Arrakis Awaits? Embark on a Dune adventure in Microsoft Flight Simulator (game news).

In a move that’s set to make even the sandworms of Arrakis sit up and take notice, Microsoft Flight Simulator has boldly gone where no flight sim has gone before. That’s right, folks, we’re trading in our earthly airfields for the sandy dunes of a planet far, far away. In a collaboration that seems as unexpected as finding water on Dune itself, the legendary sim is inviting players to take to the skies of Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic universe with the Royal Atreides Ornithopter.

Now, for those of you thinking, “But my flying skills are limited to dodging skyscrapers and the occasional bird strike,” fear not! The Dune expansion comes fully equipped with tutorials that’ll have you soaring through the alien skies like you were born with wings. And with time trials and a daring rescue mission on the menu, there’s enough action to make even Paul Atreides consider a career change.

This out-of-this-world experience is available on Xbox consoles and PC, aligning perfectly with the release of Dune: Part Two in theaters. Imagine, if you will, the thrill of piloting the iconic Ornithopter across Arrakis, all from the comfort of your gaming chair. It’s a marketing tie-in, sure, but one that marries the meticulous realism of Microsoft Flight Simulator with the imaginative expanse of the Dune universe. For those who’ve always dreamed of dipping their toes into both the realms of high-fidelity flight simulation and epic science fiction, this expansion is like finding a spice melange in your backyard. The simulator’s “next generation” promises to expand its repertoire even further, adding a full suite of aerial jobs that sound as exciting as dodging a lasgun blast.

And if you’re the type who likes your gaming gear as themed as a cosplay convention, there’s even a custom Dune-themed Xbox and controller up for grabs. It’s a collector’s item that screams, “I love Dune enough to pilot an Ornithopter into a sandstorm.”

While it’s not the first movie tie-in for the simulator — a nod to the adrenaline-fueled 2022’s Top Gun update — bringing Dune into the fold is a spicy twist that has fans and gamers alike buzzing. After all, piloting an Ornithopter over the desert landscape of Arrakis is a far cry from a leisurely glide over the Grand Canyon.

As SFcrowsnest readers know, blending the realms of science fiction and real-world physics in a game is a delicate dance, akin to balancing on the edge of a crysknife. Yet, Microsoft Flight Simulator x Dune does it with a grace that would make even a Fremen proud. Whether you’re a die-hard Dune devotee, a flight sim aficionado, or just someone who loves the idea of flying something cooler than a standard airliner, this expansion is your boarding pass to adventure.

So, strap in, adjust your goggles, and prepare for takeoff. The desert planet of Arrakis awaits, and with it, a gaming experience that promises to be as unforgettable as the saga that inspired it. Whether you’re rescuing flight instructors from sandstorms or just enjoying the view from above, one thing’s for certain: flying on Earth will never quite feel the same again.