It is hard to believe that the king of PC simulation - Microsoft Flight Simulator - had its roots at the dawn of the PC as we know it! 1976 was the year that spawned the idea that 3D graphics could simulate flight on a "Personal Computer." What started out as magazine articles discussing the possibility of 3D simulators resulted in such a response from readers that a company was formed to make the PC-based Flight Simulator a reality. (subLOGIC - founded by Bruce Artwick, writer of the articles).

By today's standards these programs were crude, but nonetheless marked amazing technical achievements, given the processor power, lack of memory and low display resolution that the programmers had at their disposal. The first releases of Flight Simulator were by subLOGIC and appeared in January 1980 (three versions ending in 1986). During 1980-1981, Microsoft obtained the licence to make Flight Simulator available to IBM users and so the format we know so well was born in the fourth quarter of 1982, with better graphics, changeable weather and selectable time of day being the most notable improvements. That was Flight Simulator 1!

Fast forward to mid-2003 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 - A Century of Flight (FS2004) was released. Technically, this release became Microsoft Flight Simulator Version 9 and the subsequent update Version 9.1. This version represents the most technologically advanced, processor hungry, graphically intensive and hard drive eating version yet. So, if your PC system is a little "sad," underpowered or otherwise archaic and you wish to run this amazing piece of software, budget for an upgrade!

So, sim pilots - let's learn to fly! FS2004 is not a game, so does not have a specific goal or pre-determined ending. FS2004 is what you make it into, what you choose to do, where and when you decide to go. The aircraft are also entirely yours to choose from and there is a wealth of add-on material to make the experience as realistic and absorbing as possible. The point of FS2004, therefore, is hard to define. Only you will know why you become addicted, repulsed or develop a mild indifference toward its simulated skies.

The things that have kept me hooked on Microsoft Flight Simulator over the years has been the consistency of interface, constant progression and the ability to add massive amounts of downloaded and other third party software, basically making the simulation uniquely yours. Those already familiar with the format of FS will have no problem getting up to speed with any new version and this release is no different. The simulation is also compatible with most joystick combinations and will also support multiple controllers (USB only, mixing game-port and USB is not recommended or supported) enabling the user to utilise both yoke and pedals, maybe even throwing in a throttle quadrant for added realism! Another enhancement with the later versions of the MSFS series (2002, 2004) is the ability to configure multiple monitors. Speaking personally, this, coupled with multiple controllers, has added immensely to the realism of my own flight simulator experience. The question is: how far do you want to go and how much cash are you willing to spend?

Flight Simulator 2004 installation, as you would expect, is totally automatic. The only thing asked of you is where you wish the game files to be placed. Installation takes some time, as not only is the game on 5 CDs, but installation continues after first launch of the program as the scenery is decompressed and indexed. If you install FS2004, at this stage double check whether you have version 9 or 9.1; although the difference is negligible to the untrained eye, a few bugs are ironed out, including the unforgivable omission of many bridges around the world in the update!

At initial launch, one of the first things you notice as different is the learning centre. This is the control panel, where you can access a wealth of information on aviation. Here also, the novice and seasoned flyer alike can start lessons, learning to fly and honing their skills. This is a valuable addition and makes the latest Flight Simulator attractive to all. Inside the Simulator itself, once past the learning centre, not much has changed. Before flights, as usual, you can select the starting airport, destination, season, time of day, aircraft and weather theme, and plan flights using the built in flight planner.

My first impression when I navigated through the menus led me to conclude that the aircraft selection is a little sparse to say the least, and with the larger craft such as the 777 and 747 you will not see any real world airlines depicted. In a simulator with the mindset on reality, the omission of real world airlines is not conducive to realism and the fact that the Airbus is missing from the hanger only cements this fact. Third party developers have great scope in releasing add-on packs and expansion sets to rectify this. Because of this lack of real world aviation and the distinct lack of variety full stop, this goes on to create very little AI traffic in and around large airports and in the skies in general.

On the ground there is no life represented other than Airline traffic, and although this is a Flight Simulator, it would have been a nice touch to see people waiting at the gate and airport traffic going about their daily chores. You will not see any life on the roads of FS 2004 either and even though it may be a windy day in your weather selection, no trees move in the breeze.

The aircraft exterior is of very similar quality and appearance to MSFS 2002, with which FS 2004 shares much of its core engine. These models, even as standard, are of excellent quality and highly convincing. Shadow effects, reflective textures and moving control surfaces on all aircraft add to the quest for ultimate realism and set this simulator apart from its predecessors. Vapour effects at altitude and excellent night lighting also improve the appearance of FS 2004.

From the cockpit, however, things again take a dive. The quality and realism of some of the cockpit instruments are poor at times and others are laughable! The Virtual Cockpit is not much better; while the VC is supposed to offer a higher level of realism, texture quality and actual recreation detract immensely from the feeling that the VC is supposed to create. Some of the instruments are inaccurate, while other things like control switches for no-smoking signs and seatbelt lights are missing. Sound on the other hand can be described as very good and the sound sets available on the default aircraft feature recordings taken from real aircraft, representing ultimate realism.

If you want to get into a plane for sightseeing, forget it! With default scenery, although better than previous versions of Flight Simulator, sightseeing becomes a bit of a joke! Default textures blend into one and can result in a large conurbation looking flat and uninspiring. This can also make the different seasons look all too similar and the effect that you expect when you change the time of year might not look strikingly different from before! These lacklustre textures result in a decidedly 2D feel and again detract from the realism that should be present on such a high-end simulation.

The other area where FS 2004 is letdown is the default terrain mesh. The standard scenery all over the flight simulator world is rendered with elevation points 1.2km apart. While this does not sound a massive distance, in mountainous regions of the world, or even hilly parts of rural England, the effect is all too apparent. So, if you wish to fly over your favourite areas of the world, unless you use third party add-on terrain mesh (which can give elevation rendering as high as 76m), do not expect mountains to soar and valleys to plunge quite like in the real world. Buildings are another area of disappointment; default buildings are repeated in waves in urban areas and lack even the crudest details. These built up areas viewed up close are best described as paltry. Roads and rivers too, are inaccurately placed, and do not breathe life into the simulator as they should.

Flight models on the other hand are very good. Landing a "tail dragger" like the Curtiss Jenny in adverse weather, as in reality, becomes a challenge worth taking on for sheer exhilaration. While taking on the mighty 747 is not for the novice, this beast responds as expected and invites one to progress toward the goal of commercial pilot. The history of aviation represented within FS 2004 is also a nice touch, and while talking flight models and handling of the aircraft, you will need your wits about you if you want to fly any of these veterans of aviation!

It is worth pointing out at this stage that if you plan to take Flight Simulator seriously, the default keyboard controls are functional, but controlling an aircraft from these is tricky to say the least. I recommend investing in a good controller, at least a high quality joystick with twist rudder function, but ultimately a flight yoke and pedals. This is especially the case if you wish to consider flying any helicopters within FS 2004. That having been said, returning to the simulator, goals are somewhat lacking in FS 2004. Mission-based activities would have been a welcome addition in adding purpose to the excellent characteristics otherwise present in FS 2004, again an area where the add-on market is strongest.

Air Traffic Control has been vastly improved in this release of Flight Simulator. Now, before take off, ATC clears your IFR flight plan, ready for ground to clear your taxi IFR, ready for the tower to give the go-ahead for departure. ATC can become an absolute buzz of activity if you add one of the AI traffic packages available commercially for FS 2004. Once airborne, ATC announces air-space transition, guides your IFR flight plan and takes other instructions. On approach you can use ATC, as in the real world, to request landing clearance and obtain airport direction.

Another addition that will help you find your way through the simulated skies is the suite of branded Garmin GPS devices, selectable from the view menu. Although the use of these instruments can take a bit of getting used to, they are a valuable addition to help you navigate the actual world represented within FS 2004. As mentioned previously, this is also covered in the training accessible from the Learning Centre.

Yet another addition to this version is multiplayer mode. After playing this mode with several friends, I could not see the point; not only does all AI traffic vanish, but finding your friends in the vast and otherwise lifeless skies is a challenge in itself, even flying in formation is immensely difficult; but having not sampled this mode extensively, I will let you pass judgement!

Weather is another area where vast improvements have been made. 3D clouds now tower in layers right up to cruise altitude and higher, while the rain looks real as it lashes your windshield. Weather systems change, build and dissipate as they would in the real world and turbulence affects the plane as it would in reality; winds aloft are realistic and represented in the performance of commercial jetliners. To add even more realism, you can tick the box that asks FS to download the latest weather information from Jeppesen. Here, FS uses the information downloaded from the closest weather station and updates it every 15 minutes during your flight. So if you live in the Heathrow flight path, use this option, fly from Heathrow and check how accurate it actually is; you'll be in for a pleasant surprise! In fact, it is safe to say that cloud effects are so good in FS2004 that I will hazard a guess that no third party add-on will improve upon them - screenshots cannot do them justice, you simply have to experience them for yourself!

The improvements made with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 - A Century Of Flight make it a worthwhile upgrade, but don't expect photo-realism; hold out for the soon released MS Flight Simulator X due in early 2007. However, if you catch FS 2004 at sunset with the right aircraft and a bit of camera flare, you could do a double take at the screenshot - have a look at some depicted on this review, taken from my own PC! The king of simulators is going to be around for a long time; although far from perfect, it is unrivalled it seems, in quality, quantity and innovation. This release is a must upgrade if you want to keep up with maximum realism in your flight simulator. Flight Simulator has, for me, become an addiction; will you be able to get enough?

Reviewed by Reuben Glossop for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).