Wild Microsoft Flight Simulator add-on lets you explore Jurassic World's islands

You've checked your approach speed, you've factored in crosswinds, you know the runway's a short one - but have you made sure it's clear of dinosaurs? It's a problem you may soon be facing in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, because an officially licensed Jurassic World add-on has been announced for the game. Letting you explore several iconic islands, embark on themed missions, and even spot some dinos out the cockpit window, it's aiming to launch in just a few weeks' time.

Titled Jurassic World Archipelago, this add-on drops six islands from the franchise in their lore-accurate locations off the coast of Costa Rica. Isla Nublar and the quintet of isles that make up the Muertes Archipelago will be part of the explorable world in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

It's created by OrbX, a team of developers already boasting a huge library of additional content for one of the best plane games ever. While largely focused on making more detailed real-world airports and cityscapes, it's now forged a partnership with Universal to recreate the fictional, beloved locations from the Jurassic Park series in MSF.

"Set just before the events of the 2015 Jurassic World film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the islands are captured at a moment when the park is operational but not everything is under control," OrbX says. "The landscape itself is much more than a pretty backdrop: it's both a challenge for aviators and a journey of recreating your favorite movie scenes. Beyond Nublar, take the short flight to Isla Sorna and discover the sites and remnants of its past as 'Site B' - and its resilient inhabitants. The other islands of the Muertes Archipelago are well worth exploring too, each different from the other."

As you soar above the islands, you'll be able to spot dinosaurs roaming the terrain below. Some may even be flying high with you - I've heard of bird strikes, but never a Pteranodon strike. That's just one of the species already announced, with OrbX also teasing that you might see a Velociraptor, a Brachiosaurus, or even a Tyrannosaurus rex.

When it comes to touching down on any of the islands, there'll be "half a dozen airstrips and twice as many helipads" to land at. For added immersion that'll make the Jurassic World islands feel part of the real world, custom scenery has been added to Costa Rica's biggest international airport, Juan Santamaria Airport, and the Herradura Bay Marina for those flying out on a chopper.

There will also be some missions to complete if you want some objectives to focus on instead of just freely exploring. You can transport VIPs to the islands, take photographs on a guided tour, or test your flying skills in some "challenging locations."

OrbX says that the Jurassic World Archipelago add-on for Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 will be available "around the end of August 2025 / beginning of September 2025." It'll initially launch on MSF 2024 only, with a version for 2020's Microsoft Flight Simulator also planned.

For some similar prehistoric thrills, check out our list of the best dinosaur games. If you want your trip to the islands to be truly dazzling, take a look at some of the high-end options in our best gaming monitor guide.

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