Orbiter

The Good
Excellent graphics, splendid and accurate physics engine (quite possibly the most advanced one ever released to the general public - Orbiter is definitely not a toy), extremely realistic interplanetary flight, LOTS of great add-ons, and a rare atmosphere and feel to it.

The Bad
Currently lacks interstellar spaceflight, some minor graphical issues, does not currently have collision-detection, and also lacks a tutorial which could have made it more accessible. All these issues will probably be adressed in the future, though, so this review is merely temporally as Orbiter constantly evolves.

The Bottom Line
Orbiter 2003 is, in my view, nothing short but the succsessor to Microsoft Space Simulator which has dominated the genre since 1994. Martin Schweiger has created the most accurate, fun, and engaging space-avionics simulator ever released to the general public.

But with what's probably the steepest learning curve of any software this side of the Orion galactic arm, Orbiter 2003 is anything but a game - and it requires a long process of experimenting and learning, and reading. You will need to have some basic knowledge about the physics of space to get the most out of it.

If you do find time to learn the controls and to some degree master the simulator, you'll find it's quite rewarding - there's some 9 planets (Pluto can be downloaded as a seperate add-on) and several moons out there, each and every one can be visited by you - and each requires you to learn to use gravity and physics to get to your goal.

Sure, Orbiter does have its limits, but these limits are constantly evolving outwards, for one day to reach the very stars and beyond.

The realism is second to none, the atmosphere great, and the graphics stunning; Orbiter is quite simply one of the best and most realistic space-simulators ever released.

Three thumbs up; way up to the moon.