Flyout

Flyout is a distinctive cross between a simulation and aircraft builder. It was developed by an indie studio Stonext Games.

Mechanics

The primary feature of Flyout is an extensive editor in which we can design planes from scratch. We can decide on such aspects as the plane's size, hull shape, wing shape an building materials. We can also freely configure the engines, chassis and cockpit interior. After all this, we can also pain our completed aircraft.

Though theoretically there's nothing stopping our creative process, ultimately our plane must abide by the laws of physics, especially aerodynamics. Designing the plane resembles using a 3D modelling program more than it does playing a game. Still, the process is fairly simplified. We can also import reference images, making it easier to build replicas of real machines.

After designing our plane, we must take it out for a test flight. The game is set in a procedurally generated world the size of the Earth. The flight system takes into account such factors as the plane's size, wingspan, hull resistance (calculated based on the shape), atmosphere at the given altitude, strength and direction of the wind; all this plays a major part in how our plane behaves in the air.

Technical aspects

Flyout features decent visuals. Though the world's surface isn't very detailed, the planes themselves are.