Microsoft Flight Simulator returns this week

When Microsoft closed down the Aces studio in 2009 many thought it meant the end of the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise, a game first published in 1982. But on Dec. 18 amateur pilots will be able to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition, just not from Microsoft.

Back in July Dovetail Games, the developer of the Train Simulator franchise, licensed the technology behind the Flight Simulator series, as well as the rights to distribute Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition, a title first released in 2006.

Dovetail said the new Steam release will be PC only, Windows 8.1 compatible, feature more than 80 missions and over 24,000 airports. It will be followed by a series of add-ons to be delivered later in the year.

Sadly, players who want access to the iconic Meigs Field, Chicago starting airport are out of luck. The airport, unceremoniously bulldozed in 2003, is not featured in the game. No word on whether or not legacy mods will be able to replace it.