After fourteen years, spectacular reviews from critics, and has introduced flight simulation to an entirely new generation. However, it's been even longer since Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator series has gotten a new entry. For people looking for a little more action in their flights, there are still other great combat flight games out there.
The most famous of these is probably Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. The game released in 2019 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game isn't a realistic flight sim like MSFS 2020; instead, the focus here is on fast-paced aerial combat that almost feels like something out of an arcade. For anyone looking to soar the skies and engage in thrilling dogfights, Ace Combat games are a great place to start. Ace Combat 7 is especially accessible, since it comes with various difficulty modes that feel welcoming to beginners.
For anyone looking for combat and flight simulation that feels real, however, there's Rise of Flight: The First Great War. The game feels realistic and historically accurate, so history buffs should enjoy Rise of Flight as well. The downside, however, is that despite engaging combat and even VR capability, the game (which released in 2009) will still feel outdated to most players.
Other Great Combat Flight Games
If animated graphics and cutesy characters seem more appealing than Microsoft Flight Simulator's incredible realism, there's Bomber Crew. Releasing in 2017 for PC and 2018 for PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, Bomber Crew focuses less on the flying and more on the combat. Players command a crew aboard a World War II bomber plane and can unlock new equipment and upgrades, as well as new skills for of their crew. The cute little characters can be deceiving, however, since the game can get quite difficult and features permadeath for crew .
Sky Rogue is another colorful take on the typical combat flight game, and it plays more like Star Fox than a true flight simulator. However, for anyone in the mood for a flying game that's jam-packed with action after playing MSFS 2020, then Sky Rogue is fun and easy to learn. On the Switch, players can use motion controls if they want — which can add to the challenge and immersive experience.
Thanks to the popularity of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the Combat Flight Simulator iteration may get a new release eventually. In the meantime, these other flying games feature great combat, and each one offers some unique take on Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator formula.
