Emanuel (real life 737 pilot and PMDG beta tester) has started this video series:

 

 

Interesting to see. He makes great points, and is clearly someone that has tried all the sims for many years (along with being a real world pilot!).

All I can say is, "Of course it is!"

Just look at Avsim. The overwhelming majority of Avsim users are using MSFS now.  At least for Avsim, the overwhelming of Avsim users endorse MSFS.  And it's not even close between the MSFS forum and the other competing simulator forums.

Steam also gives us some insight. It's also not close between MSFS and the competition according to Steam DB.

The best kicker of this all, IMO, is that there are a lot of real life pilots here at Avsim; and I see so many real life pilots here on Avsim, using MSFS.  While I am not a real life pilot, to me, the fact that it appears the overwhelming majority of real life pilots here at Avsim are using MSFS, that is a huge ringing endorsement of MSFS, IMO.

Edited December 13, 20223 yr by abrams_tank

Yes. MSFS needs to improve the flight model a little, and that's about it. They are continually working on the flight model so I'm sure it will keep getting better till even the real world pilots agree that it's the best. 

But other than that, it's the massive ecosystem that MSFS has created, and their big tent approach of inviting people of ALL skill levels - from kids to pro pilots that is making the difference. If you want to fly study level, you can. If you want to load up a 747 and buzz around NYC - you can. It's nice to have that. 

It's certainly the best flight sim I've ever used, combat or non-combat. I haven't simmed this much in many years.

31 minutes ago, FlyingGoose said:

Yes. MSFS needs to improve the flight model a little, and that's about it. They are continually working on the flight model so I'm sure it will keep getting better till even the real world pilots agree that it's the best. 

But other than that, it's the massive ecosystem that MSFS has created, and their big tent approach of inviting people of ALL skill levels - from kids to pro pilots that is making the difference. If you want to fly study level, you can. If you want to load up a 747 and buzz around NYC - you can. It's nice to have that. 

Agreed... the way I see it is that if the MSFS platform and aerodynamics engine can enable the implementation of non-CFD flight models such as the Fenix A320, PMDG 737, Milviz C310, the coming A2A Comanche, etc.. and CFD-based flight models such as the iniBuilds A310, Sting S4, default Guimbal Calibri heli, default C172, default Citation Longitude, etc (see https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/new-propeller-cfd-soft-body-simulation-airplane-list/504719), then its core aerodynamics and flight dynamics is pretty darn good as it is, and continuous improvements that Asobo keep doing are only going to make it even better. As it is, it's a broad enough aerodynamics platform to support various types of aircraft now including helicopter and glider physics. The first iteration of their helicopter physics is notably good as observed by helicopter sim experts like helisimmer.com. The interplay between MSFS's aerodynamics with its weather and atmospheric airflow modelling/physics is also unprecedented and at another level.

But ya, taking *everything* into consideration re: what the MSFS platform allows and the current SU11 product provides, what is to come in 2023 in the various AAU and SU and WU/CU updates, and the huge 3rd party interest and support we have etc etc, no wonder expert IRL pilots and simmers like 737NG Driver can make claims about MSFS being the best flight sim to date. If future iterations of other sims can rival or better it, then I quite welcome that since competition is overall goodness for us users. Sadly I don't see any of them even coming close to MSFS, as of now. Like 737NG Driver and many others, having used all sims extensively to date for the last 30+ years (see my sig), MSFS is easily the best ever for me too ... again, as of now 🙂
 

1 hour ago, FlyingGoose said:

Yes. MSFS needs to improve the flight model a little, and that's about it. They are continually working on the flight model so I'm sure it will keep getting better till even the real world pilots agree that it's the best. 

But other than that, it's the massive ecosystem that MSFS has created, and their big tent approach of inviting people of ALL skill levels - from kids to pro pilots that is making the difference. If you want to fly study level, you can. If you want to load up a 747 and buzz around NYC - you can. It's nice to have that. 

I will let the real life pilots chime in, but I think with the new 20 KM CFD that surrounds the plane, MSFS's flight model has gotten more advanced as of SU11. No other desktop flight simulator is simulating the airflow in the atmosphere up to 20 KM around the plane. This adds a new layer of flight model realism, IMO, because as the air travels over hills, through valleys in mountains, etc, very far from the plane (up to 20 KM far), that air can now impact the plane when it reaches it.

This is amazing new technology for a desktop flight simulator.  Stuff like the 20 KM CFD around the plane is how I know Asobo is headed in the right direction.

MSFS is the best, no doubt. But there's a lot of things to sort out. ATC needs a lot of work. AI traffic needs a lot of work. Many of the default planes (787!) need lots of work. None of these things were really covered in this video. MSFS is the best overall but it needs at least another year of steady improvements. But I wouldn't fly anything else at this point. 

Most of the things that annoyed me about MSFS at launch have gradually been whittled away by Sim Updates and various addons…at this point ATC/AI is really the biggest remaining thing that really bugs me.  It’s a great sim to say the least and pretty much always an amazing experience.  

I often find myself flying through stunning cloud scapes or over amazingly rendered ground scenery and feeling like I have to pinch myself.

1 minute ago, regis9 said:

Most of the things that annoyed me about MSFS at launch have gradually been whittled away by Sim Updates and various addons…at this point ATC/AI is really the biggest remaining thing that really bugs me.  It’s a great sim to say the least and pretty much always an amazing experience.  

I often find myself flying through stunning cloud scapes or over amazingly rendered ground scenery and feeling like I have to pinch myself.

AIG packages + PSXT/RT combo with historical AI movements back to 2020 (yes, it bites. $172 per annum)

22 minutes ago, G-YMML1 said:

AIG packages + PSXT/RT combo with historical AI movements back to 2020 (yes, it bites. $172 per annum)

Might have to look into that…I’ve never really explored it and don’t know much about it.  $172 isn’t cheap but if it’s really good it might be worth it for a year and see if Asobo improves the AI in the meantime.

2 hours ago, RobJC said:

Many of the default planes (787!) need lots of work

WorkingTitle mentioned that they will improve the default premium aircrafts like 787 next 

Why MSFS is hands down the best FlightSim by 737NG Driver...

My first thought:  "Uh, oh....."

Edited December 13, 20223 yr by HiFlyer

Excellent video, and I Fully Agree with the author's view !