Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Sublogic |
| Publisher(s) | Microsoft |
| Designer(s) | Bruce Artwick |
| Series | Microsoft Flight Simulator |
| Platform(s) | IBM PC, IBM PCjr, PC AT, IBM PC Convertible, MS-DOS, IBM PS/2 |
| Release | May 1984 (PC, PC-jr) Fall 1984/1985 (PC-AT) 1986/1987/1988 (PC Convertible) 1987/1988 (PS/2) 1985/1986/1987/1988 (MS-DOS) |
| Genre(s) | Amateur flight simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Microsoft Flight Simulator, commonly known as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.0 or FS2, is a flight simulator video game. It was released in May 1984[1] for the IBM PC as a self-booting disk — marking the final Microsoft Flight Simulator release for the IBM PC before its discontinuation in 1987 — and also for the IBM PCjr, and later for the IBM PC-AT sometime between the fall of 1984 and around 1985. Later on, it was released for the IBM PC Convertible sometime between 1986 and 1988, and for the IBM PS/2 sometime in 1987 or 1988.
This was the first Microsoft Flight Simulator release for the MS-DOS. To date, it is the only Microsoft Flight Simulator release for both the IBM PCjr (before its discontinuation in 1985) and the IBM PC-AT (before its discontinuation in 1987).
Publication history
In May 1984, Microsoft released their version 2 (v2.10)[1] for IBM PCs. This version made small improvements to the original version, including the graphics and a more precise simulation in general. It added joystick and mouse input, as well as support for RGB (4-color CGA graphics) and composite monitors[2] and IBM PCjr.
The new simulator expanded the scenery coverage to include a model of the entire United States,[2] although the airports were limited to the same areas featured in the original Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Version 2.10a,[1] released in August 1984, added PC AT support and minor bug corrections.
Later versions (2.11,[1] unreleased and v2.12,[1][3] released in April 1985) fixed a no color problem on PCjr graphics, adding Hercules graphics and EGA support.
Version 2.13,[1] released in August 1986, added support for IBM PC Convertible, enhanced keyboard, 3.5" inch floppy drives, MS-DOS 3.2 and laptop LCD displays.
Version 2.14,[1] released in June 1987 brought IBM PS/2 support.
Over the next year or two, compatibility with Sublogic Scenery Disks was provided, gradually covering the whole U.S. (including Hawaii), Japan, and part of Europe.
Reception
David Florance for Compute! said "shortcomings are easily outweighed by the sheer delight this program brings."[4]
Jason Durbin for PC World said of v. 2.13 "for the timid types who wouldn't be caught living or dead at 10,000 feet, Microsoft Flight Simulator is an excellent way to enjoy the thrill of flight vicariously."[2]
Dick Aarons for PC Magazine said "I've found that the peaceful world of flying in the Microsoft Flight Simulator can provide hours of realistic flying fun."[5]
Microsoft Flight Simulator, Version 2.0 was reviewed in 1989 in Dragon #142 by Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser in "The Role of Computers" column. The reviewers gave the game 5 out of 5 stars.[6]
Reviews
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Microsoft Flight Simulator (v2.0) for PC Booter (1984)". MobyGames.
- ^ a b c "PC World Dec. 1987, p.209" – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "PC Mag 23 Jul 1985". 1985.
- ^ "Compute! Magazine Issue 055". December 27, 1984 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "PC Mag 1984-10-02". October 2, 1984 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Lesser, Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk (February 1989). "The Role of Computers". Dragon (142): 42–51.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Tilt 037". December 27, 1986 – via Internet Archive.