Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 represents a rare moment in gaming: it is a hardcore simulation game filled with quirks and idiosyncrasies, but it has still caught the attention of die-hard simmers and casual gamers alike. As streamers, youtubers, and a wide casual audience all take to the skies and try to puzzle through the intensely realistic controls of real-world aircraft, many find themselves strangely hooked on the unique mix of challenge and calming freedom, and maybe even yearning for more immersion.
Along with the new Flight Simulator title also comes a new wave of tech to help make flying ever more immersive. New enthusiasts and experienced simmers alike may wonder whether these new peripherals really offer a different experience than their Xbox controller, keyboard, or aging flight stick, and luckily Game Rant has had the opportunity to test it all out.
To assist with our Flight Simulator review, Game Rant was sent a set of peripherals made in partnership between Microsoft and various manufacturers to go hand in hand with Flight Sim 2020. A Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls set includes an integrated yoke and switch panel, a Logitech Flight Throttle Quadrant offers three levers for delegating power to the engines, and a Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder sits on the floor to control the rear rudder and brakes. To top it all off, a pair of Quay blue light glasses were included, thematically crafted in the shape of aviator shades.
Long story short, it feels great to take to the skies with one’s desk set up as a cockpit. Something about kicking at the pedals on the floor and seeing the simulated ones in the in-game cockpit wiggle back and forth never gets old. The whole setup together lends a sense of unique character to each plane, but they are all individual components and each offers a different user experience. Before putting it all together, it behooves us to describe each component of the setup in its own right.
First and foremost, the Honeycomb yoke is the piece that users will see and experience the most of. It controls the pitch and roll of the aircraft, but in its standard configuration also houses buttons for changing the trim, controlling the camera, operating lights, avionics, autopilot, and several other minor features. It’s a good thing, then, that the Alpha Flight Controls feel solid, mount easily, and control smoothly. Buttons and switches click satisfyingly, and steering with the yoke feels smooth and reliable from micro-adjustments to yanking back to get out of a dive.
The Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder pedals are no different. They are solid, built almost entirely of aluminum and steel, offer fine control, and sit stably on the ground, rarely wobbling even with the forceful kicks of a novice pilot in panic. It’s a shame, then, that they don’t get as much use as the other components. As good as they feel, and with as fine control as they offer, they only manipulate a few components of the plane.
The Logitech Flight Throttle Quadrant, on the other hand, is content to just do its job well enough. The plastic parts feel a bit flimsy in comparison with the sturdiness of the other pieces here, but in hours of flight time, it hasn’t failed to control the throttle. It also houses buttons for controlling the landing gear, parking brake, and flaps in the standard control scheme, making it vital to have on hand. To Logitech’s credit, its mounting system is modular and stable, keeping it stuck firmly to practically any desk, while its three levers can smoothly modulate the power output of any plane. Lastly, the Quay blue light glasses are a great touch, and they do the job of a good set of blue light glasses with charmingly thematic flair.
With every component hooked up, splaying a web of USB cables across the desk, keyboard and mouse nestled behind the yoke for quick access to active pause, flying feels totally different. For our early review, Game Rant used a Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS flight stick and throttle, which was leagues better than standard keyboard or controller inputs. However, with a full cockpit setup like the one described here, each plane seems to express its own personality a lot more clearly. Passenger jets like the 747 feel graceful and elegant, while turbo-props feel smooth, fast, and fleet without giving up control.
Even between small prop planes, everything has its own flavor. The Cessna 152 feels approachable, nimble, and forgiving, the Aviat Pitts Special biplane is so controllable it feels almost impossible to crash, and the bright blue Diamond DA62 has the speed and agility of a high-end sports car. If immersion is the goal, a full setup like this is ideal. During a harrowing landing challenge, the real world melts away as all four of the pilot’s limbs work frantically to maintain control. It’s possible that the only way to be more immersed will be when VR support comes to Flight Sim, but having the physical controls and switches at one’s fingertips is its own benefit.
Even when doing less intensive flying- making small adjustments on a long flight, gently floating over a city at half-throttle looking for weird landmarks, or just checking in on the auto-pilot every once in a while, having the ability to make fine adjustments and re-assign buttons to a wide array of aircraft-themed switches is a joy. For hardcore simmers, a setup like this might just be a must-have. Even for more casual players who are just starting to get sucked in, these types of products should at least be considered alongside the standard array of flight sticks. One thing is for certain: the more realism one can wring out of Flight Simulator, the more fun it becomes.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available now on PC, with an Xbox One version in development.
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