There are times when certain programs, while technically falling under the category of a game, also bridge into other areas. Take X-Plane 7.0, for example.

On the surface this is a title that is a flight sim, but the program is also a trainer for real pilots. And you know what that means? If you are looking for a casual flight program, pass on this one. If you want to know how to fly that Boeing 777, this may be the program for you.

X-Plane 7.0 is a PC product from Tri-Synergy, and Laminar Research, and this is a game that has no frills, no fancy introductions, but is solid graphically and very detailed. How detailed is this title? Well, suffice it to say that it has received FAA approval to be used as a training tool for pilots aiming for commercial certification, instrument rating and airline transport pilot certification.

Don’t want to read manuals? Pass on this title. Don’t want to worry about flight plans? Pass on this title. If you want a flight experience that is intensive, that requires comprehension of control elements and understanding of basic aeronautics, then you may wish to check this out.

The game has a wealth of features including approximately 40 aircraft, which run the gamut from propeller-driven, jets, single and multi-engine planes, helicopters, vertical take-off and landing planes (like the V-22 Osprey and the Harrier), and has several hundred more planes ready for download from the Internet.

There are 18,000 airports, aircraft carriers, helipads and not only will you be challenged with landing at these destinations, but you will have to deal with weather conditions as well.

The runway is lit by the landing lights, but visibility is reduced due to swirling snow. You are all set save for filing the flight plan, and contacting the tower for clearance. So what could go wrong? Oh, how about 35 onboard systems that can fail randomly.

In addition to the deep flight sim, this title also comes packed with some mods which will allow players to build their own planes. This is also not for the faint-hearted or casual player. You will be building a plane in three-dimensional perspective and will need to have some understanding of the definitions and general makeup of a plane. You don’t just pop wings on a round body and call it good.

Other mods include airfoil maker and world maker. You will be able to get a weather briefing before take-off as they actually exist in the real world.

The control elements of this title are very involved. Real-world pilots have a checklist they have to go through, and you will find yourself doing the same thing. Everything must be done correctly before you can throttle up.

The game is brimming with the sounds one would hear in this situation. The radio communication is spot on and the sound of the big jet engines winding up is very realistic. The game is graphically very good as well. From maps to runways, the game looks solid.

The biggest drawback to this title is that it is very detailed; in fact it may be more detailed than most players want. This is a game, but it is also seriously accurate. Be prepared to spend a lot of time learning the nuances of flying – you will need it.

Gameplay: 6.5

The game is detailed and that means it takes time – a lot of time – to actually get to the point of doing anything. There are many nuances and things you have to look over. This is purely in the context of the game, but if you are looking for quick action – look somewhere else.

Graphics: 7

The game is graphically sound and you can view your plane from a variety of angles – all of which show the solid replication.

Sound: 7.5

It sounds authentic – what more is there to say?

Difficulty: Hard

There is a reason this game has FAA approval. Players who invest the time and studying will learn the fundamentals of flying a variety of planes.

Concept: 7

While it does not have the most intuitive interface, and there is a huge learning curve, the game does a very good job of replicating the mechanics of flying an actual plane.

Overall: 7

This feels like work and there is a sense of accomplishment when you finally roll that big jet down the runway. Will I be asking the captain of my flight to let me take it out? No way! This is not a game for the casual flight sim fan. This title will require a lot of thought, and a lot of effort. For the more serious fan of the genre, this might provide the depth, variety and challenge you are looking for.