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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 has come on in leaps and bounds since the last edition. With improved graphics, greater realism and plenty of options you will be hard pushed to find a better flight simulator. They always say that God is in the detail, and the Flight simulator team have proved it here. The main difference you will notice straight away is in the landscape detail, taking on ideas that they have learnt through previous versions and their work on Microsoft Train Simulator (it's the same team) they have produced very impressive scenery. The sea shimmers in the sunlight, while waves crash against the seashore. Improved detail also means that certain cities like Las Vegas have character to them--you can see the lights and fireworks at night--while some airports now have the ability for you to dock at specific gates. It's not just the scenery though that has been improved and Microsoft Flight Simulator has now got a fully interactive Air Traffic Control system allowing you to request everything from landing procedures to traffic information. The need for a runway is no guarantee however, as the game has also introduced an amphibian plane to contend with, allowing you to land on any lake, sea or river. With so many features including downloadable live weather, multiplayer functions and even an analysis option to record your flights, this is one hefty product that will quench the thirst of any flight sim fan. --Jason Denwood