Fasten your seatbelts as Flight Simulator X soars to Gold

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that Flight Simulator X has gone gold

SYDNEY, 19 September 2006 - Ladies and Gentlemen, the Captain is ready for take off - the newest addition to the 25-year Flight Simulator franchise, Flight Simulator X, has gone gold and will touchdown in stores on 26 October, 2006.

Gamers of all ages, types and skill levels will experience firsthand what it's like to be an aviator travelling the globe in one of the dozens of aircraft available.

With this 10th addition to the Flight Simulator franchise from ACES Studio, gamers can immerse themselves in a beautifully rich and realistic world that offers a completely new and innovative gaming experience.

With the addition of more than 50 missions, Flight Simulator X is more than just a simulator, challenging aviators to beat the clock in the infamous Red Bull air races or to drop relief materials in exotic locations.

Through increased online game capabilities, gamers can also choose their role, from air-traffic controller to pilot or co-pilot, as they interact with each other and aviators worldwide.

Available in both standard and deluxe versions, Flight Simulator X features a newly detailed environment with incredible graphics and added realism that includes weather, time of day and seasons.

Flight Simulator X also introduces new aircraft from the deHavilland DHC-2 Beaver floatplane and Grumman G-21A Goose, and includes more than 24,000 airports from which to depart.

For more information or to download the trial version, visit http://www.microsoft.com/games/pc/flightsimulatorx.aspx.