It’s been quite a while since Microsoft gave us a new Flight Simulator game.  Those original titles were famous as the most realistic flying experience you could have without dropping by an airfield.  As legend goes, many real-life pilots used the games as “at-home practice.” Microsoft’s new free-to-play title, Flight, is the next step for the series.  It’s trying to find the common ground between hardcore sim-freaks and the casual enthusiast.

At first glance, Flight seems like a prettier, more modern Flight Simulator.  The dropping of “Simulator” from the title is key. There’s still a lot of simulating going on, but there’s also a lot more “game” than before. Instead of just picking a destination and flying there, there is a much heavier focus on tangible objectives.   The new progression system lets the player unlock new planes as they go.

Microsoft is also significantly dropping the difficulty.  The old games were purely hardcore experiences that would brutally punish your mistakes.  Flight is way more forgiving. I was able to get my plane off the ground, so I’m calling that a massive improvement.  If everything comes together, Flight could be the Forza Motorsports of flight sims.

The beta is starting this month. We’ll have a full review when Flight debuts this Spring.