X-Plane 11
Release Date: March 30, 2017
Simulation, planes, helicopters, VR, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
Another edition of one of the most advanced flight simulation games in development since the 90s by Laminar Research, a studio connected to NASA. X-Plane 11 does not deviate from the standards of the series in any way and offers its players the possibility of piloting a wide variety of civilian and military aircraft — starting from light planes, through giant passenger planes, and ending with helicopters.
X-Plane 11 is another edition of one of the most advanced flight simulation games that debuted back in the 90s on Macintosh. The title was released for PC and was developed by Laminar Research again, a studio connected to the NASA. Traditionally, a multitude of engineers and aviation experts were involved in the development process, which has been keeping the X-Plane series at the top in terms of gameplay realism for many years now.
Mechanics
In terms of gameplay mechanics, X-Plane 11 does not deviate from the series’ tradition and offers its players the possibility of piloting a wide range of civilian and military aircrafts, including light planes (e.g. Cessna 172SP), giant passenger planes (e.g. McDonell Douglas MD80 or Boeing 737-700), and even choppers (e.g. Sikorsky S-76). All machines were, as always, modeled with great attention to details, both in terms of visual elements and technical specifications. The game also features a myriad of configuration options that let us adjust realism to our liking. Moreover, thanks to user-friendly tutorials that explain ins and outs of flying and navigation, the title can be enjoyed by both veteran simulator players and beginner adepts of aviation.
Similarly to all major installments of the series, X-Plane 11 introduces a number of novelties and changes in the gameplay. The game features, among other things, enhanced avionics and even more detailed, fully functional 3D cockpits with realistically-behaving onboard instruments that let us fly in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules even when the weather conditions severely limit visibility from the cockpit. Other noteworthy elements include new buildings and roads that better reflect the characteristic of different parts of Europe as well as more “living” airports where we can see various vehicles – both those that service our airplane and AI-controlled machines. The last notable novelty is the completely revamped user interface that makes the use of the game easier and more intuitive.
Technical aspects
X-Plane 11 for PC is powered by the latest version of the engine used in its direct predecessors. It generates even more impressive graphics and utilizes the great computing power of the modern processors and graphics cards. Audio-wise, the game features a new sound effect engine that is responsible for the sounds of the airplane and the environment (e.g. lightning or explosions). The production comes with editors that let us modify maps and create our own aircrafts.
Last updated on November 9, 2016
Videos and Screens
[2:16] X-Plane 11 Now even more powerfull
[1:39] X-Plane 11 lighting, reflection and fog
GAMERS Score
Average score from 181 votes. 21 players anticipated the game.
X-Plane 11 Summary
Game Series: X-Plane
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: Laminar Research
Publisher: Laminar Research
Age restrictions: none
X-Plane 11 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3 3.0 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB GeForce 8800 GT/Radeon HD 4830 or better, 20 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 970/Radeon R9 290X or better, 20 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
14 Years of Graphic Evolution - FSX vs Flight Simulator 2020
Videos that appeared on the Flight Sim channel compare the graphics in the latest installment of Microsoft Flight Simulator with older games - Microsoft Flight Simulator X (2006) and X-Plane 11 (2017). One of the materials also compares in-game locations with real world counterparts side by side.
video games
Bart Swiatek
August 5, 2020
X-Plane 11 gets a demo and beta
Creators of X-Plane 11, an advanced flight simulator, have released a free demo and a beta version - the access to the latter is limited to players who buy the game in advance.
video games
November 28, 2016