Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Deluxe Edition (PC)

The lowdown:
While almost all other flight simulators have fallen from grace on the PC, Microsoft have never given up on the genre with a game that’s as ruthlessly realistic as it is completely free of any kind of violence. Every major, and minor, airport in the world is simulated and every major city has its share of recognisable landmarks, allowing you to fly anywhere in the world. There’s a huge range of different aircraft to fly too: from jumbo jets and seaplanes to helicopters and everything in between. The only problem is that the game needs a seriously powerful PC to run at full whack, but even on lower detail levels this is still a stunning achievement.

Most exciting moment:
Despite the realism, the game isn’t all dry simulation. There are a lot of fun missions to try out, including acting as a Hollywood stuntman, going on search and rescue flights, fighting fires and even flying over the infamous Area 51.

Since you ask:
The deluxe version of the game includes more cities, airports and aircraft as a well as an extra series of twenty-odd missions. There are also some additional multiplayer options, including the chance to share aircraft and have a go in the control tower.

The bottom line:
The most realistic commercial flight sim ever. Again.-HARRISON DENT

Flight Simulator X is the culmination of nearly 25 years of the landmark Flight Simulator franchise and its most significant addition to date. The 10th addition to the highly successful Flight Simulator franchise, Flight Simulator X will immerse players in a beautifully rich and realistic world, offering a completely new and innovative gaming experience with dozens of new aircraft to choose from, including the AirCreation 582SL Ultralight and Maule M7-260C Orion with wheels and skis. Gamers of all ages, types and skill levels will experience firsthand what it is like to be an aviator travelling the globe either alone or online with others.

• This version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X features: 22 airplanes, 21 detailed airports, 38 detailed cities, 65 structured missions, glass panel (G1000) cockpit, and tower controller.
• Immersive world. Flight Simulator X offers players a rich and innovative gaming experience with new technological advancements, incredible graphics and added realism including weather, time of day and seasons. Pilots can watch moving cars and detailed buildings in cities below, traffic on highways, indigenous houses, farmland and livestock, and wildlife in its natural habitats.
• Mission-based gameplay. With the addition of new mission-based gameplay, players will have a specific purpose as their world comes alive for the first time with automobile traffic, moving boats and ships, and animal life. With more than 50 new missions to choose from, aviators can build their skill levels and engage in even more stimulating gameplay than before. Players can choose to compete in the Red Bull Air Race or bring relief materiel to the Congo, keeping track of their progress on each mission.
• New aircraft. Flight Simulator X will enable pilots to fly the aircraft of their dreams, from the DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver floatplane and Grumman G-21A Goose to the