Mobile sim app arrives on desktop

German software developer astragon Entertainment GmbH first produced “Take Off—The Flight Simulator” for iOS and Android mobile devices, and announced the release of the desktop version Oct. 10 on the Steam download portal. Priced at $6.99 on Steam (though a press release quotes the U.S. price at $5.99), the game drew some mixed reviews. Some users noted the low price for a few hours of entertainment, while others were not impressed with what is designed to be a basic and accessible aviation-themed game.

It is probably best not to think of it as a full-fledged flight simulator on par with X-Plane and similar platforms, but rather an aviation-themed diversion for airport lounges, or something you can put in the hands of passengers, particularly younger passengers, who want to "fly along" from the back seat. Games like this make aviation more accessible, and can help inspire interest in more sophisticated and realistic simulation experiences.

Users are given a series of 50 missions to complete, and the game includes 21 airports around the world. Users can choose between 10 different camera views, but the user interface options are limited with “partial” controller support offered on the desktop version. (Mobile users can toggle between tilt controls and a virtual joystick.)

The game developer’s website includes links to more details on the game, and all current download options as well.