One of the things virtual reality is good for is training people inside of an area they are not familiar with, especially with no consequences. Virtual reality simulations are used all across the globe for training and learning, and flight simulation is one of the biggest uses. When VR Flight Simulator New York came out and was recently updated, we knew it was a game we were going to need to try. From the realistic graphics to the numerous buttons on the dashboard, we had to give this game a real shot.
In this game review, we will be touching on everything that this game has to offer to train you to be a pilot. From the realistic buildings to the center of gravity on the airplanes, we will be dissecting every important aspect of this game. For just $10, you can become the next great pilot that flies all over the Manhattan New York area. This game is not for those with fragile stomachs, but it will be hit amongst flying fanatics.
Getting Up and Running
This game is an average file size for a virtual reality game, coming in at 2 GB. It is available on the Steam Store as well as Viveport, and as of the beginning of October, the game is available as part of the Viveport Infinity subscription. If you buy this game through the Steam Store, you will be responsible for finding a local file to save it inside of. Because it is not a small game, this may be important to you. If you get this game through Viveport, it will be conveniently stored inside of the app on your PC.
Launching this game is fairly easy, just like the rest of the virtual reality games out there. Once the somewhat lengthy download process is finished, you can start the game. Once you get past the menu screen in the game and you pick your weather, plane, and airport, you will be able calibrate where your head is. if you want to do the simulation sitting (which we strongly suggest), you will need to be in that position before you start the plane in the tutorial.
Type of Game
Not only is this game a full simulation, but it is a traveling and tourism game. Although all of the buttons on your dashboard aren’t able to be interacted with, they are still add a great level immersion in this game. It takes the simulation to the next level and it makes it fun to be a part of.
The skyline of New York is incredibly accurate, and all of the settings near all of the airports are perfect down to the direction the doors of the house are facing. Even if you aren’t interested in a flight simulator, this is a great game to get to know Manhattan a little better. This game immerses you so well that you start to recognize parts of the city as you fly over it. This is a simulation game, but the value of the tourism and travel included in this game should not be overlooked.
Player Perspective
Most VR games throw you into the game as the first-person perspective, and this game is no different. You are either on the runway standing and looking at your hands, or inside of the aircraft with your hands. You don’t have a head, body, or even legs when you are sitting down. It is easy to give all of those things a pass when the details of the environment is so nice and perfected. This is one of the few games inside of VR that wouldn’t be trashed if it was in second or third-person, but first person still gets the job done in this specific setting.
Theme and Story – Score: 6/10
There is zero story in this game, but the theme is strong in each setting you choose. The theme is clearly flying a plane, but you can choose the weather, time of day, and even which airport and terminal you are flying out of. This enables your imagine to take some time off as the game is providing some stellar graphics that throw you into the shoes of a pilot that is flying out of terminal 31B at JFK.
Controls – Score: 3/10
The lack of input buttons with this game surprised us a great amount. The only real option you had with the game is the grips. You could grip the key, the throttle, and the steering wheel. It didn’t feel like you had much say in the operation of the plane, and that was okay, if our hands had something to do while we were coasting. Even adding one more input button and a little more responsibility for the pilot would be made this game much more fun and have more replay value.
Music and Sound – Score: 7/10
If you have been a passenger on airplanes a number of times, you know exactly what you want. Music. You may assume that the pilots want the same thing, but jumping into this game gives you a new perspective of what the pilots are hearing during the flight. Depending on the weather that you set up, this game can get very real very fast. If it is stormy outside, it will be hard to drown out the rain and wind noise to hear how your engine is doing. If it is clear and sunny, you will be able to focus on the noise feedback you engine is giving you. There is some fun music in the menu and loading screens, making you feel like you are a part of Top Gun. The music isn’t overbearing, but it is nice to have in the few calm moments in this game.
Player Movement – Score: 6/10
You move in this game by slightly turning your wrist inside or out, and it will jolt the plane in one way or another. The wheel is incredibly sensitive, so it will take a few flights for you to get used to it. Once you do, it does a pretty good job of representing what we though flying a plane would be. We would lose control of the plane at times, but that seems like it would happen in real life, as our flying experience is non-existent. The movement was good, but it could’ve been a little more forgiving. It isn’t trying to show us how to actually fly a plane, so simpler movements would’ve been appreciated.
Kinetosis – Score: 6/10
If you are a frequent flyer, you know that motion sickness can come often inside of a long plane ride. If you are not a frequent flyer, you will soon learn that inside of the game. There was nothing the developers could’ve done to avoid the motion sickness flying brings, as this game is supposed to be a
Environment and Immersion – Score: 9/10
The environment in this game is next level. With over 20 unique and real runways to take off from, you won’t ever feel like you are in a fabricated environment. You mix the real atmosphere with the detail you are seeing in the cockpit, this game is going to make toys believe that you are inside of a pilots chair sooner rather than later. It could have better graphics, but the detail is already there. If you are looking for a game to get lost in, this is the one.
Overall
This game is a fun game, especially if you are looking for a flight simulating virtual reality game. If you aren’t, it is still worth the download if you have the Viveport Subscription. For $10, you will be experience hundreds of different combinations of flights. The developers are constantly updating the game with new routes and planes as well, so there is no chance that this game ever becomes stagnant.
