X-Plane 9
Graphics Simulations Corporation - Graphics Simulations Corporation
Macintosh
Release date: 2008-03-25
Video Game
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X-Plane 9
Date undefinedX-Plane 9 is my first experience of the X-Plane series, and given the mixed reviews I was not expecting to be so thoroughly impressed. On my platform (Mac) it is smooth, stable, fluid, intuitive, engaging and very demanding; in short, everything a serious flight simulator ought to be. I bought a Saitek AV8R-01 (Aviator) flightstick, which is designed for Windows platforms but which functions perfectly with my Mac, and the flying simulator is almost flawless. I have a G5 with 2GB RAM, which is about the bare minimum for running X-Plane 9, but it is still very stable. I am overwhelmed by the options and expandability of this software. X-Plane 9 is not a game - it is a training tool and experimental platform for aviation enthusiasts. For the price you will not find another simulator that can hold a candle to it. If you've ever flown a real aeroplane, you'll recognise the attention to detail, the sensitivity, the functions, the instruments and the full-immersion of the flying experience.
X-Plane 9
Date undefinedI am neither a pilot nor a "gamer" but I used to enjoy MS Flight Simulator, and when I went exclusively to a Mac several years ago my only regret was that I has to leave Flt.Sim. behind. X-Plane 9, which I just discovered, is even better than I remember Flt.Sim.
I bought an inexpensive joystick (Logitech Extreme 3-D Pro, about $35 at Amazon), and then installed X-Plane 9 on my iMac. The installation took about an hour but it went flawlessly. The joystick was recognized by the program, and I was easily able to calibrate it by following the very clear instructions.
I selected the Cessna 172 as my trainer plane and a local airport as my home field (again following the clear instructions). The first flight was not a thing of beauty but I was able to take off, circle the field, and make a safe, albeit shaky, landing.
This is not a toy and some of the "gamers" who complained about the lack of instructions or the problems in controlling their aircraft were probably using jets and/or multi-engine aircraft for their initial flights, and expecting instant gratification.
I have substantial learning to do (and it's a steep curve) but even at this early stage, I can say with confidence that this is a superb and flexible program which is well worth the investment of money and time for anyone who wants to enjoy a true flight simulator on their Mac.
X-Plane 9
Date undefinedScenery not as good as Microsoft Flight Simulator X.Mecanics are counter-intuitive;not very easy.Harder to program the Logitech Force joystick than FSX. Flight dynamics OK. Not worth the price.
