Taking to the skies inMicrosoft Flight Simulatoris a dream for many. The thought of soaring above the clouds and seeing stunning locations was enticing, and carving throughthe mountains of Switzerland or iconic German architectureis something that can now be achieved thanks to modern technology. Not only is the ability to see planet Earth’s finest views a draw, but the machines that take players there are also an important part of its success - from hulking jumbo jets to plucky propeller planes.
With the likes ofTop Gunalready being included in a recentMicrosoft Flight Simulatorupdate, there is chatter about what else could be included in the months to come. The act of flying lends itself to many potential crossovers that Microsoft would do well to explore. With the recent announcement ofHalo’s Pelican aircraft set to feature in the game at the 2022 Xbox/Bethesda Showcase, the flood gates have swung open for more franchises to take advantage of Asobo Studios' incredible experience.
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Star Wars
Microsoft Flight Simulatoraccurately replicating the feeling of flying over the world using satellite information from Bing Maps makes the game a marvel, but when the setting is so meticulously recreated, there’s great potential to splice real-world accuracy with the wonders of fiction. One of the biggest fictional properties isStar Wars, and with such an impressive repertoire of aviation machines included in the Disney-owned IP, it would be a shame to not give players the ability to breeze over Paris in an X-Wing or TIE Fighter.
Disney has been more than willing to invest in plenty ofMarvelandStar Warsgaming experiences over the years.Star Wars: Squadronsis deserving of a sequel, but its lukewarm commercial reception means it’s not likely it will ever get made.Microsoft Flight Simulator, while a very different experience fromStar Wars: Squadrons, could give players the opportunity to pilotStar Warsships in a new and exciting way.
Mass Effect
While theMass Effectfranchise doesn’t have too many specific vessels to speak of, it has one of the most beloved in all gaming.The Normandy has become an iconic ship in science fiction, holding as much personality and heart as the likes of the Millennium Falcon and USS Enterprise. With Joker at the helm, it can evade the most aggressive of attacks and often leaves high pressure situations without a scratch.
Hello Games’No Man’s Skyopted to include The Normandy in an updatelast year, which was a surprise toMass Effectfans everywhere. The ability to pilot The Normandy in a faithful recreation of the real world could be a huge reason many sci-fi fans flock to a game they may otherwise show no real interest in.
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Thunderbirds
Thunderbirdsis a franchise in desperate need of something new, and could take advantage ofall thatMicrosoft Flight Simulatorhas to offer. With its signature aircrafts having the potential to bring something new on a gameplay level, a collaboration between Microsoft andThunderbirdscould be hugely beneficial for both parties.
Bringing fans of the 1960s property to a game likeMicrosoft Flight Simulatorwith passive enjoymentcould highlight the charm of both properties.Thunderbirdsis a franchise that is best enjoyed through the lens of nostalgia. Seeing the crew hop into one of the five iconic ships was a highlight for fans of the original series, so bringing them to Asobo’s flight simulator would not only offer more variety with interesting gameplay quirks, but also revive a franchise that is deserving of more love.
Microsoft Flight Simulatoris an authentic experience in taking to the skies, but it is also a platform for more franchises and properties to give fans the opportunity to taste what it’s like to fly some of fiction’s greatest automobiles.Top Gun: Maverickhas reignited a love of planesfor many, and theHalocontent being included in a future update toMicrosoft Flight Simulatorhas opened the gate for more to follow suit.
Microsoft Flight Simulatoris available for PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
