I don't personally find the Zero offensive, however I don't blame this who do for feeling that way. I see the plane for what it is, an iconic flying machine. Sure, it is a warbird it has been used to kill people. Has the P-51 not done the same? I don't blame the airplane for the pilot's actions and I don't blame the pilot for trying to stay alive. In the end the attack on Pearl Harbor was an order given, can you really fault those who carried out the orders? We (Americans) did no better to Japan, but can you blame the Enola Gay and her crew? They were, like the Japanese, doing what they were told to do.Anyways, I don't see a problem with the Zero, just a problem with it being half a Zero.

Anyways, I don't see a problem with the Zero, just a problem with it being half a Zero.

+1.The rest is just subjective to personal opinion, and there is no right or wrong when it comes to that.

The best part of this is.. For once we're all on the same page.. I've seen one entire comment between everywhere I've read of someone who couldn't wait to download it. MS are getting vicious verbal thrashing from multiple directions.

My first thought when I heard it was a Zero was wondering if some people might find it offensive. I personally find it in poor taste, and a lot worse than using Downfall video cllips to make parodies, something that Tom really doesn't like.It's one thing to use these planes in a specific combat scenario. That's what the combat scenarios are for. But having the "meatball emblem" flying over Pearl Harbor? Hm.Hook

Whats the difference?

The only reason this seems inappropriate to me is the fact there is a real-world grave distinctly identified in FLIGHT where many men lost their lives. That ship was sunk to the bottom of that harbor by the attack of Japanese Zeros. Yeah there are all kinds of fighting games where you can shot at the enemy, they can shoot at you, you can be the enemy if you want. But FLIGHT made a big deal about how beautiful the islands are and have done a great job at showing that. Hawaii is a very special place for the United States. But to spotlight an aircraft that represents one of the darkest moments in the history of the U.S. is irresponsible to me. Since FLIGHT seems to be pushing the GA world of flight more than anything, another civilian plane would have been a better choice than a killing machine used by Kamikaze pilots, IMHO.

You should go back to school and try to actually learn some historical facts:Percent of zeros in pearl harbor attack was less than 25%.

+1But you forget that the plane do what you want.The plane is just a tool. Like a knife: you can use it to cook or to kill.So should we ban knifes? or should we really think about what on earth make people to kill each other to make things really change in this world ?And here, we are talking about the planes, not the soldiers who have been told to kill people just because they are the "enemy"The problem is not the plane itself , but the war itself.War make people crazy, both sides.Since MS released the P51, it is logical that they release the A6M.I am not surprised at all,But it does not mean that they will not release plane that we want more.Patience, patience and patience is required.

Great post.I like F-15 aircraft despite the fact that aircraft dropped several thousand tons of bombs on my head. So what? Aircrafts are not conscious of crimes made by them and cannot be responsible, people are, and should be.

I just went back to the Flight website and clicked on the Marketplace tab ( still can't get signed on through the GFWL marketplace program).The website still lists only the Maule and the P51 as available for purchase.Interesting - however the west coast is certainly some hours behind me here...

Whats the difference?You should go back to school and try to actually learn some historical facts:Percent of zeros in pearl harbor attack was less than 25%.Great post.I like F-15 aircraft despite the fact that aircraft dropped several thousand tons of bombs on my head. So what? Aircrafts are not conscious of crimes made by them and cannot be responsible, people are, and should be.

25% or 2% or 99% is not the point. I find it offensive, and so do quite a few others. I don't need a history lesson.It is responses like this that take threads down a ridiculous path because someone feels the need to be a smartass.

25% or 2% or 99% is not the point. I find it offensive. I don't need a history lesson.It is responses like this that take threads down a ridiculous path because someone feels the need to be a smartass.

I find you was offensive at my country, lets not talk each other... Ridiculous logic indeed.

Good point(s) Russell, but maybe weisenheimer or smart aleck a better choice of wordsAnd please take the "high road" with the g_p... no need to have another thread on lockdown.

Good point(s) Russell, but maybe weisenheimer or smart aleck a better choice of wordsAnd please take the "high road" with the g_p... no need to have another thread on lockdown.

I just do not see how virtual zero (even if its armed) can harm anyone in this world. Should we become anxious and paranoiac because of bunch of 1s and "0s"?Looking forward for this aircraft.About loockdown, maybe someone should turn on the light?

If MS had released some kind of historical sim with the A6M in it, as they have done in the past, I would have no problem with it at all. Historical sims are challenging and educational, and this gives them a good deal of merit. Even creating an historic version of the Hawaii terrain in Flight where one could fly the A6M would have made it okay in my book.But the fact that there is a depiction of stunt course over the Arizona Memorial (which itself is bad enough for its complete lack of respect) that can now be flown in an aeroplane which is in either large or small part for having been the fighter escort in the attack, responsible for the deaths of many aboard that ship and others moored at Pearl Harbor on that terrible day, is nothing short of disgraceful in my opinion. Whoever was on the MS marketing/design team that thought this was acceptable should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.It's not the plane, it is the ability to whizz it over the Arizona Memorial with no respect whatsoever which makes it appallingly distasteful. Flight was supposed to be celebrating the joy of aviation, not making light of one of its darkest moments.Al

Well said Chock <hand salute> very well said!There is a time and there is a place...

I don't personally find the Zero offensive, however I don't blame this who do for feeling that way. I see the plane for what it is, an iconic flying machine. Sure, it is a warbird it has been used to kill people. Has the P-51 not done the same? I don't blame the airplane for the pilot's actions and I don't blame the pilot for trying to stay alive. In the end the attack on Pearl Harbor was an order given, can you really fault those who carried out the orders? We (Americans) did no better to Japan, but can you blame the Enola Gay and her crew? They were, like the Japanese, doing what they were told to do.Anyways, I don't see a problem with the Zero, just a problem with it being half a Zero.

+1,Same for me, it is sad to not have a cockpit, still we can backward the point of view to display the exterior model of the cockpit, I am doing that with the p51

Great post.I like F-15 aircraft despite the fact that aircraft dropped several thousand tons of bombs on my head. So what? Aircrafts are not conscious of crimes made by them and cannot be responsible, people are, and should be.

Thank you g_precentralisSame for me with the D3A "Val" , the B17 . I like them despite the fact that they dropped bombs on people.Should I feel bad? only if I would use as a war machine instead of what it is first; an airplane.Who is the pilot? yourself or your aircraft?Like you said g_precentralis , Airplanes are just a piece of machinery: they do NOT think, they do NOT have a conscienceThus, it is the people who are responsible.So let's see warplanes for the best they can do: giving you fun with speed and aerobatics or anything else wish is not related to murder people or destruction.

Same for me, it is sad to not have a cockpit, still we can backward the point of view to display the exterior model of the cockpit, I am doing that with the p51

Could you share your thoughts on the Mustang vs. the Zero? They seem very similar to me and I am wondering how they differ in the game.

It's almost as if Mr. Howard is doing everything in his power to drive away the existing flight sim community. The interview he gave to AVSIM left a lot of hard core simmers (and casual simmers) with little hope. Then he promotes the interview on the Facebook page saying "If you're a hard core flight-simmer, you'll want to check out this interview with Flight's studio head, Joshua Howard, over at AVSIM:" I see that as a slap in the face. Now, they release another incomplete airplane. I have money. I want to spend it on Flight, but my god, this is just awful. If it had a cockpit, I still wouldn't buy it but at least I could say, "Cool plane, just not my style. Maybe next month." Harmonix will be releasing a new title soon, so I guess I'll spend my MS Points on Rock Band 4 or what ever they are going to call it.

Maybe they've changed their minds and are frantically finishing the cockpit that's probably already +90% complete anyway. I would actually buy the Zero (and the P-51) if it was properly equipped.As to seeing Japanese planes in Hawaii, yeah, it's a little odd, but I got used to it in real life. I've seen a lot of aircraft with the "meatball" painted on them parked on the ramp at Barber's Point (now Kalaeloa) and Kaneohe Bay, as well as ships flying that flag docked in Pearl Harbor. And yes, those ships do render proper honors to the Arizona as they make their closest approach to the Memorial while turning the corner at South-East Loch.Times have changed and Japan is a US ally now. On the many times I've been to the Arizona Memorial, the Japanese there have always been more quiet, respectful, and thoughtful about the events of that day in 1941 than most of the American tourists.