FS2004 vs. FS2002 Questions

[kerke 0]

I haven't used my FSim program since last year and, before I go out and purchase FS2004, I'd like to know from you guys how it compares in overall performance and framerates with the old FS2002 (assuming the same visual settings on both, i.e. all visual setting sliders set at full)?Also, a couple of more questions if you don't mind:+ Is there such thing as FS2004 "Professional" like it used to be in FS2002? When I upgrade, I'd like to get the version with the most features.+ How about the FS2004 default aircraft, are they any better than the ones in FS2002? And, are there good 3rd party livery for the default planes?+ How about on-line ATC, what is the best on-line ATC for FS2004?Thank you in advance,Kerke

[Guest Lindy]

Well, the only question I can help you with is #1. No, there are no longer any Professional/Standard editions of FS. And FYI WalMart has it for $50 vs $55 elsewhere (at least that's what they're charging here in Virginia.)You'll get answers to the rest of your questions, I'm sure. I personally have stuck with FS2K2 for now.-Lindy

[Guest Jimbofly]

Hi Kerke!The general consensus is that FS2004 is fantastic, and I personally agree. The framerates with equivalent scenery (FS2002 max scenery = FS2004 medium scenery) is actually much better with FS2004, and even if you put the sliders to full on FS2004, with a good system and video card you still get excellent performance.FS2004 looks better than FS2002, the default aircraft are more realistic, with the new additions having great visual model and a good feel. The clouds in FS2004 are far more advanced and look a lot better than they do in FS2002, but if the cloud coverage is too dense or if there are multiple layers it can have a big impact on frames.Some of the addon aircraft that have been designed for FS2004 are fantastic, such as the freeware Bellanca Decathlon, which exhibits true spinning capability. The ATC is light years ahead in FS2004, you even have the ability to land on different runways and request IFR mid-flight!The GPS in FS2004 is a fine effort for a default GPS, and it has minimal implact on framerates on a good system.And no, there is no "Professional" version! I would definitely recommend getting FS2004 if you have at least a P3 1GHz machine with a directx9 compatible video card.James

[Dillon 2,197]

FS2k4 all around is a better sim. You'll need to know something about hardware because many users have found FS2k4 a challenge right out of the box (performance wise). If you have the hardware (2.6gig, Radeon9700-9800 VideoCard, 1gig RAM) you'll have a blast with FS2k4. If you know how to tweek your system the rewards far exceed FS2k2. Once you've figured out how to optimize FS2k4 for best performance on your machine (FSW's clouds update, FSMetro installed, latest Catalist video drivers, etc.) you'll find all addons run better in FS2k4 than they did in FS2k2. FS2k4 does need a patch to fix a few things and also the SDKs released but as things are now it's very enjoyable and an awesome trainer for my IFR/VFR flight lessons.

[1mikel151 71]

You are sure to get some negative replies from those that have had/ do have problems getting the sim to run on their systems, best to try it for yourself. Personally, it runs better than Fs2002 ever did on my machine and even though it performs well on my old PC, I upgraded so I could get the most out of it, and it is a beautiful VFR sim experience!!!You will find that most (non complex) FS2002 aircraft DO work in FS9 and there are a bunch of real world liveries available for the default aircraft from FS2002 as well.Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://mysite.verizon.net/res052cd/mybannercva1.jpgCalVirAir International VAwww.calvirair.comCougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviationwww.cgrmtnhelos.com