PC flight simulators, combat simulators, PC flight sim's, flight combat games, flying games for the PC, whatever you know them as, they all share one thing: FLIGHT! Here I'll be discussing the Top 7 of the genre over the last ten years.
The Best of the Bunch
IL-2 Sturmovik - In terms of graphics, this game can in no way be compared to something like Microsoft Flight Simulator. What matters here is that the graphics more than match up to the game play...and that is something it has tons of. Along with multiplayer modes (co-op and dogfight) it'll be difficult to see this one beaten for sure playability. With the player able to choose of flying for either Germany or Russia, plenty of missions and with a mission builder there's plenty for a hardcore flying fan to get their teeth into here.
Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight - Not only do you get to fly a multitude of aircraft from yesteryear, this game also helps educate about the history of flight. What other game gives you the chance to pilot the 1903 Wright Flyer?! The thrill of trying to keep this slow moving, unwieldy beast airborne is worth the money alone!
Combat Flight Simulator 2: WWII Pacific Theater - As a World War II combat flight simulators go, you don't get much better than this. There's an amazing feeling of epic-ness in some of the battles. If you can handle the difficulty curve, give this a go.
Not the at the top but nearly there
Crimson Skies - Set in an alternate past where the United States had broken up as a result of the Great Depression. The game's atmosphere is pretty much set by its loudness and the emphasis on adventure more than destruction. Whilst not too realistic in the physics department, this only enhances the fun aspect of the game.
Falcon 4 - For superb realism in terms of aircraft physics and great depth in gameplay, few games can match Falcon 4. The documentation is superb and features fantastic tutorials missions making it accessible even for novice pilots.
The last two...but nowhere near the very bottom
Enemy Engaged: RAH-66 Comanche Versus Ka-52 Hokum - The only helicopter flying game to make the list, you get to fly either the RAH-666 or the Ka-52. The vehicles look quite amazing whilst the weapon effects were before their time, with both choppers handling noticeably different.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X - If you've got a meaty enough PC to cope with the graphics set to Ultra in this game then you're in for a real treat. Plenty (and varied) aircraft to enjoy and pilot. Only let down by its hefty system requirements.
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