Microsoft Flight Simulator's new trailer is a fun reminder just how far games have come Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft Flight Simulator's new trailer is a fun reminder just how far games have come Days of yaw. News by Matt Wales Reporter Updated on 14 Aug 2020 96 comments As someone with no previous interest in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, but who's ridiculously excited about its newest release - partly because I've recently discovered the laidback thrills of a simulated video game transportation (thanks American Truck Simulator) and partly because, well, I mean, just look at it - its latest trailer is quite the eye-opener. I mean, sure, I'm old enough to remember when the sprite was king and a polygon was a rarity seldom beheld, but it's still rather awe-inspiring to be reminded so succinctly just how far video game technology has come since my days with Atic Atac and Kokotoni Wilf. Microsoft's latest trailer, you see, offers a whistle-stop tour of every Flight Simulator iteration released over the last four decades, starting with 1982's version 1.0 - a quaint black and white abstraction by today's standards - right up to this year's game. The latter, you probably don't need reminding, is a breathtaking showcase of next-gen visuals. Digital Foundry said so! It seems the appeal isn't just surface either; Flight Simulator's 2020 outing is shaping up to be just as dazzling in the cockpit as it is out in its expansive, gorgeously recreated version of Earth, if the effusive praise of Eurogamer's Martin Robinson is anything to go by. He's been gushing about his time in the sky - and his adventures storm chasing in the digital world - for weeks now. Thankfully, I won't need to take Martin's word for it much longer; Microsoft Flight Simulator, and its abundance of cloud porn, comes to PC next week, on 18th August. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store