox and PC. Despite its ambition to deliver a revolutionary flight simulation experience through cloud technology, the launch has been plagued with game-breaking bugs, server crashes, and performance issues that frustrated eager fans.

Turbulent Takeoff

From day one, the game struggled under the weight of high player demand. Limited server capacity caused frequent crashes, freezing, and other issues that left many unable to even access the game. For those who managed to log in, bugs and glitches often marred the experience. Planes missing landing gear, unresponsive controls, and progress loss in Career Mode are just a few examples of the widespread technical problems reported by players.

Much of the frustration stems from the game’s reliance on cloud streaming to deliver its massive world and data in real-time, a departure from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020’s traditional download model. While this eliminates lengthy installation times and updates, it also requires high-speed internet connectivity, which isn’t accessible to everyone. For some players, the experience can be unreliable and frustrating.

Career Mode

Despite the rough launch, the game’s new Career Mode stands out as a promising feature. Players begin as a novice pilot, completing missions and earning certifications to progress in their careers. Eventually, they can even establish and manage their own aviation companies, adding a layer of depth and purpose to the simulation.

Career Mode introduces a character creation feature, although it’s somewhat limited, allowing players to personalize their pilots. The immersive progression system, which includes tasks like pre-flight checks and advanced certifications, offers an engaging and structured gameplay experience. However, technical issues have hampered this mode, with crashes and bugs frequently disrupting progress.

Patches and Progress

Since launch, Asobo Studio has been working to address the game’s issues. A recent patch has improved stability and fixed several major bugs, such as crashes during challenges and broken jetways. Career Mode, which was nearly unplayable at launch, now functions more reliably, although some problems remain.

Players report smoother performance overall, particularly on high-end PCs and consoles like the Xbox Series X. However, some challenges persist, including inconsistent frame rates, occasional audio bugs, and delayed texture loading. The game’s reliance on real-time streaming still poses obstacles for those without high-speed internet connections.

A Visual and Technological Marvel

When it works, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a stunning achievement. The detailed world map, powered by Bing Maps and enhanced with improved lighting, terrain, and weather effects, creates an unparalleled sense of immersion. Players can explore real-world locations with astonishing accuracy, even spotting familiar landmarks and neighborhoods.

The inclusion of ground exploration, allowing players to walk around their aircraft for pre-flight checks, adds another layer of realism. Small touches, such as debris effects and detailed snow and dust trails, improve the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showcases impressive advancements in technology and gameplay design, but its potential is hindered by technical flaws. While recent patches have improved the experience, there’s still work to be done before it can fully deliver on its promises.

For dedicated fans of the series, the game offers enough to warrant patience as Asobo Studio continues to refine and expand its capabilities. However, casual players may want to wait for further updates before taking to the skies. With continued support and development, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 could soar to the heights it aspires to reach.