Gathering of Developers Fly 2 Simulation Review

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Price Paid:  $40.00 from Game

Summary:
I've recently bought the European Version of Fly!2, and I think it's great!

This then, it would seem, is a totally different ballgame to the rushed out US release. You effectively get a fully patched version with electronic manuals, a small starter manual, and scenery (New York, San Francisco etc).

Everything installs seamlessly (though the full install is a big hit on the hard disk - 1.7 Gb). The user interface is much easier than with Fly!1, and I really haven't hit much in the way of bugs.

I have a PPL, and I would say that as a simulation costing just £25, Fly!2 gives a good feel for what it is really like.

One of my favourite aspects of flying is to fly into overcast cloud, and then emerge above the cotton wool into the sunlight above. I definitely get the buzz doing just that with this simulator.

The downside is this: if you are not an experienced Pilot (sim or real), this game has a very steep learning curve, but like the real thing, if you persevere, it's worth it.

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Price Paid:  $43.00 from CompUSA

Summary:
This shipped before it was ready. The lack of a manual and city details is inexcusable.

One thing I noticed is how the horizon always seems to look like I'm flying through smog or a large dust storm. It reminded me of the last time I flew in Texas and Arizona over desert terrain.

Don't purchase this yet unless you already own fly or at least have the chance to see the software on someones computer before you purchase it.

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Price Paid:  $44.00 from Electronic Botique

Summary:
Not ready for "Prime Time!" Although the game runs OK, it is apparent that it was shipped still missing many items. First, the electronic manual is no where to be found. Their Tech people say use the Fly 2K manual! ha What if you never bought Fly 2K. Second, the haze in the graphics was terrible. The first patch corrected much of this. Third, the city "generic" graphics suck! I now see that you can download NYC and San Francisco! Too cheap to include a second CD, and as a result, the NYC scenery is 150 mbs! 10 hours to download on average. After seeing this mess, I returned my copy and got a refund. Will wait for Microsoft's 2002 offering. Too bad, as I liked the Fly series overall. You lost me Gathering of Developers! Next time, try to find some "Developers" who do more than "Gather!"