A combat flight simulator is a type of video game that simulates the operations of a military aircraft. They are different from normal flight simulators because these video games are used for military training, so they are more complex. Also, they of

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CFS WWII Europe Series (1998)
This is the first combat flight simulator that the Microsoft Game Studios created, and it was released on November 1, 1998. The setting of this video game is in the European Theater of WWII. It requires a minimum of Windows 95 to run. At the time, it had very good graphics, which preceded 2000. In this game, the ground was not very detailed, but it was programmed in open architecture, so it is possible to add extra software without breaking copyright laws.
This simulator includes many upgrades, such as a world flight mode, hundreds of aircraft to choose from, and much more. It can even be played online if you have an internet connection. Now, this game is out of print, but it can still be downloaded online. Currently, there is still an online multiplayer community for this game. It can be set up to play using your direct IP address.
Simulator 2: WWII Pacific Theatre (2000)
The next combat flight simulator Microsoft made was released in 2000. The setting of this video game is in the Pacific Theater of WWII, and it is loosely based on historic WWII battles. It was very popular at the time, and it requires a minimum of Windows 95 to run. This game was also programmed in open architecture, so many third parties created their own software to add on without breaking copyright laws.
This simulator includes seven kinds of fighter aircraft that the player can fly, some from the United States and some Japanese. It also includes eleven non-flyable aircraft, also from the United States and Japan. These eleven aircraft can be used as enemies or helpers to the flyable ones. The flyable aircraft can be launch rockets, bombs, or be fighter aircraft. In this game, the player can change the weather, but the scenery stays the same. There are also some moving objects that the player can target and destroy.
Simulator 3: Battle for Europe (2002)
The final simulator that Microsoft developed came out in 2002. It requires a minimum of Windows 98 to play. This is an updated version of the first combat flight simulator. It still takes place in the European Theater of WWII, but it includes more options. There is a campaign mode, and based on how well the player does, the player controls how long and who wins in the war. This means that it is possible for the Germans to win against England, or the Allies to win before D-day.
This simulator is in a much more complex format than its predecessor. This makes additional software for it much harder to make. However, there are still add-ons and expansion packs currently being made. It also has improved graphics and sounds. Some expansion kits can add extra nationalities, a Mediterranean Theater, new planes, the Tunisian Campaign, or the Korean War. However, this one is still criticized because one player cannot affect the campaign much.
Microsoft Game Studios created some of the most popular combat flight simulators. They made a total of three, each one adding extra content and complexity, and each taking place in European or Pacific Theater of World War II.
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Highly Recommended Flight Simulator Software

In order to play the best, most realistic game possible, one must be equipped with the software and hardware required. If you are new to the flight simulator games that many are becoming addicted to, then you need to practice and improve your pilot ratings. Not sure about what you need? Well then, let us help you to figure out all the flight simulation software you will need to get the mission done. Follow us while we give you some tips.
Normally when playing a flight simulator game, there are only two types of software that you will need. This is pretty standard if you are playing online. When you play a flight simulator game online, the first flight simulator software that is needed is the flight program. If you download the games you will need the internet to find them. It's really that simple. The best browser to use for that is Internet Explorer 8. This is the Microsoft standard internet browser available.
If you don't download the software from a site for free, you may prefer to buy it at an electronics or gaming outlet. This also includes the games you have to buy for things like an Xbox and PSP you will need to get the software that will install the game on these systems. This flight simulator software is what you actually play on. Without this, you won't do much gaming. However, there are things that you will want to add-on, such as the software with additional scenery graphics, additional aircraft and possibly flight scenarios.
So, if you are tired of playing the same old games and want to try something new, you can never go wrong with a flight simulator game. Not only will you attain an experience similar to actual flight, but many of the dogfights and air combat scenarios may add to your historical knowledge!
Rest assured, I have tested out nearly every Flight Sim on the market today, and I have found one which I can personally recommend.
Stop wasting your money and time on disappointing flight simulators.
I have put them all through the test and after hundreds of hours flying I have finally found a winner and I can guarantee it will be the closest you will get to a Real Life Flying experience without actually leaving your house.
George Cayley
Independent Reviewer
Check out what I have found out at:
http://www.FlightProSim.net
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We are flight simulator enthusiasts in Canada, USA and the Caribbean for over 40 years. Pro Flight Simulator Free

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5 Great Scenery Add-Ons for Flight Simulator X

Scenery quality in Microsoft's Flight Simulator franchise has improved drastically over the years. Even so, the default textures seem to always leave room for improvement. Take your virtual flying experience to the next level with one of these exciting scenery expansion packs for FSX.

1. Photoreal America -- Sim Savvy

Sim-Savvy's "Massive Scenery Collection" makes its debut with Photoreal America. And boy is it massive! The program includes photo-realistic scenery that spans the entire U.S. mainland -- a whopping 400 GB worth of scenery.

Where does all this data come from? The USDA's National Agriculture Imagery Program NAIP, which takes 1 meter/pixel aerial photos every 2 years of continental U.S.

Don't have a 400 GB hard drive? Fear not, your Photoreal America purchase includes a 1 TB external hard drive that comes preloaded with the software. The program runs from the external hard drive directly, so there is no need to copy files onto your computer.

Considering the scope of this project, be prepared to pay a hefty price: $199 USD. But even with the price tag, Photoreal America is still a good investment in the long run; you are entitled to free updates as soon as they are available.

2. Ground Environment X USA & Canada -- Flight1

At $34.95, this add-on is an affordable alternative to Photoreal America. GEX replaces the default FSX scenery with crisp 1024x1024 pixel images that have a 1 meter/pixel resolution. One upside of GEX is that it includes night textures while Sim Savvy's product does not.

Flight simmers say that the scenery enhancements you'll see with GEX are subtle but noticeable. Desolate white road lines are transformed into major expressways bustling with traffic.

You will also see a more realistic "blending of seasons" compared to the default FSX scenery. Fall and spring textures mark a much more natural transition to winter and summer, respectively.

Despite the enhanced details, simmers say that they still get great frame rates.

3. Megascenery Bundle: Hawaii, Las Vegas, Reno -- PC Aviator

This $20 bundle, gives you great scenery for three popular cities. Unlike Ground Environment X and Photoreal America, which do not include Hawaii, you will get photorealistic scenery for Ohau that is simply amazing. View some of the screen captures on the megascenery.com website and see for yourself. Ground textures look exactly like what you'd see in real life--distinct neighborhoods, enclaves of homes, and major expressways with traffic.

The Las Vegas component includes 2,100+ square miles of textures. The only shortcoming with this program is that it doesn't enhance any of the 3D buildings on the Vegas Strip. The buildings on the Strip are the same ones from the default FSX scenery.

4. Megascenery X: Southern California -- PC Aviator

I live in Los Angeles, so I'm always anxious to get my hands on the newest SoCal add-ons as soon as they are released. I was very impressed with Megascenery X. The level of detail is incredible. I was able to spot my high school, my neighborhood, and even my house!

As with the Megascenery Bundle, this program does not add any 3D objects to the landscape, but there are several other features that make up for this. I actually saw better frame rates with the add-on than with the default scenery -- a very pleasant surprise. Another cool feature included with Megascenery X: night textures. Most scenery expansion packs do not include night textures, so you should take advantage of this opportunity while you can.

5. Manhattan X -- Aerosoft.

Creating an elaborate virtual version of Manhattan is a daunting task. Even so, Aerosoft did a great job with this product.

All of Manhattan is completely remastered in jaw-dropping detail. There's 3D automobile traffic with everything from limos to public buses, there's the Staten Island Ferry making regularly scheduled trips across the harbor, and there's even something else that you typically don't see in a flight sim--people!

Another great feature is the "sightseeing mission." Starting at the Wall Street heliport, the mission involves flying a helicopter around the city with a co-pilot who doubles as a tour guide. With a thick Brooklyn accent, your tour-guide highlights areas of interest and gives interesting historical tidbits pertaining to the landmarks you encounter.

For Manhattan X, expect frame rates between 15 and 35 FPS on an Intel Quad Core machine with 2 GB of RAM. In the user's manual, Aerosoft explains exactly how to tweak the FSX display settings to maximize performance.

Excited about these scenery add-ons? Make sure you have a gaming system powerful enough to run them. One of the best laptops for FSX is the Asus G73JW. Be sure to check out the in-depth Asus G73JW review from ShopGuides.

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We are flight simulator enthusiasts in Canada, USA and the Caribbean for over 40 years. Pro Flight Simulator Free