The enduring presence of Microsoft Flight Simulator in the gaming world is akin to the constant hum of an airplane traversing the skies. It’s a comfort to have this revamped classic readily available for enjoyment. Occasionally, it commands attention with a stunning new trailer that showcases cutting-edge technical feats or a meticulously rendered metropolitan area. The latest update does just that, beckoning virtual pilots to embark on a tour over a diverse selection of European locales.
Dubbed 'City Update V: European Cities I' and victorious with a score of 6-3, the newest enhancement brings five European cities to life within the simulator. These include The Hague in the Netherlands, Brussels in Belgium, Zagreb in Croatia, Cádiz in Spain, and Košice in Slovakia.
While these cities have always had a presence in the game, made possible by the simulator's extraordinary emulation of the entire Earth at a scale of 1:1, the primary experience only offered a basic representation reliant on satellite imagery and procedural generation technology. This could sometimes yield unrealistic urban landscapes upon closer examination.
In contrast, the meticulous urban reconstructions that Microsoft has gradually released through updates feature remarkable geographic accuracy. The joint efforts of Microsoft, Bing Maps, and Vexcel, an aerial imaging expert, have resulted in visuals of the highest caliber, utilizing contemporary geographic information and sophisticated TIN surface modeling techniques, as noted on the official website for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The 'City Update V: European Cities I' is a continuation of a series of photogrammetric city overhauls. Previous installments have revitalized German conurbations such as Dortmund and Cologne, along with major cities in France, Texas, and various regions in Western Europe, despite the slightly perplexing naming sequence for this latest release.
The simulator doesn't merely stop at city updates; it has also expanded its fleet with an array of new aircraft. These include the beloved Dornier Do X and the An-225 "Mriya", known as the world's largest airplane, which tragically met its end during the onset of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine the previous year.
Looking forward, there's excitement in the air as Flight Simulator is set to introduce a fresh edition next year titled 'Flight Simulator 2024'. This iteration aims to enrich the virtual pilot experience with an array of specific roles, ranging from conducting mountain rescues to showcasing skills as a stunt pilot.