Re: X-Life ver 1.0 (rc1, r1, ++)
My review so far for X-Life is very positive. After doing several flights some with ATC some without I will just mention a few things. Firstly make sure you have your traffic density and gate sliders set to or close to the middle before you start X-Life traffic on. I was trying to max them out thinking I would get more traffic and that was the reason I did not see traffic activity. If you have 140 gates at an airport, it will report around 50 or below as busy also you will not see 140 planes waiting at the gates. When you start the traffic use the gate editor to set what gates will be in use, wingspan categories, taxi/pushback situation, stand, gate, cargo, hanger then save that profile so you can use it the next time for that airport. I have been able to use several "unverified" airports by making .dat files in WED and using my own airport scenery that I have downloaded from the Gateway which makes flying more fun. I'm hoping in the future one will be able to file flight plans to and from "unverified" airports because as of now this can't be done (or can it?) The ATC is very easy to use. I have done a few ATC flights, but suggest the following 1. The ability to request different altitudes during flight. 2. The choice of ILS/VOR approaches and runways (can you do this now?) FSX gave you those options and adds to realism. Ground traffic tends to freeze at times when waiting for planes that aren't even a factor. For instance why should all the traffic around a runway freeze when a plane is so far away? A plane at the opposite end of a runway from a plane landing doesn't have to wait does it? Also it would be great if you could fly to and from an airport, have traffic at the destination airport without having to file a flight plan. Sometimes you don't have time for a totally structured flight and would just like to take off. Another nice option would be able to set or change a flight plan during a flight. That is realism. Sometimes planes have to divert to other airports because of weather, fuel, or mechanical trouble. All in all I like X-Life and have really enjoyed using it! I know it's in the early stages of development and sure the best is yet to come. Hats off to JAR and crew!