Reviews Explained

Here's a bit of an explanation on what I base my opinions on concerning add on products for Flight Simulation. There are folks out there that operate on point systems, comparisons of flight dynamics to the real aircraft, and other facts and figures. To begin with, I am not yet a licensed pilot. I have a couple of short hops under my belt with a Cessna 172, and I had the opportunity to actually fly a DC 3 for about 15 minutes. That was a blast! By no means however, does this make me an expert in flight characteristics in relation to the simulated product. I base these findings using past experience with other products out there that I can compare the product to. Needless to say, I would be able to notice if you were able to fly an Airbus A380 like an F/A 18, or vice a versa!

Where detail is concerned, it's pretty much common sense and an eye for detail. (I used to be a barracks sergeant!) I look at the exterior, from close ups to regular views. One of the things I particularly notice is the landing gear detail. I figure if an item like this is greatly detailed, then everything else will probably look just as sharp! Some models are so detailed as to include stains from the refueling cap, or exhaust stains. Of course, the more detailed an aircraft or scenery package is, the more time it takes to create it, and as such, the effort is reflected in the cost of the product.

The Flight Deck is given a look to see how readable and functional the panels are, to include gauges, levers, and sub panels. The comments on the operating aspects of a flight system, especially in the big birds, will take into account how much "learning" is going to be required. Some of these products are quite complex. I won't "ding" any product because of its complexity. I figure it's a challenge! Concerning both the 2D Cockpit View and the Virtual Cockpit view, details are noted here also. Again, readability, functionality, detail, and how many of the buttons and switches are "clickable" are noted. Some products provide lots of non-functional "eye candy", with the basic switches and buttons operable. Others go the opposite direction and make the cockpit and panels "fully functional". In some cases, engineer's panels are workable.

The basic interior "design" if you will, is also noted. Carpeting, seats, doors that open, views out windows are all taken into consideration. All those little extras that make the aircraft seem even more real. If I could, I'd comment on that "new plane smell"! Sometimes I forget it's just a sim!

Frame rates are also a consideration. Will a particular product be so complex that you have to "tune" down your graphics and effects to enjoy a smooth, non-jerky flight?

I have yet to review a "bad" product. In today's market, I just don't think it would be competitive with what's out there. What I see offered out there are your basic packages, and the cost will sometimes reflect this, and there are your complex packages. Now, don't get me wrong here, I have some basic products that I enjoy very much, that are fine products. They are just simpler versions, and if you are new to flight simming, then these are great products to start off with. New to the game, I don't think you'd want to jump into the seat of a heavy, using flight computers, managing fuel transfer rates, etc.!

To fully appreciate the effort that goes into even the simplest product, you should pop disc 1 of MSFS 2004 into your PC, open it up, (you may have to close the install screen and then open the disc itself) and there you will find a program called GMAX, which is widely used to create both scenery and aircraft. Bet you didn't know it was there, did you? Take the tutorials that are provided and I guarantee you'll walk away with a new found respect for these developers out there!

The same basic principles are applied towards reviewing scenery add ons. Quality, frame rates, attention to detail, VFR flyable or not, due to detailed landmarks, roads, streams, etc., or the lack of. The cost is also given a close scrutiny here. Is it worth it? Are there enough objects and effects to make the package worth the price?

It all boils down to my opinion, and everyone has one! I try to give an honest opinion, mixed with a bit of common sense, based on whether or not you, the buyer, will like it or not, and if it's worth the asking price. So far, I've had the great pleasure of enjoying nothing but fine products. Remember though, nothing's perfect in this world, but there are quite a few things that are very acceptable!

I hope that this has given you a little insight on what I look for in a product! Thanks for the visit!!!

Sincerely, Farmboyzim