Microsoft Flight.... what's the deal?

[saggs]

So I was playing around a bit with FSX this evening, and accidentally hit the "home" tab, which I don't think I'd ever done before, and that's how I found out about this http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/

From the video and screenshots the graphics look a million time better then FSX, and it will supposedly be free.  The FAQ section really doesn't have any real info (just a bunch of marketing lingo), so I'm curious what the deal with it is.

They say it's free, but there must be a catch, like limited planeset or locations, and then you have to buy more later right?  But they don't mention anything like that    Why would Microsoft give away a product that seems to blow FSX out of the water when FSX is still selling for $40?

What about the flight realism?  They say

With “Microsoft Flight” we’re approaching the virtual flight genre from the ground up, with the focus on the universal appeal of the experience of Flight. We believe the simplicity of “Microsoft Flight” perfectly captures that vision...

so I'm thinking "Not interested, it's an arcade game".  Then in the next sentence they say

The new “Microsoft Flight” retains the full fidelity simulation longtime fans have come to expect

which makes it seem like the opposite is true.   .

I'm quite curious about this since I was actually thinking about buying some of the fancy scenery add-ons for FSX.  (getting sick of the stock scenery that looks like crap)  But if this new "Flight" is gonna be better and cheaper I'll wait.



EDIT:  OK, so on further reading I think I found the answer on the "news" portion of their website http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/#news-flight_launch  

Seems like the free version will only get you the big island Hawaii, an RV-6 and that's it.  If you even want the rest of Hawaii and 3 other planes it's pay (and they conveniently don't mention how much).  So basically it's a demo and all their "fly for free" hype in their promo video is entirely misleading.  

[B4Buster]

I participated in beta a bit. You'll have to pay for more content, but you will get a couple planes and a small area to fly in for free.

[PR3D4TOR]

You need to read past the first sentence:

"February 6, 2012 – Microsoft Flight Launches February 29, 2012

Prepare for takeoff! On the heels of a successful beta, we’re excited to announce that “Microsoft Flight” will be available to download worldwide for free starting February 29, 2012, right here at www.microsoftflight.com. In addition, the Hawaiian Adventure Pack – which includes the remaining Hawaiian Islands, a new plane and 20 new missions – will be available to purchase the same day through Games for Windows—LIVE."

[homersipes]

Looks nice, I dont really care for FSX I cant get my joystick buttons to program like in AH.  I like the mild violence and crude humor at the bottom from a flight sim??

[sluggish]

You've been living under a rock?

[B-17]

Looks nice, I dont really care for FSX I cant get my joystick buttons to program like in AH.  I like the mild violence and crude humor at the bottom from a flight sim??

LOOOOL

[saggs]

You've been living under a rock?

Is that a question or statement?  

Either way, YES this is the first I've heard of this.  I don't follow video games or flight sims much (apart from AH, which I just re-subscribed after a 10 month absence).

So back to the original intent of my post.  Anybody have more detailed info on this?  Compared to FSX with some pretty 3rd party scenery, will it be cheaper?  Realistic flight model or arcade?  How much geographical coverage?  I know they say only Hawaii only at release, but will they expand to include the whole world ala FSX?  Will it run faster then FSX which stutters along at 15-20fps even on medium graphic settings which look like poop?

Also I still think their trailer video is pretty misleading, the voice-over plainly says "and best of all, it's free!"  While the video is showing a Stearman flying over Honolulu, neither of which is included in the free demo.  Another of their promo videos has beautiful scenes of a Maule flying with written narration at the front and back of the video, talking about "birds fly free" and "flying for free", the video is even titled "Fly for Free"  but the Maule isn't free.  I know lots of video games offer free "demos" but I've never seen anybody before say the game is free in the trailer, when they are really only talking about a demo.  Like HTC, they cleary state AH is a "free 2 week trial" or "free offline"  they don't just say, "it's free!"

Anyway, I'm in no way opposed for paying for it, if it is worth it.  Just kind of surprised at Microsofts odd marketing.

You need to read past the first sentence:

Oh, I did... you need to read my whole post   .  I admit at first just read the FAQs and watched the promo videos.  Kind of sneaky of them to hide the fact that it's not really free in the "news" section, instead of the FAQs, or video trailer.

[saggs]

I participated in beta a bit. You'll have to pay for more content, but you will get a couple planes and a small area to fly in for free.

As I read it you only get one plane (RV-6A) for free.  Why the 6A anyway? everyone knows real pilots fly taildraggers.  

Do you have any other feedback or impressions based off the beta testing?

EDIT:  Now that I read it a third time, they don't actually say which planes are included in the free version.  Just that the RV is part of the "Hawaii Adventure Pack" and that you can also buy a Mustang and Maule for even more.  Still they don't say how much $$$ all prices are given in "Microsoft Points."  whatever the heck that means, I guess microsoft has made their own currency now.  

Why on earth can't they just plainly state;  
A) What aircraft are in the free demo.
B) How much the add-ons will cost in real currency.
C) What future expansions are planned.

Most of their marketing just seems like fluff, looks pretty but light on real info.