Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (PS5) Review

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (PS5) Review

Although it feels like he stood on the runway for a very long time waiting for permission, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was released just a year or so ago. MSFS 2024 will be released on PS5 for the first time in the history of the franchise. I've been playing the simulator since it came out on PC. I've watched her struggle, grow and improve, and now I've spent time on the flight deck of the PS5 version.

We're used to PS5 exclusives being released on PC sometimes years later, but not so often the other way around. The data shows that the Venn diagram for PC gamers and PS5 gamers doesn't overlap as much as one might imagine. This means that a large number of console gamers will get their hands on Microsoft's flagship simulator for the first time.

Fly around the world

By and large, Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5 is the same incredibly ambitious game as on PC or Xbox. Its goal is to map the entire planet, a goal made possible only by real-time streaming of satellite data. The game's installation size is small by modern standards, but it does require a fast and stable Internet connection. Even then, loading times on the regular PS5 were longer than on PC. Server crashes were not uncommon during the testing period.

Flight control is a huge part of the simulator experience. PC flying enthusiasts, even those with minimal interest in realism, probably own at least a joystick or flight yoke. Some truly dedicated desktop pilots are creating incredibly realistic flight school-worthy simulators around MSFS 2024.

The vast majority of PS5 players will probably enjoy the simulator with a DualSense controller, and that's fine. Flying a plane with a controller is more realistic than using a mouse and keyboard, and the DualSense works at least as well as an Xbox controller. In fact, it makes these controllers even better by using the DualSense speaker to transmit the voices of air traffic controllers, and also adds support for adaptive triggers and gyroscope functions. Unfortunately, I was unable to test the SIM card with my other peripherals as they were not compatible. But in general, the controller does a good job of translating the effects of the aircraft's weight, handling and speed into sensations.

Out of the box

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is absolutely overloaded when it comes to things to do. Of course, there's free flight mode, where you pick a starting point (and possibly a destination), pick a plane, and fly. You can customize dozens of settings to make the game more or less realistic, from controls and hints to real-time weather. This is impressive technology.

For those who crave a more distinct experience, there are several modes. In career mode you will become an absolute beginner. As you learn the basics of piloting, you complete missions and earn increasingly challenging licenses for a wide range of newly unlocked aircraft. There are “side missions” associated with various tasks and professions related to flying. The writing, voice acting, and general storytelling aspects aren't great, but the development and methodology require many hours of detailed instruction.

The to-do list goes on. There are one-time missions—essentially stand-alone missions—that will test your skills as pilots of a variety of planes, helicopters, and other airborne vehicles. World Photographer assignments take you to exotic locations to capture wildlife and landscape images. There are multiplayer races and a leaderboard for weekly challenges. In other words, a lot.

One of the notable features of the simulator at launch was the wide range of aircraft included. Not only civil, commercial and military aircraft, but also helicopters, experimental aircraft, hot air balloons and airships. Depending on which edition you choose, the PS5 version includes between 70 and 125 different aircraft.

all alone

Unfortunately, the PS5 version of Flight Sim 2024 does not support cross-play. This means you won't be able to fly with or against friends on Xbox and PC. This also means that any aircraft, decorations, or airport additions you purchased for other versions will not carry over. Your Microsoft/Xbox account does not transfer to the closed Sony ecosystem. Fans of the multiplayer game should hope that the PS5 version will be adopted by a larger community.

Although we mention MIA, the marketplace will only feature first-party addons, at least at first. PSVR 2 support is promised in the future, but will not appear at launch.

Visual downgrade

Since I've mostly played Flight Sim 2024 on a high-end PC, I'm a bit spoiled by the game's graphics. On PS5, planes and lighting look great, but some environmental textures lack detail, and scenery pop-in was pretty consistent. I wouldn't say the PS5 is struggling to keep up, but the extra GPU power on the PS5 Pro could add a little shine to an already impressive game.

The audio in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a mix of spectacular engine and aircraft sounds, impressive weather and environmental audio, and stunning AI voices in Career Mode and ATC. User-created mods have helped resolve this issue, but this is unlikely to happen for the PS5 version. Character models in general lag far behind industry standards, especially when compared to the accuracy of aircraft.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 comes in four editions. The Standard Edition includes 70 aircraft and 150 hand-built airports. The Deluxe and Premium Deluxe editions increase the number of aircraft to 80 or 95 respectively. The Aviator Edition includes 125 aircraft, 160 airports and 30 legacy aircraft from the 2020 MFSF.

Show your ticket at the gate

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, like previous releases, will appeal to a wide range of aviation enthusiasts. It can be as forgiving or demanding as the player wants, although the PS5 version may not yet support a number of the peripherals that PC gamers love. On the vanilla PS5, the graphics are also lagging behind the PC version. However, the core experience – the deep aircraft hangar, the ability to fly anywhere in the world – is endlessly interesting. The PS5's closed system means the already extensive DLC available and the legion of dedicated PC pilots won't be able to join you in the skies. Overall, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5 is the same full-featured experience that PC and Xbox gamers enjoyed last year.

***PS5 code provided by publisher for review***