This 'game' is an incredible piece of software that comes at a price. You need an incredible machine to run it and most users on they're home PC will struggle to use this on even the lowest settings to get a reasonable frame rate. But if you’re willing to upgrade there is nothing better out there.

This is primarly a simulator and is a great tool for people wanting to train for a pilot’s license. The one thing that is hard to believe is that the entire world is modelled here and it is possible to fly around the globe (as long as you have the fuel). There are some missions thrown in too in-case you get bored from flying from New York to Manchester in real time. There are 50 missions in the Deluxe version and about 30 in the standard version and range from stunt to rescue missions. Very addictive and satisfying.

In free flight mode you can fly to any of the 24,000 airports around the world. You will see fuel trucks driving around and luggage carriers hurrying around in featured airports. Microsoft has made a real effect into making a "living world" emphasis that includes cars and animals and ships. Little touches that make a big difference to the game.

In addition, weather effects can be changed by the user, from night to day and sunny to downpour and snow. The best feature of all is the ability to get real time weather effects from the internet in real time. Imagine if there was a hurricane on the news now, you could jump onto Flight Simulator X and fly right into it.

There are 24 planes to choose from in Deluxe edition and 18 in Standard edition. The Deluxe version offers more value for money as it offers better detail in airports and cities too. Be warned though that running this game on an average machine on low settings will result in 8 - 14 frames per second, hardly playable. But for a civilian flight simulator, it might be enough to get by on. There is no doubt that this is one powerful piece of software and a bargain for what you pay for.