This simulator is the latest in a long line of Microsoft Flight Simulators going all the way back to 1982. It was an ambitious program that allowed the user to pilot a Cessna 182 from four US airports, though an add-on allowed a Sopwith Camel to be flown in the UK.

The simulator went through many editions, culminating in the tenth (FSX) in 2006. By this time the graphics and gameplay had matured, although flight models were not always the most realistic available.

The flight model is realistic, if not perfect. It is being constantly updated and many aircraft do have the feel of their real equivalents. Undoubtedly, some offerings are much more accurate than others. Many of the microlights feel like my Bantam, and the BAe Hawk has been widely praised for flying like the real thing. The models are certainly good enough to improve your flying skills, especially in a range of conditions. They also can teach you a surprising amount about the use of instruments. Like any home simulator you lack some of the sensation of flying, but the amazing graphics engine makes the flight feel ‘realer’ than any simulator I have experienced.

The good thing is that the simulator is constantly being updated by the developer, both the physics engine and the content. The downside to this is that it can be a clucky procedure. I originally bought the DVD version, but got sick of trying to reinstall it after failed updates and went through the MS Store where I have more success. When things work it is great, but be prepared to work hard when they dont - installing Xbox app, removing Xbox apps, resetting the Store, reinstalling Xbox apps, etc!

Two years in and there are thousands of add-ons with more being released each week. These can be purchased through the in-game store or through 3rd parties. There are some amazingly high quality aircraft available at a range of prices (usually you pay for what you get!), hundreds of hand crafted airports, and some unusual things - such as a birds package that adds, well birds!

With regular sales, the store is my usual choice for purchases but for military aircraft it is often better to get them through other sites as the MSFS store blocks weapon options.

The game is available on the ubiquitous Xbox as well as on PC. The versions are effectively identical as far as gameplay goes, but the PC gives a wider range of add-ons - including some amazing freeware such as the Duxford scenery pack (https://flightsim.to/file/28581/egsu-duxford-airfield-complete-edition). The downside is that you need a decent PC to get the best out of the game, one that will cost you the equivalent of five or six Xbox’s!

There is a cloud version available in some parts of the world, but obviously the gameplay needs instant feedback and the streaming of HD requires ultrafast internet, something Botswana is still a few years from.