Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Microsoft Flight Simulator v4.0 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor by adding deeper customization and unpredictability to every flight. The new makeshift airplane designer is a standout feature, giving you control over wing span, weight distribution, engine power and even paint schemes. Whether you’re adjusting the lift on a single-wing setup or fine-tuning the center of gravity for better aerobatics, this tool transforms you from a mere pilot into an aircraft engineer.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Version 4.0 also introduces the sailplane, a graceful glider that really shows off the simulator’s refined flight physics. Without an engine to rely on, you must hunt for thermals, manage your descent and maintain optimal airspeed to stay aloft. The sailplane adds a fresh challenge and complements the existing roster, which still includes classic single- and multi-engine planes.

Random weather patterns and dynamic scenery bring each session to life. From sudden cloud buildup and gusty crosswinds to unexpected shifts in visibility, you’ll need to adapt your flight plan on the fly. Air traffic is no longer static; you’ll see other aircraft taxiing, taking off and landing around you, making each approach and departure feel like part of a living aviation ecosystem.

For those who crave camaraderie or competition, multi-user play remains a key draw. You can fly alongside friends or fellow flight enthusiasts over a local network—coordinating takeoffs, flying formation or orchestrating a busy airport schedule together. This social dimension elevates the simulation from a solitary exercise to a shared experience.

Graphics

Flight Simulator v4.0 spans the graphic spectrum from CGA through VGA in EGA resolution, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PCs of the era. While the blocky terrain textures and limited color palette are a far cry from modern standards, there’s a certain nostalgia in watching pixelated cities unfold beneath your wings.

The five included city sceneries—New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago—remain impressive showpieces. Iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge or the Chicago skyline are instantly recognizable even within the modest EGA color set. Flying at low altitudes over these urban centers creates a striking sense of place.

Dynamic elements, like moving ships in harbors, vehicles on highways and other aircraft buzzing around your flight path, give the world an extra layer of realism. Although each element is rendered simply, together they contribute to a living environment where your decisions matter. You’ll need to give way to incoming traffic or adjust your route if a ship passes under your planned crossing.

One of the greatest assets of v4.0 is its extensibility. The game supports add-ons such as the Microsoft Flight Simulator: Aircraft & Scenery Designer and subLOGIC’s USA Scenery series. With these tools, enthusiasts can import new terrain, airports and custom planes, effectively transforming and expanding the world beyond the five base cities.

Story

As with most flight simulators, there’s no traditional narrative or characters guiding your journey. Instead, the “story” emerges from the challenges you set for yourself—whether that’s mastering a cross-country trip in shifting weather or attempting a perfect landing on a busy runway. Each flight becomes a self-directed adventure.

The introduction of random weather means every takeoff is a fresh narrative twist. One moment you might be soaring through clear skies, the next you’re navigating through scattered thunderstorms and heavy winds. These dynamic conditions force you to revise your mental flight plan and embrace improvisation, making each session uniquely memorable.

Aircraft design experimentation adds another narrative layer. Will you build a high-speed racer or a stable long-range cruiser? How will your adjustments affect performance at high altitude or in turbulent conditions? The decisions you make in the designer tool create storylines around trial, error and eventual triumph.

Finally, the multiplayer environment introduces interpersonal story arcs. Organizing formation flights, coordinating air traffic at a shared airfield or simply chatting with fellow pilots turns a solo flight into a shared journey. The friendships and rivalries that develop over repeated sessions create a social tapestry that outlasts any single mission.

Overall Experience

Microsoft Flight Simulator v4.0 succeeds in delivering a richer, more dynamic flying experience without abandoning the core realism that made earlier versions classics. The combination of intuitive aircraft design, unpredictable weather and populated airspace ensures no two flights feel the same. It’s a simulation playground for both newcomers and seasoned aviators.

The graphics may look dated by today’s standards, but within the constraints of CGA to VGA/EGA, v4.0 paints an immersive world that rewards exploration. The five included cities serve as impressive virtual posters for aviation dreams, and the capacity to import new scenery means your flight horizons can expand indefinitely.

From a storytelling perspective, the simulator thrives on emergent narratives created by your own ambitions—whether that means perfecting a land-and-hold-short operation or beating your personal best on a mountainous cross-country route. Multiplayer functionality adds a social dimension that modern simulators still strive to capture, making every session feel like a chapter in an ongoing saga.

For those seeking a deep, customizable flying experience on vintage hardware, Flight Simulator v4.0 remains a standout choice. Its blend of technical depth, community-driven extensions and dynamic world elements ensures that even after hours of flight time, there’s always a new challenge on the horizon.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10