Microsoft Flight Simulator 98

aka: FS 98
Moby ID: 455
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The "1998" version of the popular Microsoft series. Flight Simulator is aimed at enthusiasts that features 3000 airports and precise recreations of 45 cityscapes. Flight modeling is provided by experts in both military and aerobatic fields. Helicopters and pre-launch planes are among those included.

Many scenarios with full dialogue with the control tower adds a lot of realism to the game. Internet play enhances your flight experience with other human-controlled airplanes. 3D acceleration and MMX technology are supported.

Spellings

  • 模拟飞行98 - Simplified Chinese spelling

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Credits (Windows version)

155 People (150 developers, 5 thanks) · View all

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 77% (based on 18 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.8 out of 5 (based on 17 ratings with 1 reviews)

Realism takes over arcade

The Good
Many views are customizable and can be put anywhere on your screen. It is theoretically possible to play with multiple screens, but I haven't tried it.

The so-called "adventures" (read: scenarios) have realistic spoken air-traffic control instructions - no need to read instructions, just listen to what the controller has to say. But don't trust your co-pilot on handling everything even if he should: the guy can make mistakes!

Internet play lets you log on and share a flight with friends. Performance is decent even on an analog modem, and it is plain fun.



The Bad
Performance was sluggish when I first played in 1997, considering what it had to show off graphically. Most "modern" computers will be fine.

While the rendered cities are extremely realistic and have all expected landmarks, don't be surprised if you do not see much known landscape as soon as you go in the countryside. This seems to be especially true outside the United States.

There is a total lack of printed documentation. Sure, the online help can keep you awake for hours reading about aeronautics and physics, but such a bold subject would have been so much more enjoyable if readable on paper.

And on a final note: boy is the Microsoft splash movie useless...

The Bottom Line
Total realism without any sacrifice: you have to invest a lot of time learning how to pilot the planes and the reward of being able to make a successful trip is priceless. There is no "instant action" button here; those who do not have lots of time in their hands will be warned.

While the hobbyist or professional pilot might find a lot of flaws, as an amateur I consider the game as exceptional. This is one of those rare Microsoft products I've actually bought, and even if I didn't spend as much time on it as I would like, it was worth it.

I strongly recommend that you purchase an analog joystick if you don't have one. It will make the game much more enjoyable. From my experience, my 12-year old Gravis does just fine and has found a second life.

Windows · by Olivier Masse (443) · 1999

Trivia

Extras

Some releases of FS98 include a second CD, World Of Flight (originally released by Microsoft in 1995), which contains educational information on planes and aviation.

Technology

FS98 was the first version of FS to include 3D video hardware support, via DirectX.

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Related Sites +

  • Andy's Flight Simulator Page
    A fan site for the entire Microsoft Flight Simulator series.
  • Flight Sim 98 SDK page
    Download site for an entire suite of software development tools (the software development kit) for FS 98.
  • Flight Simulation Links
    A HUGE list of Flight Simulator links, spanning a wide variety of programs (including FS98), plus some actual aviation links.

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  • MobyGames ID: 455
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Olivier Masse.

Additional contributors: Andy Voss, Paul Budd, Unicorn Lynx, federicocrane, Patrick Bregger.

Game added November 22, 1999. Last modified March 9, 2024.