Airplane and pilot simulation game Microsoft Flight Simulator is expanding further across Europe, as the game has just announced an update that adds Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar to the map. Microsoft Flight Simulator has been a staple of the simulation genre since the first game released back in 1982. This most recent version, released in 2020, added third-party aircrafts, airports, and the ability for the developer to expand into new locations and territories.
Microsoft Flight Simulator recently added two DLC packs - Reno Air Races: Expansion Pack and Reno Air Races: Full Collection - that added racing airplanes to the game. While not as massive as previous updates that added locations across Europe such as Sweden, these packs brought a new opportunity for PvP player races with iconic racing planes. These DLC packs followed several new content drops that added new aerial vehicles for players, including one that added helicopters. But, over half a year after the last major expansion to Microsoft Flight Simulator, players will finally have new vistas to see as they take to the skies.
In a new trailer from Xbox, Microsoft Flight Simulator revealed its latest update, which will introduce Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Andorra to the game's world. Players can fly across the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea, as they fly. Among the specific spots and landmarks showcased in the trailer were Tenerife and Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in the Canary Islands, the Rock of Gibraltar, the Spanish Square in Seville, the Barcelona soccer stadium, the Cíes Islands, and the Sanctuary of Christ the King statue in Lisbon. Cities like Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Cataluyna in Spain, along with Lisbon, Braga, and Porto Portugal were also shown as players can fly over these cities. The update is free to all Microsoft Flight Simulator players and is available to download today.
The fact that Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to add new locations for players to witness as they fly nearly two years after the game was first released is a testament to the commitment the developers have for this game. Although not without its flaws, many players use Microsoft Flight Simulator as a way to see the world when they cannot afford to travel to such beautiful locations in person, or when confined from travel (as many were during the COVID-19 pandemic).
Microsoft Flight Simulator is still going strong, with more plans for expansions after this Iberian Peninsula update goes live. The long-awaited Top Gun expansion was scheduled for release in late 2021 but was unfortunately delayed. Would-be aviators will certainly be looking forward to cosplaying as Maverick in Flight Simulator. For those just looking for a casual flight with a beautiful view, the update will let them see a new part of Europe.
Source: Xbox/YouTube