X-Plane 10 Global

X-Plane 10 Global is a highly realistic flight simulation game, offering a vast, detailed world for players to explore. It features accurate aircraft systems and performance, as well as flexible and advanced flight modeling. With its global coverage and extensive features, X-Plane 10 Global provides a truly immersive and authentic flight simulation experience.

Genres & Tags

Simulation

Play Modes

Reviews

69%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,122 reviews

graphics68 positive mentions

stability22 negative mentions

Excellent flight model and realistic physics, making it a great tool for aspiring pilots.
Wide range of add-ons available, including free scenery and aircraft, enhancing the overall experience.
Cross-platform support and compatibility with various hardware setups, including joysticks and yokes.

Lack of detailed airport scenery and buildings, making many airports feel barren and lifeless.
User interface is clunky and not very intuitive, making it difficult for beginners to navigate and set up controls.
ATC functionality is poor, with many users reporting issues with communication and AI behavior.

graphics
198 mentions
34 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and realism, particularly on high-end systems, while others criticize the overall quality as lacking compared to modern standards and other simulators like FSX. Many users note that the graphics can be improved with third-party add-ons, but the base game may not meet expectations without significant setup and powerful hardware. Overall, while the graphics engine shows potential, it often falls short for players seeking a more polished visual experience.
- “The 'Google Earth' quality of graphics made it so I actually recognized the places/runways/airstips/mountains/streams/topography as we flew over and landed... absolutely incredible.”
- “Amazed by the great graphics of this game.”
- “The graphics are fantastic and the platform runs stable, which is what drew me into trying out this sim.”
- “The graphics on this game are not impressive at all, and controls are difficult, and the flying characteristics are not realistic, which may be due to the lag caused by playing a game online which has to be run through another program (Steam).”
- “Very disappointed although the graphical content is better than what FSX SE offers, it appears X-Plane 10 is not what I anticipated it to be.”
- “Poor graphic and gameplay, you have to buy the airport if someone hasn't done it for free, same for the plane you have to buy a plane which costs the same amount as the full game ($60), free planes look ugly and most of them do not have 3D cockpits.”
optimization
40 mentions
25 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The optimization of the simulator is a mixed bag; while it offers impressive graphics and performance, particularly with its 64-bit architecture and realistic flight dynamics, users report a steep learning curve with a cumbersome UI and keybinding setup that can frustrate beginners. Performance varies significantly based on hardware, with high single-thread clock speeds and decent GPUs recommended for the best experience, and some users still encounter issues like low frame rates and camera movement problems. Overall, while the simulator excels in certain technical aspects, it may not be as user-friendly or stable as its competitors.
- “Absolutely the best modern flight sim featuring aerodynamic modelling at 64-bit performance, cross-platform compatibility, and a growing add-on community with great support.”
- “Combined with high performance and the unique flight dynamics makes for a very fluid experience not seen in FSX and Prepar3D.”
- “The sim is well optimized and graphically pleasing.”
- “Prepar3d is a great product, but on my system it does not run smoothly (lots of stuttering) and the way it draws autogen one can see a visible pop-up boundary.”
- “I still have annoying issues with camera movement, (I use a controller and have used a joystick setup as well), wherein clicking in some areas will blip out to the desktop for a second, cameras resetting to odd positions into weird directions for no reason, and generally some performance issues (low frame-rate, even with a 64-bit version of Windows 8).”
- “Still, no matter your system, performance will suck if you intend to crank up the textures.”
story
38 mentions
16 % positive mentions
74 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely absent, as it primarily functions as a flight simulator without built-in missions, tutorials, or a structured learning experience. Users note that while there are some downloadable single-player missions, they are minimal and lack depth compared to competitors like Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which offers a more comprehensive and engaging experience for both beginners and experienced pilots. Overall, players are encouraged to create their own objectives, but the lack of pre-made content may deter those seeking a more game-like experience.
- “It can both teach you how to fly a plane (at least the basics) and give you fun missions to complete, rewarding you with in-game achievements.”
- “I often will just plot courses to sightsee various places and to learn to use the systems in the game.”
- “It's mainly fun for me because I can make my own objectives within the simulation, though it doesn't have the pre-made missions that FSX had.”
- “There is zero incentive to purchase this product if you are a beginner. If you're looking for an introductory, learning experience into the flight scenario, if you expect missions, tutorials, a proper main menu, flights, and a convenient setup, then you'll have to look elsewhere.”
- “Unlike Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which has tutorial missions and a wealth of information in its learning center (including detailed information about how to fly its default aircraft), X-Plane basically throws you in the cockpit and says 'best of British' to you.”
- “There is not much in the way of a tutorial and no in-game missions.”
stability
22 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with frequent freezes occurring during various flight scenarios, including autopilot and map navigation. Users report that many aircraft are buggy, lacking essential features and functionality, which contributes to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game's stability is criticized as lacking, particularly in the Mac version, with comparisons made to older, less stable flight simulators.
- “It freezes every flight with different planes and different plugins.”
- “I cannot reproduce the freezes other than flying around - sometimes it freezes when I look at the map, sometimes it freezes when I'm banking, sometimes it just freezes when the aircraft is flying straight and level in autopilot without any input from me.”
- “However, it does not come with great planes, the ATC is awful and buggy and it lacks a world of stability, at least the Mac version.”
gameplay
16 mentions
13 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many users criticizing the basic mechanics and the reliance on paid DLC for essential features like planes and airports. While some appreciate the overall experience, others find the flight mechanics poorly designed and lacking depth, leading to a perception that the game is not fully realized without additional purchases. Overall, the gameplay is seen as subpar, especially when compared to other titles in the genre.
- “The appearance and gameplay of this game is more than just ok.”
- “Not to bash fsx but it gives a more mechanical feel to flying.”
- “Perhaps some of these issues could be remedied with 'plugins' that you can pay extra for, but I am not accustomed to seeing such basic gameplay mechanics relegated to DLC.”
- “Poor graphics and gameplay; you have to buy the airport if someone hasn't done it for free. Same for the plane; you have to buy a plane which costs the same amount as the full game ($60). The free planes look ugly and most of them do not have a 3D cockpit.”
- “Flight mechanics are not very well designed.”
atmosphere
8 mentions
75 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the program is highly praised for its stunning visual effects and accurate weather simulations, including real-time updates on atmospheric conditions. However, this impressive level of detail demands high system specifications, which may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the atmosphere contributes to a scientific and professional experience, particularly in comparison to other flight simulation programs.
- “The atmosphere effects are beautiful and the level of detail was astounding - although that level of detail came at a cost of very high system spec requirements.”
- “Scenery in X-Plane is better for atmospheric conditions and the out-of-the-box terrain is comparable to FSX out of the box.”
- “The scientific and professional atmosphere of the program adds to the overall experience.”
emotional
6 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia as they navigate its challenges. The absence of assists and hand-holding enhances the feeling of personal growth and mastery, making each successful landing feel rewarding and significant. Overall, the game evokes a mix of humility and triumph, rekindling the joy of learning and improving in flight simulation.
- “I learned quite a bit from that hour playing the game, and I can see it teaching me a lot more. I used to love flight sims and played a lot, but this game made me feel like a complete novice again, especially after so long not playing any sims.”
- “The lack of arcade-game style assists, pop-up help, and hand-holding made me feel like I really accomplished something in the game when I finally touched down.”
grinding
6 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and long-winded, particularly due to a cumbersome user interface that complicates the experience. The process of downloading free aircraft and scenery is also described as a frustrating and time-consuming task, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the simulation.
- “But in other ways, it's a bit tedious, especially as the user interface is not very user-friendly.”
- “FSX was very long-winded, very procedural, and a bit tedious if you just wanted to have a go at planting the damn plane on a deck.”
- “Also, there are a lot of 'free' aircraft and scenery out there to download, but it can be a very tedious pain in the rear to even download those for the simulation.”
monetization
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy for the game primarily relies on ads and sales through the Steam portal, with no user support provided. This approach appears to target a broader audience to subsidize costs, benefiting those who already possess flying skills and seek additional practice.
- “There is no user support for the Steam portal, just ads and sales.”
- “They're not advertising this, so they're basically selling to the masses in order to lower the price and fund the project for those who already have the skills to fly in the first place and just need a bit of practice flying someplace away from their normal zone of availability.”
music
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Users appreciate the ability to enjoy their favorite music while engaging in gameplay, enhancing their experience as they fly various aircraft across vast distances. The integration of personal music playlists, such as Spotify, allows for a customizable and immersive atmosphere, making the gameplay feel more dynamic and enjoyable.
- “Here I was at a crossroad and I was prepared to reinvest in the same old song and dance.”
- “It can be played like one; I personally like taking up an F14 and flying from Wales to Scotland as fast as I can, or racing halfway around the planet in an SR71, while listening to my favorite music on Spotify.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of funny dance moves and a smart, modern character, which adds a playful and entertaining element to the experience.
- “The character dances in a funny way, but she's also smart, modern, and has some really cool moves.”