THE FIRST REVIEWS: EXCEPTIONAL DETAIL, VISIBLE COSTS
Spencer te Wildt's FSElite review appeared on 31 May 2022, assessing version 1.0.1.95. It praised the combination of systems complexity, accessibility and small details while explicitly identifying performance and stability as major weaknesses. The aircraft could be impressive and enjoyable while still producing a disappointing session. That mixed judgement is more useful than extracting only the enthusiastic closing words. [6, 31 May 2022; Review Info and Bottom Line]
The same page carries a correction. Its original cockpit-sound criticism was amended after the reviewer found that the simulator master-volume setting altered the balance between engines and air conditioning. The corrected review cannot honestly be cited as an unqualified finding of defective engine sound. This is a useful example of reception changing once test conditions become clearer. [6, Post video release edit; master-volume setting]
The June simFlight review, tested by Michael Kalff with systems examination by Patrick Seiniger, admired exterior detail and the tactile impression of the cockpit. It also described configuration effort and performance demand as substantial. Its preference for a cleaner-looking flight deck was an aesthetic judgement. Reviewers could agree on workmanship yet disagree on how pleasant the result was to inhabit. [17, Fenix' Conversion into MSFS; The Walkaround; The cockpit]
The May 2022 pre-release cockpit at night, with its original EFB and standby-instrument arrangement. Historical presentation reference; the displayed setup is not a V3 instruction. [16, Official article image: /images/cockpit_11.png]