Space flight simulation games have not, for some reason or another, taken off in the same way that regular, terrestrial flight simulation games have. The best example of this fact is that Microsoft Flight Simulator is on version 10, while Microsoft Space Flight Simulator only had one version, published in 1994. Why is this? It is due, at least in part, to the popularity of science-fiction game titles in which you can fly X-wing fighters or the Starship Enterprise, rather than the Apollo 18.

Two of the best space flight simulation games include:

1. Microsoft Space Flight Simulator. Microsoft Space Flight Simulator was one of the very first space flight simulators. In this game, you could operate 14 different models of spacecraft, including real-world vehicles like the Space Shuttle and fictional ones like the interplanetary vessel, Galactic Explorer. YOu could travel to real space stations, such as Mir, and imaginary ones like Ring Station 1. You could take off and land at real bases like Kennedy Space Center, or do the same at futuristic ones like a base on Mars. The graphics in Microsoft Space Flight Simulator, while decent by 1994 standards, would never hold up against today's games. Microsoft Space Flight Simulator is not compatible with modern versions of Microsoft Windows, such as Windows XP or Windows Vista.

2. Orbiter. Orbiter was originally released in November of 2000. Orbiter is a freeware application designed by Dr. Schweiger. Like Microsoft Space Flight Simulator, Orbiter allows you to use realistic space vehicles like the Space Shuttle, as well as futuristic vehicles like the Delta Glider. Unlike Microsoft Space Flight Simulator, however, Orbiter allows the user to actually re-enact a variety of space flights from the past. The biggest drawback to Orbiter is that the program has no audio component whatsoever. There is an add-on available called "Orbiter Sound" that can be installed to provide some audio to the experience. The interface is relatively simple, and includes a heads-up display as well as multi-functional display units inside of the 3D cockpit.

Unfortunately, these two games are at the top of the heap in a very small list. Space flight simulation game enthusiasts have to turn, most often, to other products such as the Star Wars X-wing series, the Privateer series, or the Wing Commander series to experience richer, if less realistic, space flight.

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