X-Plane 12 Rebooted
The release of Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) is arguably one of the more significant developments in flight simulation. The introduction of new technologies and almost life-like recreation of the planet was nothing short of a revolutionary jump. So, for any competing flight simulation platform, it would be a tough act to follow. Laminar Research, however, appeared keen to take on the challenge and two years after the launch of MSFS, X-Plane 12 arrived in Early Access.
X-Plane 12 wasn’t just a new version. Instead, Laminar rebuilt it from the ground up, with almost every part of the platform rewritten based on first-principles physics. The list of new features is extensive but some of the highlights include a new weather engine and Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, upgraded lighting and sound environments and seasons are now modelled. The default aircraft have also been upgraded with improved flight dynamics, cockpits and systems. In this review, we will take a look at the latest rendition of X-Plane from Laminar Research and see how it measures up.
