4/5 ★ – Hazzi's review of Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0.

The Birth of Flight Simulation Platform: DOS Rating: 80/100 Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 is like stepping into a time machine, taking you back to when the concept of flight simulation was a ground-breaking revelation. Released in November 1982, this game wasn't just a flight simulator; it was a digital dream come true for aviation enthusiasts and gamers looking for something more immersive than blasting space invaders. The game put you in the cockpit of a Cessna 182, giving you a virtual sky to explore over four iconic US cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Seattle. Starting at Meigs Field in Chicago, the game offered a mesmerizing view of the city skyline and Lake Michigan, which was pretty damn impressive for the time. The inclusion of an "Europe 1917" mode added an extra layer of fun, allowing you to dogfight in a Sopwith Camel like a World War I flying ace. Engaging in aerial combat while navigating the grid-divided areas flanked by mountains provided a thrilling contrast to the more serene civilian flight mode. Graphically, for a game from the early '80s, Flight Simulator 1.0 was a marvel. The high-resolution, three-dimensional graphics were a significant leap forward, and the dynamic weather and time of day variations added a touch of realism that kept you on your toes. The constantly updating instruments helped to sell the illusion that you were piloting a real plane, even though you were really just tapping away at a keyboard. Ah, the keyboard controls. Here's where things get a bit dicey. The game demanded the use of 36 keys, which felt like learning a whole new language. This was especially daunting for those of us who were more accustomed to the simplicity of arcade joysticks. The lack of joystick support was a significant downside and made the experience less accessible to the casual gamer. While die-hard flight sim fans might have relished the challenge, it definitely put a damper on the fun for others. Despite these quirks, Flight Simulator 1.0 was a massive hit, selling around 800,000 copies in its first five years. This was no small feat back then and spoke volumes about its appeal and the niche it filled. It laid a solid foundation for the many versions that followed, each building on its legacy with more sophisticated technology and features. Reflecting on its historical impact, it's easy to see why Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 earned a spot in The Strong National Museum of Play's World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2021. It wasn't just a game; it was a pioneering piece of software that showed what was possible in the realm of virtual flight. What Could Have Made the Score Higher? To notch up a higher score, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 could have benefitted from joystick support, making it more accessible and less cumbersome to control. Streamlined and more intuitive controls would have broadened its appeal, inviting both hardcore sim fans and casual gamers to take to the virtual skies without feeling overwhelmed.