Metascore
82 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Even if you have a previous version, the new features in version 8 more than justify the upgrade price.
  2. For novice “simmers” you may be taken aback by the sheer amount of details and realistic gameplay, but veterans should be hungry for more sooner than later.
  3. While lacking in 3D-cockpits and graphics quality, X-Plane's flight model is second to none. The game can be modified and extended almost without limits. [Sept. 05]
  4. Sure, you can fly a zeppelin on Mars if you want, but aside from slightly more responsive flap settings, blowier wind (to use the technical term) and a guest appearance from Stephen Hawking as the voice of air traffic control (joke), X-Plane offers very little that Microsoft's doesn't already do both prettier and more intuitively.
  5. If you're hunting for the ultimate flight sim or learning tool then look no further.
  6. Even though it is better looking and easier to grasp than any flight sim to date, X-Plane feels unfinished. Serious fans of flight sims will enjoy X-Plane, while casual fans may want to wait for a more streamlined interface, hopefully in "X-Plane 9."
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. The most realistic flight simulator, period. Graphical and ATC inferiority with microsoft FSX is being addressed in V10. Outside of those 2 things, X-Plane is the flat-out best flight simulator, and many of the add-on planes are free and good also (thanks to x-plane.org). Full Review »
  2. ChrisH.
    10
    Microsoft Flight Simulator is a game, and X-Plane is an FAA certified SIMULATOR. Actual aircraft have been designed using X-Plane's flight dynamics engine. MSFS is fine for casual play but for true flight physics simulation (not just running predefined aircraft flight models), X-Plane is the only way to go. Full Review »
  3. MathhewF.
    10
    X-Plane is designed to be the most accurate flight simulator out there, and it is. Although its graphics are still lagging behind Microsoft's eye-candy, no real pilot will neglect the huge difference between these products. For pretty colors, go with Microsoft's FS 2003. For accurate flight dynamics, choose X-Plane. Full Review »