Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Microsoft Corporation
- Publishers: Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 (1996): The Ultimate Flight Simulation Experience
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95, released in 1996, was a groundbreaking flight simulation game that set new standards for realism and immersion. It was the first Windows 9x version of the long-running Microsoft Flight Simulator series, and it introduced a number of new features and improvements, including:
- Two new planes: the Boeing 737-400 and Extra 300S
- Virtual pilot instruction
- A multimedia flight school
- Photo-realistic satellite imaging
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best flight simulation games ever made. It was praised for its realistic graphics, accurate flight physics, and vast open world. The game also had a number of educational features, making it a popular choice for both casual and serious flight simulation enthusiasts.
Features
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 included a number of new features and improvements over previous versions of the game, including:
- Two new planes: The Boeing 737-400 and Extra 300S. The Boeing 737-400 was a popular passenger jet, while the Extra 300S was a high-performance aerobatic aircraft.
- Virtual pilot instruction: This feature allowed players to receive in-game instruction from a virtual pilot. The instructor could provide guidance on how to fly the plane, how to navigate, and how to perform various maneuvers.
- A multimedia flight school: This feature provided players with a comprehensive library of video lessons on how to fly a plane. The lessons covered a variety of topics, from basic flight controls to advanced navigation techniques.
- Photo-realistic satellite imaging: This feature allowed players to fly over photo-realistic recreations of the Earth’s surface. The satellite imagery was provided by NASA and the United States Geological Survey.
Gameplay
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 offered a wide range of gameplay options, from free-flight mode to structured missions. In free-flight mode, players could explore the world at their leisure, flying anywhere they wanted. They could also choose to land at any of the game’s many airports.
The game also included a number of structured missions, which tasked players with completing specific objectives, such as flying from one airport to another, or landing a plane in bad weather. The missions were designed to be challenging, but they also provided players with a sense of accomplishment when they completed them.
Graphics and Sound
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 featured state-of-the-art graphics for its time. The game’s world was rendered in 3D, and the planes were modeled with great detail. The game also featured realistic lighting and weather effects.
The game’s sound was also impressive. The planes’ engines roared realistically, and the wind whistled past the cockpit. The game also featured a variety of ambient sounds, such as birds chirping and waves crashing.
Reception
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, accurate flight physics, and vast open world. The game also had a number of educational features, making it a popular choice for both casual and serious flight simulation enthusiasts.
The game won a number of awards, including Game of the Year from PC Gamer magazine. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 is still considered to be one of the best flight simulation games ever made. It set new standards for realism and immersion, and it inspired a number of future flight simulation games. The game also had a significant impact on the development of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator series is still going strong today, with the latest installment, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, being released in 2020. The series has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1982, but Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 remains a classic that is still enjoyed by many flight simulation enthusiasts today.
Conclusion
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 is a landmark flight simulation game that set new standards for realism and immersion. The game’s realistic graphics, accurate flight physics, and vast open world made it a must-play for flight simulation enthusiasts. The game also had a number of educational features, making it a popular choice for both casual and serious players.
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 95 is still considered to be one of the best flight simulation games ever made. It is a classic that is still enjoyed by many flight simulation enthusiasts today.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
