Hello!

I like piloting. I am looking for a plane game as follows:
- graphically realistic, I do not want to fly over an alien planet
- graphically beautiful and detailed
- easy to handle, the gameplay should not be sheer arcade with no gravity at all (like Terminal Velocity) and not as complex as a simulator that requires 80 keys to take off

It can be an air combat simulator (IL2...) if there is a sandbox / free flight / practice mode with no dogfights.

So far, what meets my expectations best is GTA or Just Cause. Back in time, I loved Flight Unlimited 1 and 2. I already have Simple Planes. Flight Simulator X?

If you have any suggestion.
Thank you very much!!!

Red Baron.

You already mentioned one of the best ones out there so I assume you have it already (IL-2).

If you don't mind helicopters, you can try the enemy engaged series. It has some pretty good realisitc and pretty surroundings.

Gunship is also a decent one to look at. [url=]https://www.gog.com/game/gunship[/url] It's also with helicopters.

If pretty scenery is not a necessity, you cannot go wrong with the Falcon collection. Hands down something every simpilot should try. https://www.gog.com/game/falcon_collection[url=][/url]

Fleet defender is also a decent one to try, once again, don't go in expecting graphics to match today's look, but the simulation is good. https://www.gog.com/game/fleet_defender_the_f14_tomcat_simulation

F117 is another one of those sims which, though not pretty in today's standards, is good in the simulation department. https://www.gog.com/game/f117a_nighthawk_stealth_fighter_20

One that is pretty to look at, but I would not say is the best sim to play if you are wanting to pilot is the B-17 Flying Fortress. Nice enough game, but there are far better ones for those who want to fly on the PC. Prettier looking that some of the ones I listed above though. https://www.gog.com/game/b_17_flying_fortress_the_mighty_8th

Finally, if you just want to goof around and fly around without any real set goal in mind, or a set hard campaign mission to finish, where it looks pretty, but dicey on flying at times (depending on what you design) there is simple planes.
https://www.gog.com/game/simpleplanes

Birds Of Prey fits your description.

You already mentioned the best straight Flightsim ever- the original Flight Unlimited. There still has never been a sim that feels like that one, like actually flying.

There was an interesting sim about flying Ultralights and Hangliders way back. I believe it evolved into this: http://www.hangsim.com/micro-flight/ I haven't tried it myself, but it has a demo on their website- so no harm in trying maybe?

Flight Sim X is still okay, especially with aftermarket scenery and it doesn't need to be complicated. Most things can be just automated.

For modern aircraft, Ace Combat: Skies Unknown has a free flight mode where you can fly over around the maps. It's simplified flight models, but not total fantasy either. Not sure how many aircraft you can unlock without playing the campaign though...

Thank you for all your detailed advice!!!

These games look awesome. I am checking some gameplay videos right now. I will try these.


Thank you for your help!