I make no excuses for making a fuss about X-Plane being released on the iPhone today. Read on to find out why.
I had to purchase X-Plane for the iPhone as soon as I heard it had been released and, WOW! (Update: here’s a direct link to the app on iTunes).
I’m hugely impressed with what has been achieved here. Although the graphics are superb and the fluidity is amazing, it’s really the control system that shines. Tilting the iPhone and using the accelerometers to control the aircraft is one of THE most realistic sim experiences I’ve ever had.
As you can see from the screenshot above, you’ve got a choice of 4 aircraft to play with. They’re all beautifully modelled and the detailing is incredible considering the device it’s running on.
The scenery area provided is the same as for the desktop version of X-Plane, i.e. Innsbruck in Austria. The terrain mesh is fantastic and I’m having tremendous fun hugging the ground flying over the mountain tops and down into the valleys.
Whilst flying, you tap the top of the screen to access the menu, where you can change your aircraft view, and access the application settings, where you can alter the time, wind speed/direction, sky conditions, plane type and weight.
You control the throttle and flaps by sliding/pressing the controls on either side of the display. It all works very intuitively.
I’m amazed that they’ve managed to achieve what they have with the sim. To be honest, the experience is incredible. Fly X-Plane on the iPhone and you get the impression that you’re witnessing a giant leap forward in what can be achieved on a handheld device.
Quite simply, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch and even the slightest interest in flight simulation, go buy it now. In fact, even if you have no interest in flight simulation, buy it anyway just so you can show all of your friends what can be achieved on the device!
You can purchase it from the iTunes Store for $9.99/£5.99.
Related posts
