OMG

 

http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/topic/52819-orbx-announces-ftx-global-to-be-released-in-2013/

 

The screenshots are amazing!!! :Shocked:

This is exactly what I've been looking for. I was thinking of going the GEX route, but there's an appeal of being able to do a single, global texture improvement.

This is exactly what I've been looking for.

 

Me too L-T... hopefully by race time... :Praying:

 

Btw, hoping for like Africa Orbx add animules...

 

It's $200

I have to say that GEX has recently updated their textures to a much higher resolution, that you receive free _IF_ you purchase one of their other areas such as Africa (as an example). So if you own GEX North America and purchase a qualifying region (see their webpage) you will get a much more refined texture map than previously. This is not to take anything away from Orbx, their product isn't even released yet... but as someone else said $200 AUL is not an inconsiderable sum. If they were offering the entire world at the same level as PNW (Pacific Northwest) that would be a no-brainer, and a complete stampede by FSX enthusiasts worldwide. Still, it's intriguing and I'm anxious to match it up versus GEX. If you already own GEX North America or Europe and buy any of their new areas (Tropics, Africa/Middle East, etc), your existing textures also get upgraded to the new high-resolution texture graphics as well. US Price for Africa/Middle East is in the $35 range. I have the higher density graphics and I can see an improvement.

 

From the developer's website:

 

Ground Environment X Africa-Middle East builds on the award winning techniques of the GEX series and continues using our new approach in texture design, incorporating high level detail graphics in the default Flight Simulator X 1-meter texture resolution format. This delivers a hi-fidelity image without using excessive disk space or processor power. Our design allows a simulation pilot to enjoy clearly defined visuals from nearly ground level up to higher altitudes.

 

Ground Environment X brings all-new ground textures to FSX, and it boasts an incredible 1 m/pixel texture resolution, using native 1024x1024 pixel images, and includes all seasons, meticulously designed night textures and the latest techniques in autogen placement and alignment. All this while keeping maximum Flight Simulator performance in mind during development.

 

The easy-to-use interface will provide for easy installing the new textures, and is designed with Flight1's "keep-it-simple yet powerful" philosophy.

 

Whether you are flying over the savannas of Africa or the oasis-dotted desert sands of the Middle East, the entire area will now come to life with brighter colors, unique autogen, and so much more.

 

 

A sample image from GEX enhanced landclass (Africa)

I'm aware of the anticipated price for the OrbX global, and was under the impression that I would invest about the same (or more?) if I went with the equivalent in GEX textures. They both certainly look better than the default, which I'm ashamed to say I've been living with all these years. I've already spent a bundle on some great deals for aircraft this season (Iris and MilViz), but will be looking to improve the scenery this coming year.

Thanks Robert for the info much appreciated. :wink:

I have to say that GEX has recently updated their textures to a much higher resolution

 

Yes thanks Robert... I had no idea GEX had (nearly) worldwide coverage.

 

A quandary and quite the conundrum what to do now...

I would have to get out a calculator to compare the costs of GEX North America plus Europe plus Africa and or the Tropics to see how it compares with the proposed Orbx World cost. I am a big fan of Orbx and own Pacific Northwest and doubtless will buy the Northern California region when it releases this year - as I fly a lot in California. Read the descriptions on Orbx webpage about Orbx World - and pay close attention to "what it is NOT"... it is NOT the same thing as their high-definition payware 'regions' - YES, it is better than FSX default by miles... we'll have to wait and see what it looks like when they actually release it.

 

cheers to all!

Your spot on Robert, I just bought the tropics for the usa upgrade glad I did the newer us textures do look very nice should hold me over until we get a look at orbx textures.