Flight Sim World

About

"Flight Sim World" is a single-player simulation game with an intriguing story, showcasing seven highly-detailed aircraft and an advanced weather system. Players can enjoy immersive lessons, challenging missions, and create their own flights or aircraft using professional-grade tools. The game also features integration of Orbx FTX Global for stunning visuals. However, it has been noted for experiencing various bugs.

Genres & Tags

Simulation

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

59%

Audience ScoreBased on 764 reviews

graphics70 positive mentions

stability20 negative mentions

The graphics are very smooth and visually appealing, especially the aircraft models and weather effects.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for newcomers to flight simulation.
The flight dynamics and physics feel more realistic compared to FSX, providing a better flying experience.

The game suffers from performance issues, with low frame rates even on high-end systems, making it difficult to play smoothly.
There is a limited selection of aircraft available, primarily focusing on general aviation, which may disappoint those looking for commercial jets.
Many features and functionalities are still missing or not fully implemented, leading to a feeling of incompleteness in the game.

graphics
258 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
65%
8%
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the improved visuals over the older FSX, particularly in terms of aircraft detail and weather effects. However, some users noted that terrain graphics and overall performance still lag behind modern standards, with issues like low frame rates and washed-out scenery detracting from the experience. While the game shows potential for graphical enhancements, it is often described as a polished version of FSX rather than a true next-gen simulator.
- “Stunning graphics (okay, maybe not quite modern standards, but way better than all the 2006 sims and better than I thought my computer was capable of).”
- “The graphics in FSW are outright glorious to gawk at.”
- “The graphics took a huge step forward.”
- “The graphics are barely decent, and nowhere near a next-gen simulator; this is fundamentally a reskin of MSFS, and that is quite a problem right there, considering that the engine is more than 10 years old.”
- “The graphics look cartoony and only marginally better than vanilla FSX, which came out over 10 years ago - poor effort, guys.”
- “The graphics and topography were so bad I couldn't even tell where I was going.”
optimization
122 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
66%
16%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues, including low frame rates and lag, even on high-end systems. While some players have experienced improvements and are optimistic about future updates, the overall consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization to enhance performance and stability. Many users express hope that ongoing development will address these issues, but current performance remains a major concern.
- “To my knowledge, there are optimization tweaks in the pipeline - I'm already experiencing fantastic performance and I can only imagine what the future holds.”
- “Performance on both my laptop (Nvidia 970m) and desktop (Nvidia 1070) with the settings at high and ultra respectively give me good smooth framerates allowing me to easily fly the included aircraft over the dense scenery without it becoming a slideshow.”
- “I am eagerly awaiting each update to see improvements in performance, ATC, and weather, but so far it has potential and for $25 I am willing to show support to Dovetail to keep making it better.”
- “The game has very little content and quite serious performance issues and bugs.”
- “Performances are sub-par on a $2500 gaming laptop that can run games at ultra or highest settings without problems.”
- “The physics are meh and the optimization is just garbage.”
story
119 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
76%
3%
The story aspect of the game is primarily centered around its mission-driven gameplay, which includes a variety of training and community-generated missions that players find engaging and educational. However, many users express frustration with the design and execution of these missions, citing issues such as overly sensitive controls, long loading times, and bugs that lead to mission failures. While the potential for a rich narrative experience exists through the missions, the execution has left some players feeling that the game is incomplete and plagued by technical shortcomings.
- “The included Kahului mission pack with co-pilot, real voice actors, and ATC is designed perfectly and a lot of fun to play.”
- “The missions are a lot of fun and give you a nice pick-up-and-play contrast to the usual longer flying.”
- “Like the training missions, each mission includes voice acted performances, making the missions feel more realistic and giving them personality.”
- “The missions are extremely poorly designed to the point where you will fail a mission for going on the grass instead of using the taxiway even when your plane is entirely on the taxiway, or for not finding the key for rudder quick enough because the default keybinds don't work.”
- “It's like the same story over and over... they release incomplete products or full of bugs, and release a few patches now and then that don't actually solve the major problems of their software.”
- “Even the first few missions in FSX are much better than this.”
stability
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
91%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that significantly impact gameplay, such as broken autopilot functions, camera issues, and terrain problems. While some players appreciate the potential and scenery, they express frustration over the game's incomplete state and frequent technical issues, suggesting that it feels more like a pre-alpha release. Overall, the consensus is that substantial improvements are needed to enhance stability and user experience.
- “The game runs great, other than some slow loading times.”
- “Runs great, smooth and steady 20-30 fps on high settings.”
- “Some of the initial versions released were desperately buggy and visually not up to scratch.”
- “The terrain also has quite a few game-breaking bugs and glitches; for instance, you set up a flight plan, fly the route, only to discover that your destination airport is literally inside a forest with trees covering the entire runway and taxiways.”
- “Save yourself the hassle and avoid this buggy and incomplete piece of abandonware that will never be fixed or completed ever again!”
gameplay
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
63%
19%
The gameplay experience has received mixed reviews, with some users feeling it resembles a beta version due to its limited features and mechanical controls, leading to quick fatigue. While there are notable improvements in flight mechanics and framerate, issues like the lack of IFR planning and rudder control detract from the overall experience. Comparisons to FSX highlight both similarities and shortcomings, with some players expressing hope for further enhancements.
- “The gameplay is very similar to FSX.”
- “Great flight mechanics.”
- “Big improvement in the flight mechanics.”
- “It feels like a beta version with the amount of gameplay as opposed to a full-fledged game.”
- “This made me tired of this simulator within 2 hours of gameplay, making me go back to X-Plane 11 again.”
- “It is not possible to make IFR plans (which takes away much of the gameplay possible), the rudder cannot be controlled by the joystick which makes takeoffs almost impossible and the lack of a jet plane in the initial package is also disappointing.”
music
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
Overall, users appreciate the music in the game, particularly the uplifting main menu soundtrack and the pleasant user interface music. However, there are calls for the removal of lengthy ending music scenes after missions and a desire for options to import personal music or use third-party streaming devices in the cockpit for a more enjoyable flying experience.
- “So peaceful and enjoyable to fly with music and just chill out and enjoy the scenery.”
- “I do like the soundtrack of the main menu; I would like to see an option to purchase it in the future.”
- “Just love the main menu music, very uplifting.”
- “Please, please, please, remove those awful, long and drawn-out ending music scenes after each successful mission or flight school completion.”
- “It should be possible to import music or connect a third-party streaming device to the radio in the cockpit.”
- “Once you get through all the flashy menus, music, and load screens, it seems too much like they took MS Flight Simulator X and simply reskinned it.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has been heavily criticized, with users labeling it a "cash grab" due to high DLC prices and perceived corporate greed. Many feel misled by the advertising and express disappointment in the game's early access status, suggesting that it prioritizes profit over quality. Overall, the sentiment reflects frustration with the company's approach to monetization.
- “Cash grab beta... $228 USD just for DLC.”
- “Unfortunately, this is just another cash grab in usual Dovetail Games fashion.”
- “If, like me, you ended up buying this a couple of weeks ago while it was on sale, you will have now learned that Dovetail Games are nothing but a bunch of corporate cash grabbers.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The atmosphere in the game shows promise, with users noting the appealing raindrops and overall ambiance, though it is still a work in progress. However, there are concerns about unfinished elements, such as landing lights and a noticeable demarcation line during heavy rain, which detracts from the experience. Overall, expectations are tempered by the understanding that the game is in early development.
- “Raindrops and atmosphere were really nice.”
- “In the heavy rain, there's a stark demarcation line for the atmosphere; it looks pretty ugly there, but again, I knew that this was a very early work in progress, so I'm not expecting the whole world to be perfect at this stage.”
- “The lower atmosphere was not completed yet.”
- “Landing lights weren't implemented because, why work on them if the atmosphere they will illuminate isn't finished?”
- “In the heavy rain, there's a stark demarcation line for the atmosphere; it looks pretty ugly there. However, I understand that this is a very early work in progress, so I'm not expecting the whole world to be perfect at this stage.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users generally find the humor in the game to be effective and enjoyable, with one reviewer noting that it elicited laughter upon first experience. Additionally, there is a suggestion that comparing its humor to that of another game, FSX:SE, could be amusing.
- “It's funny.”
- “-ATC made me laugh the first time I heard it.”
- “It'd actually be funny to make a comparison with FSX:SE.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly when it comes to learning the flight management systems (FMS) for a more casual experience. The intricate design of each aircraft adds to the complexity, making it less accessible for those looking to simply enjoy the game without extensive preparation.
- “Learning the mechanics for someone who just wants to escape reality for a couple of hours is somewhat tedious.”
- “The fantastic yet tedious design of each aircraft really shows.”
- “There are no farming fields in the middle of towns, especially large cities.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
50%
Users express that the replayability of the game is limited due to poorly designed missions, which include frustrating elements like obstructed runways and unexpected obstacles. This lack of attention to detail diminishes the overall enjoyment and encourages little incentive to replay the missions.
- “The missions are playable and offer a variety of challenges that keep you coming back for more.”
- “Each playthrough feels unique, with different scenarios and outcomes that enhance the overall experience.”
- “The game encourages experimentation, allowing players to try different strategies and approaches in each session.”
- “The missions are playable, although Dovetail didn't put in any more effort than Microsoft in developing them. In FSX, one of the missions had me landing on a runway covered in bushes (had to turn autogen off). In FSW's LAX approach mission, I was this close to hitting a car crossing the runway after I was cleared to land and had to evade to the right.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game appears to be negatively impacted by technical issues, as users express frustration over gameplay mechanics that hinder immersion and enjoyment.