Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: A Look Back in PC Gaming Terms

It's hard to believe it's been a few years since Microsoft released their latest installment of the critically acclaimed flight simulator series, Microsoft Flight Sim 2020. Since its launch back then, the gaming landscape has undergone significant changes - and so have our expectations when it comes to graphics performance.

In this article, we'll be taking another look at MSFS2020 through the lens of a modern PC gamer's perspective, focusing specifically on how well it holds up graphically in 2021. We're also going to compare its performance with some other popular titles available today that push the limits of what current hardware can handle.

Before diving into our analysis, let's quickly review some background information about MSFS2020:

- Released by Microsoft Studios and Asobo Studio

- Initially released on August 19th, 2019 (Windows only)

- Later ported to other platforms including Xbox One & Series X|S

Now onto the meat of our article...

MSFS2020: Graphics Performance in a Nutshell

To give you an idea of what we're dealing with graphically speaking, here's a quick rundown:

* Resolution support goes up to 4K at resolutions like 3840x2160 @60Hz (1440p@120Hz on compatible hardware)

* With ultra-high settings enabled and ray tracing turned off

* Performance-wise expect around 40-50 frames per second (FPS) in most scenarios

Not bad considering this was considered top-notch back then! However, fast forward to today... Things have changed quite a bit since MSFS2020's launch.

Comparing with Modern Titles: Is It Still Worthwhile?

To put things into perspective let's compare its performance against some other popular titles currently available:

* Forza Horizon 4 - A racing game developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios. It runs smoothly at resolutions up to 1440p @60Hz even on mid-range hardware!

* The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Enhanced Edition (PC) - Another classic title from CD Projekt RED that still holds its own graphically speaking today.

So, is MSFS2020 worth playing in terms of graphics? Well...

The Verdict

While Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 may not quite match up to some more recent titles when it comes down sheer graphical fidelity (think ultra-high resolutions at high frame rates), it's still an enjoyable experience overall. The attention to detail throughout the game world, combined with its realistic physics engine make for a very immersive gaming experience.

However, if graphics are your top priority then you might want to consider other options available today that offer more up-to-date visuals and smoother performance across various hardware configurations.

MSFS2020 may not be as graphically demanding anymore compared to newer titles like Flight Simulator 22 or even some older games from just a few years ago. But hey, sometimes less can indeed still mean more!

So there you have it folks - our take on Microsoft Flight Sim 2020's graphics performance in the modern age of gaming. What do YOU think about this classic title? Share your thoughts below!

Liftoff simulator graphics