The roar of the engine, the feel of the g-force, and the way the game drops you right in the seat of various planes is amazing. But X-Plane 8 isn't your typical flight game. There aren't missions to select, other planes that you have to gun down, or even a storyline to follow, it's all about the flying and how it should feel. X-Plane also allows for extreme customization. Programs such as Airfoil Maker, Plane Maker, and World Maker allow for the complete reworking of anything in the game.

Sound is easily some of the best I have ever heard in any game. The weakest point in X-Plane is the graphics. While they're not horrible they do look very dated. Models of all the aircraft are nicely done but other objects such as buildings look very cardboard box-like.