The development team for the next Microsoft Flight Simulator shared some updates on the games’ website, along with screenshots taken by alpha testers. They also released a host of feedback and suggestions that came from the alpha testing sessions. Alpha Build Update 1.3.X.X is coming next week, as devs say they want to bring in more testers for the project.
The above screenshot was captured by WhiteLight506 and features a third-person shot of the plane over a town. The realism in the plane model, as well as the landscape, is on full display in this shot. The games camera mechanics also look promising in the shot, despite it being listed on the site as one of the alphas main issues. The devs made it clear they are listening to suggestions, and even incorporated previous ones into the new version of the alpha. Avsim testers noted that they wanted “an accurate climate change model” in the game, and such was showcased in the screenshots.
The above screenshot was captured by Tomlaut1980 and showcases gameplay in a snowy area, with a colorful aircraft. This is another third-person view with distant mountains and fog in the background. The goal is for every single airport in the world to be in the game, including many different kinds of climates and landscapes. Such an ambitious feat is probably why the alpha boasts a 150 gig install size. If alpha testers get their wish, the inclusion of third-party content, helicopters, an AI traffic will drive the install size up even higher.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator series has been running since the ’80s, with the last installment being in 2014. This new release was announced last year at Microsoft’s E3 keynote and is still in development. To view all the screenshots and review all the developer notes and alpha tester feedback, visit flightsimilator.com.