X-Plane 12 First Impressions: The Good, Bad and Ugly

My first day impressions of of the X-Plane 12 Public Beta with some comparisons to Microsoft Flight Simulator

[@megawave79]

I think that xplane 12 being so similar to xplane 11 in terms of structure of files and other things like that is really important since it means a lot of plugins or modifications are compatible from the start without being forced to wait for everything to become compatible

[@matthiaskalt7041]

I like your Videos Russ! As you, (obviously) I have logged a couple of hours as a commercial and AF pilot. Right now and even more so with XP12 I believe we are truly on the edge of a new era of flight training. Currently, I am rated on the Challenger 650 and when I look at X-Aviation’s Challenger Simulation for XP11 I must say it is really stunning, unbelievable …

[@Snailmale7]

What an exciting time to be alive. Thanks for the video and sharing your thoughts on the current state of the sims. I will continue to support both platforms !

[@LostInSpace175]

great stuff russ! im getting back into x plane after having taken a break from it after my multi engine checkride! cant wait for this to be complete!

[@deanlawson6880]

Thanks for this nice early looks at XP-12. I think I'll wait a little while before jumping in on this. Really good review though, good to see the features and the weather generation. Nicely done!

[@markstafford7157]

As a real pilot who uses my sim mostly for IFR practice, the weather in XP 11 always annoyed me because it was never accurate from a visibility or ceiling perspective. But since XP 11 was so much more realistic and accurate from a G1000 systems perspective, MSFS never did it for me. The weather and cloud updates were the one thing I was really hoping for in XP 12 and am really glad they made significant improvements to the weather. Thanks for the review!

[@ryanwright3965]

What do think about the new G1000 Nxi from working title that is being added to the base sim in Sim Update 10? Seems to have more features than the xplane 11 version. Have you tried it yet?

[@torusx8564]

MFS2020 is not really a simulator at all it's a game... For me it's X-Plane forever but since my bad GPU I have to still on X-Plane 11. Btw for small VFR flight it's true MFS2020 can be nice.... even if flight physic is kinda trash..

[@ryanwright3965]

@@torusx8564 hahah. I had a good chuckle at your ridiculous statement about MSFS not being a simulator. But if it makes you feel better you are entitled to your opinion, regardless of how silly. As far as I'm concern, xplane 11 and MSFS are both good simulators. For me MSFS is hands down the most immersive simulator on the market and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. It is great that xplane is trying to keep things interesting with competition but they have a long way to go with xplane 12 to make it good.

[@torusx8564]

@@ryanwright3965 Bruh... I dont like saying MFS is a sim mainly because only gamers play it. It was created for amusement and not to simulate a real aircraft for pilot training instead of X-Plane known as a real flight simulator for professional. Flight physic is much better in X-Plane than MFS2020. MFS is only graphics you dont have a lot option like in X-Plane. Btw the way u say people are silly without knowing them show your incompetence in this field. I hold there arguement from a real pilot "father dane" on KZbin. Graphics are really not important for a flight sim.

[@masflow09]

@@torusx8564 So when you fly in the real world you dont see nothing from the time you start the aircraft to the time you park all you do is look at instruments? Do you know xplane without hardware and an instructor is not faa certified right? How long XP has been out vs MSFS? A lot of developers are ditching xp and p3d and guess where they going. To say MSFS is only used by gamers is so stupid. I guess Fenix, PMdG are fake. I guess the new crosswind in msfs is fake too. So tired of these chair simmers thinking they know it all.

[@marksainsbury2422]

I REALLY appreciated your real world insights and very detailed analysis of the updates etc. I'm in IT and your notes on consistency of the pop outs (which ones pop out and which do not), using a Ctrl or Alt click to pop them out and from a UX perspective, these are quite big things for them to add. This is early access so hopefully they can bring that consistency in before the full/final (what's final these days) release. For that same reason (IT experience), I disagree with your perspective that the Interface is too similar. The most painful thing I have to do everytime Microsoft brings a new version of Windows or Office is to re-learn how to find some bread and butter things, and how to help various users (professional and family) to figure out how to do the stuff they always "used to" be able to do. I want to fly a sim. I don't want to have to learn a new interface. You mentioned this in passing that the X-Plane interface is good so perhaps that's why they kept it. I would say that's huge! Make improvements where needed, but don't overhaul something just for the shine. For me, the X-Plane 11 interface was a lot nicer than 9 and 10 before, so I am THRILLED that the interface has had so little change. Regardless, your analysis and reasoning is brilliant and extremely helpful and made me think about things in ways that I perhaps would not have. Have a great day!

[@gregorychoubana6755]

Agreed with some comments in the sense that currently it is not enough of an upgrade from XP 11. Will probably be worth taking a look at in a year time.

[@rbarlow]

Yeah really had to tell at this first beta.... I was looking for the big picture and overlooking the smaller issues I assume they will work out. Time will tell.

[@marcdraco2189]

Hey Russ, so good to see you! Some remarks there should be passed to Laminar. Remembering the position of panels should be quite easy to implement.

[@KaitlynnUK]

Thank you for this. I only got into flight simming with MSFS (I did do a little in XPlane 11, but own little 3rd party scenery for it). I fly in VR and have seen the useability of VR in MSFS decline since about SU8, things like toolbar windows opening half size, and their positions not being remembered, really affect the experience for me. Therefore, reading the SU10 Beta VR forum is making me wonder if SU10 is actually going to break VR further, and fix nothing, and if XPlane 12 might be the way forward for me.

[@raymondjackson6069]

Thanks Russ. Your review was honest and fair. I have had MSFS since the DOS days, but had to drop it when it required a Playstation account, and for you to sign in every time you wanted to run the simulator. I waited and got XPlane, and found clicking a desktop icon to start refreshing, and I don't have to fiddle with it nearly as much, not to mention having to reinstall MSFS per start up. MSFS got really nasty.

[@ohwell2790]

Yes, $65 for MSFS plus an monthly fee to use it adds up to over $120 a year every year just to fly it. No thanks. Have X Plane 11 and enjoy that very much and it is on my hard drive so it is mine. Looking at reviews of X Plane 12 and so far it is good. The only thing that bothered me in X Plane 11 is the trees, but that is only up close not flying at altitude. This review has helped a lot.

Wow the graphics make me recall my FSX time in my old laptop, so outdated!

[@keithharrison1453]

Another good video, the adverse weather examples takes me back (real world)!

[@davidd8892]

Flew into KMSP last night in the pmdg 737 on MSFS and it was damn near real looking. ILS aproach and the runway appeared right at minimums. I just can get over how this still looks like it was from 2017 compared to msfs. Yes I paid 60 bucks for the 737 but that is probably as close to a real Boeing sim there is so it makes the whole thing super realistic.

[@Concodroid]

I was excited for this game; but it's just not enough of an upgrade from XP11 to justify buying it. It just seems like a slight graphics upgrade with a few more default planes for 60 dollars. Compared to FS2020, I would barely open this game, especially considering I'm seeing reports that the CFD simulation on the Cessna 172 is highly realistic, and more realistic than XP11. Along with that, products like the Fenix just set a new bar for flight simulation addons. I think they dropped the ball with this one. I don't see where the development time has gone into. PBR textures, HDR lighting? We had HDR lighting starting with Half-Life 2: Lost coast. That came out in 2005! PBR textures are great, but the game still looks undersaturated in some parts. It's also very heavily aliased. It just seems like they didn't hire enough people who know what they're doing when it comes to visuals. The clouds are also a nice addition, but they're very low resolution. They stick out. So we've got very little improvement across the board. When it comes to graphics, in every single metric, FS2020 has Xp12 beat, from a technical and aesthetic standpoint. When it comes to physics, stock, Xp11 / 12 beats fs2020; with mods, Fs2020 is tied with XP, beats it, or lags slightly behind it, depending on the category. In scenery, FS2020 beats xplane. In weather, FS2020 beats xplane. It's simply a more advanced simulation. Couple that with the just absolute flood of updates we've been getting with FS2020, the storm of addons, and the sheer visual quality difference, I just don't see a reason to get xp12, other than to maybe train on a specific aircraft, or unless you need one specific plane, or if you like long-haul flights specifically. I'm disappointed. The community at large seems disappointed. I'm glad they released it. But I'm not happy with what they released. This sort of stuff would literally constitute two or three FREE Sim Updates in fs2020, and yet they're selling it for 60 dollars? There's also the 40th anniversary update for FS2020 adding even MORE free planes. It's ridiculous how much Microsoft and Asobo are spoiling us with this game. Anyway, rant over. I really, really hope they get their act together in a few more updates, because this is just disappointing. I was hoping for so much more than this, I was hoping for competition between Laminar and Microsoft. It's just not happening. Nice video, though!

[@BogdanSerban]

I understand that they completely revamped a lot of stuff under the hood, and that they will continually improve the sim now that they have the base stuff in place. But yeah for now the full price isn't justified. Maybe if they had some discount for the early adopters. Do note that Laminar doesn't have the resources that Asobo and MS have, so you can't compare the speed of development. In some regards, MSFS is still lacking some features that they don't seem to care about.

[@jeeps7er]

@concodroid I agree with almost everything you say. The only thing XP does nicely is the "feel" of flying. I too cannot see where all the dev time has gone. "Under the hood"? Lets not forget, the last 2 years of XP11 leading up to .5 was "under the hood" conversion into Vulcan. This just feels like XP11.6. Some of the clouds and rain graphics are truly awful. The scenery looks like something from a chap video game from the '90s. It's such a shame. I used XP11 a lot with tons of addons and was really hoping that Laminar had managed to pull off something improved given the long years they have had in development, but no. Laminar seems too dependent on Austin, who, as brilliant as he is, can't do it all. They missed their shot and I , much to my chagrin, won't be buying XP12 unless something changes.

[@uraymeiviar]

i dont see any proper hdr here, there are no tone/exposure mapping, luminance bloom, and ldr ... which should be basic for hdr lighting

[@hansloyalitat9774]

MFS has a very bad flight model and its addons are highly unrealistic, the fenix is a pretty bad addon, flight factor a320 is better in every way, and the graphics of mfs 2020 are good but unrealistic. Over saturated graphics, with blurry ground textures, and bad airport models, Xplane still wins in the realism category.

[@heavyweather4893]

I agree

[@wingandaprayer883]

I have been flying around in the demo version, essentially I am a newcomer to Xplane entirely. I am not at all convinced by all this talk of the flight model, to me this feels like flying on rails. Perhaps the demo is somehow running in an easy mode, turns and rudder feel extremely smooth.. like flying in a perfectly stable air mass. In the real world at low VFR altitudes during the day, you are mostly going to experience pockets of warmer air causing some turbulance and disturbance. MSFS models this pretty well I have to say. It does not appear that Xplane does. MSFS feels closer to reality when flying around VFR, and obviously the visuals are not even close. So my initial impression is that Xplane 12 is great for easy flying with that super stable air, but it appears to me that people rave about the flight model because it is very simplistic comparatively to MSFS. I have more real world flying hours than simulator hours incidentally, so take my opinion for what it is, just my initial impression.

[@starflexthe2nd]

nope... that's default aircraft for ya... when people talk about flight model, it depends on the effort the developer puts in to make it good... really doesn't matter the simulator anymore. It just appears that because of the longer period of time, X Plane has produced more flight model favoured aircraft (Like air foil labs C172) It'll come to MSFS, it'll take time.

[@redwatch1100]

In VR, turbulence is the devil and causes poor framerates.

[@wingandaprayer883]

@@starflexthe2nd I am very ready to admit I am wrong, I guess I am posting my initial impressions with a touch of disappointment. Perhaps I do need to look at the addon aircraft to see if that changes my mind. I have not yet purchased Xplane but probably will.

[@whammo11224]

@@wingandaprayer883 You are probably not wrong! The selling point is the flight model, why would the developer let someone else do the modeling?

[@IGMD80]

You are right but brace for getting a lot of rant from X-Plane fanboys.

[@svorgz3654]

Thank you for uploading this quick review!

[@markellis789]

Excellent review Russ, much appreciated.

[@Jose-we5cj]

Just another very educational video. Thanks for sharing Sr.

[@sluxi]

Thanks for the video. What 3rd party enhancements that bring MSFS closer to X-Plane as a simulation were you referring to here, do you maybe have another video on that?

[@xeno._yt]

You can't honestly say xp12 has better systems than MSFS and then show the A330 with a Boeing fmc 2 minutes later. At least the default A320 in MSFS has an Airbus FMGC in it... For other planes MSFS will get the G1000 NXi by default which is pretty much a 1:1 of the real G1000 and it will be available in every default plane using the G1000. For third-party there are very high fidelity aircraft available such as PMDG 737 and Fenix A320. The Fenix A320 is on par with FlightFactor A320, and you get all the graphics benefits of MSFS on top. I'm not saying XP12 is a bad sim, but don't say things that just isn't true as people blindly repeat it over and over even if there is no facts backing it.

[@dtrjones]

The problem Xeno is a lot of folks are stuck in the past. They see X-Plane 10 or 11 say as always having better system modeling than FSX. The truth is MSFS has shown itself to be a capable platform to support study level aircraft as good as anything you'll see in DCS World and X-Plane and with the introduction of iniBuilds adding study level default aircraft and Working Title updating the default systems you really can't say MSFS is left wanting when it comes to system modelling.

[@arturdlucas]

MSFS G1000 isn't realidtic at all. It can't even replicate same collors. Xplane has better physics, i bet it is more stable. FS2020 has a bad interface, has some bugs yet that exists since launch day.

[@apreaze]

With more than 1000 hours logged with real NXi, MSFS’s G1000 is not real and for some control parts, X-Plane is even still better and more real than MSFS… plus the map and reposition functions, X-Plane is still way more closer to training level sim than MSFS, it’s a good game but talking about sim not really :/

[@xeno._yt]

You two are not talking about the same G1000 implementaton as I am. You currently have to download it from the marketplace

[@alton4357]

​@@apreaze he's talking about g1000 nxi addon u definitely haven't tried it tho that's for sure cause from what u r saying I don't even know if u have tried the sim at least not any time close

[@yair1956]

Tnx Russ ..what about AP & Runways curvature, and I'm wondering how long it will take for our oddons, plugin, & Hardware to be migrated to the new XP12 ????

[@MichaelLloyd]

I'm working on my instrument rating and your comments about being able to set precise ceilings and visibilities plus the video does it for me

[@Carspotcfl]

Very good review... I'm building a sim now. Ive always used MSFS (since the early 90's)... But those helping me build my sim are suggesting XP12. Which is a hard choice for me, mainly bc I have so much admiration for MSFS. This said, he also suggested that I can run them both? (2) and chose between them at will... I'm a student pilot with 70 hours, just about to complete my private, so predominantly my sim will be for practice and IFR training. Thanks again for the great review. This is very helpful to someone juggling to decide.

[@futur19]

they are both just computer games you could easily install and try them

[@Zoltan74]

5:05 I was expecting a much more beautiful setting, a more lifelike landscape, this is very "plastic"! Oylan, it's like X-plne 11 has been a bit jazzed up, but that's it! For me the feeling is important, not just the technical simulation precision!

[@rbarlow]

You state it well,”plastic”. It just feels a bit artificial looking compared to MSFS.

[@philippesebrien9150]

Ur right. But it's not only World it's also the graphics. They are barely better then xplane 11 graphics.

[@cpy]

If you watch other reviews, on max settings it barely renders shadows correctly. Disappointing.

[@redtailpilot]

I've been an Xplane user since ver 4 or 5 (when it came with a paper booklet) all the way up to 11. MSFS user since the early days (mid 1980s). Love them both in different ways, but no way will I be paying 60 bucks for XP12. Looks like a minor upgrade to XP11 based on the few videos I've seen.

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

Yeah, was expeecting something that really makes it stand out, but it looks the same.

[@JohnDoeWasntTaken]

It's realllly disappointing. I've been waiting for XP12 for so long, and it feels like Laminar has just been twiddling their thumbs if this is all we got. I know it's early access but I hope Laminar doesn't think that's a free pass to trickle in the improvements at a slower pace now that some cash is flowing. I dunno, this is the first time I've ever seen a flight sim in early access.

[@terryvanced7850]

+1

[@NGC008]

MAKE MORE VIDEOS! Looking forward to your VR video Russ and thanks again for sharing.

[@BuzzMoves365]

Is there an add on where the IPad window mount falls of on takeoff and approach at the most in opportune time? That would be great, thanks.

[@elmalloc]

Great video, Russ!

[@ABQSentinel]

My biggest problem with MSFS2020 is that, in VR, the cockpit has a lot of stutter as I look around (I'm running a pretty beefy system with an 10th gen i7, 32 GB of RAM, and an RTX 3090). Not only is this immersion breaking, but it's extremely distracting. I'm hoping that X-Plane 12 will offer a better experience, especially since it is regarded as the better platform to use to augment flight training.

[@dantrix4124]

Great video, thanks for review and your opinions. Based on your experience and hours, have you had a chance to fly the MSFS 172 with the enhancement pack by WB Sim? I am currently looking for a a local school to get my PPL later this fall or next spring and I'm leaning towards the school that has the 172 analog as an option over the other school of all pipers (and one 152). I will be sticking to msfs and this enhancement pack sounds great, but without really knowing what to look for I can't tell. From what I have learned it's a full blown electric makeover and has many things we saw with A2A.

[@jackanderson2773]

Looks decent knowing it's gotta' run on a MAC as well as windows .

[@SimUKReviews]

Great video Russ, many thanks to you.

[@sodacan2594]

My MSFS does not have "blobs" for scenery when I get close. It only does that if you have slow internet.

[@TheDickieP]

Great video, I’ve always had a soft spot for x plane but to be honest I only really got DCS and when friends come over I put them on msfs as it’s easier to pick up than dcs. I might consider x plane in the future

[@7218PeterH]

Is it me or do others find the cockpit controls and display graphics a little blurry - not sharp enough until you zoom in or use pop outs when they are there?

[@simpilotlife2624]

HI Russ great video as usual. About your monitors can you confirm that it is 3 televisions ? If it is what refresh rate is it setup to ? Thanks for an answer

[@simpilotlife2624]

And also if you can give us what brand and model of television. Finally do you know if we can find something to avoid most of the reflection between the screens ? thanks

[@williamwidjaja850]

Cant wait for VR review in XPlane12

[@JReuland]

Nice video thank you. I have a question: why all my screen and plane in outside view are strongly bouncing as soon as I set weather to VFR broken and higher to the right. Is this just me? Thank you if you could try to reproduce this. I am not talking about normal turbulence effect but rather to the entire screen and plane bouncing strongly! Thank you

[@scottshaper6131]

Hi Russ, I am curious how you got rid of the anti aliasing. I have slider all the way up and a nividia 1080ti card I7 processor and still can't get smooth edges.

[@BillysFingers]

I have used MSFS a few times but not this. One thing that stood out to me watching this video is that the pilot's view from the cockpit seems much better in X-Plane 12 than i seem to get in MSFS. Unless this is to do with my lack of experience with the settings in MSFS? But the view straight ahead out the windscreen seem so much better in this.

[@michaelhenderson277]

I’d be interested to know what avionics the RV-10 comes with.

[@seannielsen6587]

Hi Russ, I started watching your channel a few months ago. I got back in to flight sim again with the Xbox. Well I picked up a new computer last week to try out X-Plane 12. I am having issues with my joy stick and the flight controls. Only the hat switch works for moving around the view. Can you make a video about calibrating a joy stick for X- plane 12? Thank you so much!! I have not been able to find much on line for help with X-Plane 12. I am an MTC guy with a Major airline and I do love planes. Thank you.

[@avestuart]

Bit of an odd question - I run Linux and am interested in X-Plane to help with my IFR proficiency. I really like to use Garmin 650/750 GPS as that's what I use when I rent the Cessna, however i'm reading that the Garmin GPS is hard to do on Linux. Anyone know if X-Plane 12 handles this better or should I buy a Windows PC just for simming?

[@bobwarren6763]

You mentioned that MSFS has an outside software that allows pop out screens to stay where you want them in Air Manager displays. Could you share what software that is? Great video BTW.

[@rbarlow]

Just google pop out panel manager and you find flightsim.to/file/35759/msfs-pop-out-panel-manager

[@ShadowAlmighty]

Russ, have you tried multi-monitor with X-Plane 12? With my three year old i7, GTX 1060, I went from 22 fps to about 8. What kind of frame rates do you get now with multi-monitor, and what are your computer specs?

[@dlouque]

Fix for Nav 2 VOR obs knob. "Issue with VOR 2 OBS not turning can be fixed two ways. 1. Replace the vor2_ag.obj file with the same file from XP 11, or just go into the file with Notepad and at the bottom replace all the words "copilot" with "pilot" and save. Desktop\X-Plane 12\Aircraft\Laminar Research\Cessna 172 SP\objects\instruments\vor_glideslope_adf\vor2_ag.obj"

[@tango2228]

Isn't the 'wave' button on the weather for setting up wave for gliding? Not waves on water. Nice helpful vid though. Like most I will not be rushing out to buy it. I may be hinting what I want for xmas though 🙂

[@GreatDataVideos]

Thanks for mentioning about X-Plane 11 being hard to keep the plane on the centerline. I thought it was me.

[@colins2]

Perhaps that models real life more realistically? Small ariplanes can be quite hard to control. I bought the full copy and was very impressed by the handling of the J3. I also bought the M7 Maule and that handles very well too. In a real taildragger you get the tail up and then stay on the main wheels using the rudder for directional control until flying speed is reached. This is pretty good in XP12, so far. The challenge will be to see how the Stinson performs, it is terrible in XP11.

[@hiddenmonkeyofdoom]

It is you and the equipment used, planes don't drive straight down runway, physics pulls it in one direction or other. XP models that properly, MSFS does not if the plane maker doesn't force it into the lookups. So if you aren't used to that and with the lack of force feed back on cheaper gear, you will have a hard time.

[@GreatDataVideos]

@@hiddenmonkeyofdoom I haven't flown in a while, but I don't remember it being so difficult to stay on centerline with any plane that I flew. Thanks.

[@slownewsday1485]

A little off script here Russ. But with todays computers being released with AMDs Rizen 7000 series CPUs and Intels 13 Gen CPUs and Nvidias 4000 GPU series, do you think you would be able to get by with one computer system or would you still need two to run your physical cockpit using XP-12 or MSFS. I've viewed your prior videos testing whether one computer would do and was curious if computer technology has reached a point that would allow a one computer hookup to a physical cockpit with multi monitors like yours to operate smoothly with no hiccups or bottlenecks? Or anyone else with an opinion, please chime in. Thanks for the enlightenment and education.

[@rbarlow]

If you can live with less than maxed out graphics I think a single top of the line can handle it. It does greatly simplify life to maintain only one computer. I can run MSFS or XP11 with 3 visual screens plus Air manage and pop outs on two attritional monitors(using a Pluggable) and get pretty nice results.

[@michaelkondratowicz6325]

Is there a script that I can add that will duplicate the functionality of the Knobster in VR mode in MSFS. Specifically the floating function menu that selects the parameter that the Knobster will control?

[@jbot6902]

MSFS 2020 : All electronic cockpit panels pop out by pressing Right Alt + Left Mouse click (default).

[@rbarlow]

And my point was that XP12 should have something similar so a standard mouse click could be used on touch screen displays

[@Army4Runner]

Sir, thank you for this review. May I ask what operating system you’re using for XP12?

[@slotigy]

Probably Windows 98

[@ShanesQueenSite]

Nice video. I would like to try Microsoft but I don't think there is a port for Mac as yet. I have Xplane 12 demo so I will try that for now.

[@fukjobiden1508]

Any ideas how to fix it? I have zero plug ins yet, I’ve turned all settings in graphics to 0

[@jackwilliam3675]

When I saw that Russ posted a video on X-Plane 12 I knew I wanted to watch it immediately. Thank you Russ.

[@tallll70]

even the rain in speed is coming at the plane instead just falling down like i've seen in many recent titles

[@wootle]

I know a good flight game is NOT just about scenery eye candy but its just impossible for me to ignore that aspect after MSFS. XP11 gave me many happy years and I still use it alongside MSFS now and then. The issue I have (again i speak for myself only) is that this feels like a huge XP11 upgrade and not a brand new title in the series. Kinda like what Euro Truck Simulator did - they did a huge upgrade to the game engine, graphics, lighting etc. This is what XP12 feels like to me. It just looks the same as 11. For sure there are improvements but Im looking at it as a whole and it just feels so same-y. I have XP11 modded and looking great. I also hardly use it so will pass on XP12. Great video thanks!

[@legoguy23451]

so you're saying it's what ow2 is to ow1?

[@westsideav]

Nice quick video. I have mixed feelings as well. I find the ground handling pretty bad w/o serious adjustment curves especially on the brakes, I reduced the highest brake power to 50%, and the rudder functions need softening as well. This is especially true on the 172. It will be interesting when we get some upgrades from 3rd parties. I think the planes look good both inside and outside, but scenery is hard to take once you are used to FS2020. I see myself using XP12 for IFR training and probably basic skills like stick and rudder proficiency. But as far as GA VFR I don't think I will use XP12, spoiled by FS2020. I did install a few ORBX True Earth regions and airports, and my frame rates really took a beating down low, and even with those additions FS2020 still is way superior IMHO. I like paying LR as I would hate for XP to die, competition is great, and I am sure XP12 will mature and it still has a significant advantage as a real training platform and for cockpit builders. Thanks keep your vids coming...

[@metalheadmalta]

Totally right!!! It's like driving a faulty Land Rover!

[@flightsimdeskuk]

Excellent review. I agree with your opinions here. I bought it to support Laminar Research but was left a bit underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, it is definitely improving on XP11 but visually it is not much better. Especially scenery. That said, I don't like MSFS, as to me it feels wrong.

[@brotherstomp5264]

I’m having some issues with xplane 12 and some of the rendering as my aircraft and reflections are all pink and un loaded

[@B3burner]

Hilarious! That skidding sound hasn’t changed all that much since my old X-Plane 7 days. I’ve always thought the weather was superior in X-Plane. I’m glad to see the autogen scenery has improved and makes suburbs look more like suburbs. I remember in X-Plane 7 the area around San Bernardino airport looking like farmland during the Renaissance Period. I’d imagine it’s much better these days.

[@rbarlow]

Yes but as a firmer x-plane fanboy they have a loooong way to go to compete with MSFS’s scenery . I usually clone the sound file for wet skid and rename it for the default dry skid to stop that infernal noise. I have been flying over 60 years have never heard the nose wheel screeching at all. I have skidded it on a snow covered runway but no sounds.

[@sodacan2594]

Just don't expect the scenery to hold up doing bush flying along rivers and coastlines. X-Plane scenery where land meets water is STILL all angles and straight lines, making unrealistic rivers and beaches everywhere. Same goes for roads. When Austin announced that XP12 wouldn't use real world scenery but would have improved autogen - I was at least expecting that they'd work on a better way of modelling coastlines, rivers and roads. This is probably part of the reason people say X-Plane 12 feels more like X-Plane 11.60 There's absolutely no way I'm paying for a half arsed upgrade.

[@RafaelLopes-xq2yw]

Tnx Russ for your analysis.

[@matouseksimracer]

Hi guys, I have issues with all the planes, when even if I release parking brake and add throttle, plane just tilts forwards but does not move regardless of 100% throttle. Never had similar issue with MSFS. Thanks

[@davidkavanagh189]

You have the brakes on mate. Check your control setup before blaming the sim.

[@matouseksimracer]

@@davidkavanagh189 First of all I never said it is the sim. Secondly it was partly issue of the sim. Even tho I do not have pedals connected to my TCA Quadrant (I don't have pedals at all) I had to remove key bindings from pedals... Why would key bindings of periferal that is non existsant engage left and right brake??? So ye, it is sim issue after all.

[@rmm9676]

So ye... you have your brakes on.

[@duncanwoodhouse9452]

Thank you Russ for a considered review. I get a bit annoyed with some comments on various fora bagging either X-Plane or MSFS. I would like to hope that most simmers can enjoy both. Let's face it, if you have a computer that will run one of them it will probably run the other, and the cost of the product, at least in base form, should not be prohibitive for most simmers. I can drink Coke OR Pepsi (in moderation of course!)

[@GreatDataVideos]

When I use X-Plane 11, it greatly taxes my laptop's GPU and I have to use low scenery settings. I can use the highest settings in MSFS without the fan for the GPU turning on. Is X-Plane 12 better for not taxing the GPU as much?

[@badeshka4143]

havnt tried 12 myself, but you can always download the demo for xplane 12 to see how it runs on your system

[@kartingst]

It's taxing and my fans go off crazy! Hopefully they fix it near the future

[@kartingst]

though they have improved performance a bit

[@Mohammed-cy5wm]

What are your specs?

[@GreatDataVideos]

@@Mohammed-cy5wm Intel Xeon W-10885M CPU, 96 GB RAM, RTX5000, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus.

[@bfs87]

Couldn't have said it any better myself! Hopefully the community comes together instead of jumping on either the MSFS train or XPlane train. Looking forward to the xplane VR review soon.

[@HotTakeHQ]

MSFS FOREVER - JK had to throw that in there to mess with you. Xplane 12 looks stunning. My pc can run 11 at decent medium settings 😅 but there’s no chance my pic could run MSFS2020. Not sure if it could run xplane 12 either 😢

[@ravenn22]

@@HotTakeHQ actually i ran both at similar settings, and XP12 ran much worse, and looked much worse at the same quality settings

[@HotTakeHQ]

@@ravenn22 hmmmmm 😬 interesting

[@rvnx]

It's kind of unfortunate that it'll always be a tug of war between the two, even back with FSX and XP8/9. Both have their ups and downs, but both also have their right to exist. Like many hobbies, flight simming is a subjective one. Two people won't like the same for the same reasons. But what irks me the most is the fact that neither can accept the other, so it always results in arguments about which is better, and why.

[@fsricy286]

The problem is that affording both sims is practically impossible, especially with those $100 addons Those bandwagons are divided strong and it will stay that way as long as it’s hard to have both sims as the common man

[@rianmonnahan]

Thanks for the review!!!

[@scottberenyi2985]

The 500 RVR weather looked pretty generous. Sure you had that right? Compared to real simulators you don't get that much runway reference. That looked like 1200- 1600 RVR.

[@rbarlow]

I agree XP12 is not yet ready for serious use...lots of bugs remain and it worries me they call these Release Candidates

[@adrianwilliams763]

Nice reviews. Thanks

[@jet-inairwaysvirtual.4290]

Hi Russ, lovely vid, very well done thank you. William.,

[@sgd5k292]

Hi, I just found out my 12 year old grandson really wants to learn to fly and his goal is a private license at 16 and onto commercial flying at some point. I have not had a chance to talk to him personally. I have a CH control yoke and rudder pedals that I am going to give him. Which sim would be best for him for a PC? My sim is FS2 for a Mac, but I think it would be best if he gets either MFS or X-Plane, but don't have personal experience with either. Any recommendations or comments would be appreciated. I have a commercial license with 25 years experience, with occasional commercial work, but mostly private flying. Thanks in advance! PS: I also have an Xbox 360...would that work with anything usable?

[@Shadow__133]

Does it have shared cockpit? How is the ATC for airline flying? Performance looks horrible, as does the scenery (except for airport environment). Other than that, weather precision mode is awesome (can't believe Asobo didn't think of that), airplane sounds too.

[@KerboOnYT]

X-Plane gives me what I want from a simulator and this beta is a nice evolution. I bought it without hesitation. There are issues of course but that's to be expected for early access. Nice video!

[@rbarlow]

Some people forget this is the first beta and have written off XP 12. Still a long way to go before the product is officially released.

[@SkywalkFPV]

My question would be how the Xplane VR performance is on average hardware? While In VR I can only get 30fps on low settings with 1080ti in MSFS, Im curious about Xplane.. Though I still have to test MSFS without the Realtime surroundings streaming..

[@maltimoto]

I have i4790k 4 GHz, Geforce 1060, 24 GB RAM. At complex airports I get around 30 fps in the Zibo 737, in the air 50-60 fps, at normal airports 40 fps. This is XP 11. In XP 12 it is about the same.

[@SkywalkFPV]

@@maltimoto Ok interesting.. I assume you are talking about flatscreen and not VR!? I would really like to know the average VR performance.. Though I think your system is just quite not powerful enough to do so comfortable.. I am running i78700k, 1080ti and 32gb ram with m.2 ssd (that is actually considered average these days) and I doubt I can get above 30fps on medium/high settings in VR.. I would really like to get at least 45+ fps on medium/high or 60fps low/medium, Then I might consider buying, but I do not think I will get that.. (compared to sims like Msfs and or DCS I cannot)

[@maltimoto]

@@SkywalkFPV ah sorry i didnt see that you meant VR. yes this is "normal" fps without VR

[@Ztbmrc1]

That is a good impression! Only one thing you did not talk about. What about the graphics generation in therms of frame rates. I can notice that your outside view is stuttering. With the Vulcan graphics engine in XP11, that made a large improvement on my rather medium pc. If you compare the de fps from XP 11 and XP 12, both in same graphics setting, is there a difference?

[@kennethhicks2113]

That's what I use MSFS for, sightseeing.... and tweaking being a retired Navy AT and engineer that's retired ; ) O7

[@dlouque]

I installed xp12 today and already not happy. Can't update the database with Navigraph yet so get an alert that navdata is out of date. Also on the C172 the obs knob on Nav 2 doesn't work. I don't find the graphic any better the xp 11 where I fly.

[@zsavage1820]

Great job .. and thank you for your time and efforts to share with us... very informative video .. looking forward to your next.. sub'd and liked..

[@gman68137]

I'm curious to know what kind of performance hits with XP12 compared to XP11. With an older system (GTX1060), that becomes a consideration for upgrade.

[@heinzketchup3323]

XP12 isn’t any worse for me than XP11. 30-40fps with medium-high settings, I also have a GTX 1060 6GB. But really you should just try the free demo on your system

[@ShadowAlmighty]

I have an i7 with a GTX 1060. XP11 gives me about 60 fps. XP12 on medium settings gives me about 40 fps, which is pretty good. BUT....when I shift to 3 screens in XP12, the frame rate drops to about 8, whereas in XP11 it was 20 - 25 (depending on where I was). Just wish I knew if upgrading my computer would give me greatly improved fps!

[@heinzketchup3323]

@@ShadowAlmighty the sudden fps drop with three screens could be something they are still working on, as this is still the beta. You could send them a report if you want to help them

[@ShadowAlmighty]

@@heinzketchup3323 Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I hope things get better with the real release. I guess we'll see!

[@jewhipp98]

Thanks Russ. I agree with all your observations. One item I have discovered so far is the FPS with 3 monitors is poor to terrible depending on the airplane, clouds saturation vs XP11 Vulcan.

[@ShadowAlmighty]

I found the same thing to be true with my setup. I have a 3 year old i7, with a GTX 1060 graphics card, and I get 8 fps or so, whereas with XP11 I can get 25 or better. What specs do you have?

[@jewhipp98]

@@ShadowAlmighty I have an I7700k with a GTX 1080TI and 11 gbs o the card. I moved my overclock up to 4.6 ghz and that made the situation much better. I am getting around 20 22 fps average now with it going to 27 when not in the most challenging senery.

[@ShadowAlmighty]

@@jewhipp98 Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately my computer is not capable of overclocking, but I'm glad to know that faster processor speed means better frame rates. It really seems like both MSFS and XP12 are just too much for current computers. It always seems that way. Build a better computer and new software will outreach it!

[@jetzsetter6205]

I wish they could integrate study level air craft. Even a basic Garmin 530 In both Xplane11 or MSFS was similar but unrealistic.

[@rbarlow]

The realityXP G530 addon uses the Garmin Trainer and is the very best for fidelity to the actual hardware.

[@DarrellThompson47]

we would all love that but there's a reason why study level aircraft cost the same or more than this whole sim...

[@jimfrederich8852]

Can you use aircraft and scenery that you purchased for XPlane 11 in XPlane 12?

[@rbarlow]

By and large yes although no guarantee. Unfortunately many developers will try to rev their product and charge an additional amount for an XP 12 version.

[@wildelorme4409]

Russ Is multi monitor support exactly the same in x-plane 12??

[@rbarlow]

Yes sir. I observed no changes to the interface so I assume it’s exactly the same… But that’s not a bad thing after seeing a MSFS and their attempt at multiview

[@epictetus8028]

Thanks for the video, appreciate it.

[@maltimoto]

Trees and weather are good but xp 12 needs more polish. I like the flight physics. But I think in the age of Google Maps in 2 or 5 years XP will have a very hard time without satellite scenery. Currently using MSFS and XP, cant decide.

[@Mercwerx2]

Keep using both. It's not a crime!

[@EmeryE2]

@@Mercwerx2unfortunately not everyone sees it like that.

[@dooglemcfrugal7307]

I COULN'T GET THE THING TO RUN? The computer I use is very big but I just couldn't started.

[@simcptmike]

I really enjoyed this video. Looking to try xplane for my first time ever in just a few weeks. Starting with xp12. As I want to use it for flight training fun.

[@rbarlow]

Still a few rough edges being polished off especially in VR.

[@simcptmike]

@@rbarlow I won't be using vr. But I'll also install msfs so I can get the best of both. 😁

[@rbarlow]

@@simcptmike MSFS is just too beautiful to pass up. I say that as a previous XP only fanboy.

[@donaldholman9070]

Would you be so kind to tell us what are you using to fly in the sim? You Know..Your computer and its spects?

[@fukjobiden1508]

I bought it yesterday, after demo, I got the rel_assert error! Haven’t been able to fly since!

[@ZicajosProductions]

I might wait a few months but I’ll definitely pick up XP12. I echo other peoples sentiments that I’d be happy using both XP12 and MSFS. I honestly don’t see them as naturals competitors anymore because they appeal to different crowds of people who look for different things in sims. It’s nice to have a choice, people! There is nothing wrong with that!

[@masflow09]

so you saying by that MSFS is not for real pilots or for IFR?

[@JohnDoeWasntTaken]

@@masflow09 Not sure where you got that from. MSFS has an extremely realistic flight model no matter what X-Plane fanboys say. A lot of MSFS _planes_ don't have realistic flight models, that is where people get the assumption that MSFS itself is unrealistic.

[@masflow09]

@@JohnDoeWasntTaken i asked Joe J a question lol im not the one saying it is fake.

[@JohnDoeWasntTaken]

@@masflow09 I got you bro. It's really annoying how many X Plane fanboys act like MSFS isn't a "serious" flight sim just because it has better graphics. It's like they can't process a sim having good graphics and simulation at the same time.

[@masflow09]

@@JohnDoeWasntTaken they dont have that immersion in XP so that is why lol

[@skyking5133]

If you purchase the beta version will the updates to the final version be free?

[@rbarlow]

Yes. Purchase and all version 12 updates free. XPlane 11 lasted about 5 years

[@christopherbazaka1564]

very nice take on it

[@imellor711]

3d performance and scenary jitter, during game play. Then take a look at Xplane12 plug in manager. You can see script and plugins that are loosing you up to 10 FPS in the A330, 737 and a few other aircraft?

[@tomrohan8480]

Does this have a in-built around the world scenery or like x-plane 11 jus a few miles around certain airports .. I purchased X-plane 11 which had a ridiculous price and was shocked to see that it dint have those around the world sceneries like MSFS.. it was left to the user to download from 3rd party programs.. With in a week I dumped 11.. hope that's not the case here.. ???

[@rbarlow]

Not sure what you mean by around the world scenery but both XP11 and XP12 have scenery coverage for the entire world. You only need to run the installer found in the X-Plane folder and select “add scenery”. Then you click the regions on a map that contain the areas you want to include. Since it can take a while to download scenery the demo only contains a small area of scenery. While the XP scenery is much improved and has a few features that are better than MSFS, it is not photo realistic and can’t compare visually. Of course XP is aimed more at serious pilot training so scenery is designed to be plausible but not exact. You can add photo scenery to XP using Ortho4XP which is free but it takes a very large hard drive and lots of downloading to cover extended regions. But XP does include worldwide scenery coverage and has since at least XP9 when I started using it

[@tomrohan8480]

@@rbarlow thanks a ton for the information.. happy landings

[@xBrocleyx]

msfs feels like it's going to be the go to simulator for the next 10 years while xplane 12 just feels like it has a lifespan of maybe 4 years until they release xp13

[@StreagleEagle]

Msfs to me looks like a.. game style, arcade kinda sim for beginners most of the time however i do love the scenery and graphics etc. I might get both

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

@@StreagleEagle depends it has more elements for arcade style gamers but it is a very professional software when you turn the realism settings up. Especially with pmdg 737 and the fenix a320. Graphics are beautiful as well.

[@pilotmoreno7714]

@@StreagleEagle with plenty of mods, msfs is pretty much realistic.

[@MegaTraker]

I just bought the early version of X-Plane 12 it is the downloaded one and i could not even fly out of the demo area even it cost me a fair amount of money so if i want to fly from any area in the world all I got is water and I have to go to the X Plane 11 disk and then I get an error ( permission denied). I was thinking by getting the one pay wear it was to be easy to get it going. Any help would be nice .

[@rbarlow]

You need to install scenery for the areas you want to fly in. Look in the XPlane folder for the installer. One of the options is to install scenery. It will present a world map and you select the areas you want to add… they will download… and you’re good to go

[@davefk]

What version of MSFS are you talking about in this video?

[@barryeiland]

If you don't mind sharing. what brand and model GPU do you use? Your frame rate in X-Plans 12 is impressive. I've tried X-plane 12 and had terrible results with the frame rate, even after reducing the various CPU/GPU parameters to their lowest settings. In X-plane 11, the frame rate is excellent, using the very same equipment, with parameters set to their highest values.

[@rbarlow]

The cpu can be the limiting factor too so it’s a balance. I have an i9-12900K cpu and a nVidia RTX3080TI

[@barryeiland]

@@rbarlow In a separate KZbin video, I discovered my frame rate problem was caused setting my three (3) monitors/TVs to 4k. Reducing the resolution on the side view monitors solved the problem. Thanks for replying.

[@fairingfans3575]

Very well said sir. Well done ❤