Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe DVD

What a HUGE dissapointment! I had MS Flight Simulator 2000. I was a decent game best I can remember. Graphics were pretty good flight was ok.
I saw some screen shots of this game and thought "Wow those graphics are Amazing, they are so detailed. and so real looking".... Well I was wrong.
The graphics (even pumped up to the max) are bearly better then MSFS 2000. NOTHING like the advertised pictures. My home town of Kansas City was horribly inaccurate. The buildings were cartoony and just very dissapointing. Even a major city like Vegas was a bit poorly done. The buildings were there (for the most part) but they just looked a bit.... poorly done.

Putting the graphic issues aside the flying was terrible. For one on take off you are doing like 200 MPH down the runway and it feels like 25 MPH. The simulation is pathetic.
Turning the plane was bouncy and just felt awkward. So far from real it was almost funny. but the thought I just burned [...] bucks on this and the expansion pack took away the laughter.

Seriously I was soooooo looking forward to playing this game last night and when I finally did I wanted to snap the CD in half. You got me Microsoft, enjoy the [...] bucks. Take it and go fix your OS.

It really gives a thrill while flying and learning more and
more the various moves and energy sounds which enhances
absolute happiness and wonderful experience beyond any words
to express.

As many have said, FS X is horribly bogged down by an inefficient software engine. Compared to FS 2004, the graphics quality *potential* has been increased with more reflections and sharper graphics, BUT, in order to access any of that you will need to have the absolute cream of the crop computer (and I really do mean that, top of the line, no less). You will be living with frame rates anywhere from 0-10 with the graphics at about the same level as they would appear on FS 2004 on max. This is unacceptable. The terrain doesnt feel as realistic as it did on FS2004 and the overall fun of the game just isn't there anymore.

I strongly recommend staying away from this game unless you are running a top of line core i7 processor OR HIGHER with a top of line video card and about 4+GB of ram. Unless the graphics are turned up to near maximum, you might as well just get or stick with FS 2004.

FSX works well and is fun to use. As a student pilot it provides an inexpensive yet effective way for me to practice my flying. Its a very realistic flying experience and it has already helped me smooth out some of my actual flight activities. I was able to select the actual aircraft I'm training in along with the airport I fly out of. Its renderings are accurate and loaded with details. Using a yoke instead of a joystick or the keyboard contributes to the realism.

The simulator was delivered quicker than I expected. All parts work as advertised. My problem is my graphics card. I need to up date it. The simulator is slow and jerky. I will review it again when I get the card.
Overall I am very satisfied.