Taking to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator is a dream for many. The thought of soaring above the clouds and seeing stunning locations was enticing, and carving through the mountains of Switzerland or iconic German architecture is something that can now be achieved thanks to modern technology. Not only is the ability to see planet Earth's finest views a draw, but the machines that take players there are also an important part of its success - from hulking jumbo jets to plucky propeller planes.
With the likes of Top Gun already being included in a recent Microsoft Flight Simulator update, there is chatter about what else could be included in the months to come. The act of flying lends itself to many potential crossovers that Microsoft would do well to explore. With the recent announcement of Halo's Pelican aircraft set to feature in the game at the 2022 Xbox/Bethesda Showcase, the flood gates have swung open for more franchises to take advantage of Asobo Studios' incredible experience.
Star Wars
Microsoft Flight Simulator accurately replicating the feeling of flying over the world using satellite information from Bing Maps makes the game a marvel, but when the setting is so meticulously recreated, there's great potential to splice real-world accuracy with the wonders of fiction. One of the biggest fictional properties is Star Wars, and with such an impressive repertoire of aviation machines included in the Disney-owned IP, it would be a shame to not give players the ability to breeze over Paris in an X-Wing or TIE Fighter.
Disney has been more than willing to invest in plenty of Marvel and Star Wars gaming experiences over the years. Star Wars: Squadrons is deserving of a sequel, but its lukewarm commercial reception means it's not likely it will ever get made. Microsoft Flight Simulator, while a very different experience from Star Wars: Squadrons, could give players the opportunity to pilot Star Wars ships in a new and exciting way.
Mass Effect
While the Mass Effect franchise doesn't have too many specific vessels to speak of, it has one of the most beloved in all gaming. The Normandy has become an iconic ship in science fiction, holding as much personality and heart as the likes of the Millennium Falcon and USS Enterprise. With Joker at the helm, it can evade the most aggressive of attacks and often leaves high pressure situations without a scratch.
Hello Games' No Man's Sky opted to include The Normandy in an update last year, which was a surprise to Mass Effect fans everywhere. The ability to pilot The Normandy in a faithful recreation of the real world could be a huge reason many sci-fi fans flock to a game they may otherwise show no real interest in.
Thunderbirds
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
Thunderbirds is a franchise in desperate need of something new, and could take advantage of all that Microsoft Flight Simulator has to offer. With its signature aircrafts having the potential to bring something new on a gameplay level, a collaboration between Microsoft and Thunderbirds could be hugely beneficial for both parties.
Bringing fans of the 1960s property to a game like Microsoft Flight Simulator with passive enjoyment could highlight the charm of both properties. Thunderbirds is a franchise that is best enjoyed through the lens of nostalgia. Seeing the crew hop into one of the five iconic ships was a highlight for fans of the original series, so bringing them to Asobo's flight simulator would not only offer more variety with interesting gameplay quirks, but also revive a franchise that is deserving of more love.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is an authentic experience in taking to the skies, but it is also a platform for more franchises and properties to give fans the opportunity to taste what it's like to fly some of fiction's greatest automobiles. Top Gun: Maverick has reignited a love of planes for many, and the Halo content being included in a future update to Microsoft Flight Simulator has opened the gate for more to follow suit.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for PC, and Xbox Series X/S.