X-Plane 11

Some newcomers refer to X-Plane as a series, but that’s not entirely accurate. In reality, it is one game that has been constantly improved and upgraded over the course of 26 years. The latest version, 11.53, was released this spring. The simulator offered by the developers is versatile: gamers can take the controls of both military and civilian aircraft. However, there is a certain “but.”

The game lacks a storyline, and the player is free to roam around a map that covers a large part of the globe. It’s worth noting that the scale is slightly smaller than Microsoft’s, but it is sufficient for an enjoyable flying experience.

The game incorporates the theory of blade element. Without going into details, the aircraft accurately replicates real machines. Many people use X-Plane as a training simulator for their pilots.

The game also has a certain advantage – a built-in editor for aircraft and airports. In other words, every player can create their own machine without the need for additional software, although it is not easy to accomplish in reality.

In some aspects, the game looks much better than MFS. The secret lies in the use of data from SRTM, which provides real-time topographic information. The game also features the most flexible button configuration and controller system currently available – special joysticks.

Recently, Laminar Research has expanded beyond Earth, allowing players to first fly in the upper atmosphere and then explore distant horizons. Today, any player can fly to Mars using the American space shuttle.

It’s important to note that there is a free demo version of the game available on the official website. It can be downloaded at any time.