Microsoft Flight Simulator X Update (page 2 of 2)

Fly the Friendly Multiplayer Skies

A key part of the MSFS X experience will be the "shared skies" multiplayer experience, a vast improvement over the networked modes of prior versions. The game features a "totally" rewritten net code that allows for far greater multiplayer interactions.

In a series first, two players will be able to share the cockpit as pilot and co-pilot. And formation flying maneuvers are now possible, thanks to MSFS X's VOIP (voice over IP) support and more robust multiplayer support. And in an interesting twist, players can choose to not only fly but direct flight paths in the new air traffic controller role; again, VOIP serves as the medium for such in-depth activities. In the air traffic controller mode, players get to see a 360 degree view of the runway and guide in other planes using a radar scope.

The flight vehicles range from serious to whimsical

The flight vehicles range from serious to whimsical

The final version will support 16 simultaneous players, though it's possible that more could join in an unsupported mode or via a third-party add-on.

A Perfect DX10

Now, onto the topic everyone wants to know more about: Direct X 10.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X will be a marquee title for the company's budding next-gen graphics platform, Direct X 10. When it comes to creating improved visuals for DX 10, the developers are focusing on adding visual "atmospherics" such as volumetric clouds, volumetric HDR lighting and "god rays" (aka corpuscular rays; see sidebar), and "perturbed water" to create realistic ripples and swells. Direct X 10's robust geometry shading abilities will be put to good use in creating crashing whitecap waves, as well as other DX-only effects.

Corpuscular theory of light: the theory that light is transmitted as a stream of particles.

-- Freedictionary.com

MSFS X will not instantly support Direct X 10 effects; indeed, Direct X 10 won't be widely available until a few months after the game ships in mid October. The good news is that the Direct X 10 upgrade (available for Windows Vista only) will be released as a free download "as close to Vista launch as possible," most likely in early 2007.

Air Microsoft

There will be two versions of the game: a standard edition and a a "Deluxe" version for diehard fans. The Deluxe kit will include three exclusive aircraft, including the super-high tech Garmin 1000 (which features a "glass" cockpit and LCDs; Google it), additional missions, and air-traffic controller gameplay in multiplayer. The Deluxe version will also bundle in the SDK with a supported API, part of Microsoft's plan to treat the game as a platform unto itself. Because they've given third-party developers access to the development tools for months, they're hoping that add-ons will be available from day one, creating a "healthy add-on market" for MSFS X.

In fact, one thing the company isn't planning on is an Xbox 360 version of the game; surprisingly, given that the PC version is compatible with the Xbox 360 Controller.

Our brief hands-on experience was a positive one: the graphics looked sensational (even just on older Direct X 9.0 hardware), our trusty ultralight plane handled smoothly, and the 5.1 sound effects were truly immersive. But you'll have to wait for a final verdict -- the game hits store shelves this October.

The sky and water effects are remarkable, even in the standard Direct X 9 mode

The sky and water effects are remarkable, even in the standard Direct X 9 mode

The entire world is available, from the Grand Canyon, USA to the high plains of Africa

The entire world is available, from the Grand Canyon, USA to the high plains of Africa

Comments [0]

post a comment

Post a Comment