The X-Plane series has always followed a different philosophy than most other simulation products.

Despite the presence of a combat mode, the title is not a game. Several of the niceties Flight Simulator provides, like video-based lessons, pilot aids and prebuilt missions spanning several skill levels, are not available in X-Plane 9.īeyond convenience features, however, X-Plane 9 begins to show its chops. There’s nary an online tutorial, and finding the full manual requires digging around in the installation directory. Like the Corsair, it unashamedly favors veterans. X-Plane 9 ($49.95 PC/$59.95 Mac, requires Microsoft Windows XP/Vista or Mac OS X 10.3 or later, 2Ghz processor, 1GB RAM, 12GB hard drive space, 64MB 3D video card, Graphsim Entertainment, is the latest edition of Austin Meyer’s scrappy alternative to Microsoft Flight Simulator. But an expert pilot would likely appreciate the raw power of the Corsair’s radial engine, and would intrinsically understand the dangers of succumbing to the brutal forces of torque at unforgiving altitudes. A novice pilot, for example, might find flying the Vought F4U Corsair daunting- and in fact some paid for the experience with their lives. In most endeavors, practice and experience can take you from novice to expert, and where you stand in that continuum determines how you perceive milestones along the way. This scrappy alternative to Microsoft Flight Simulator favors veterans.

X plane for mac review