Flight simulators have been extremely popular within certain circles, especially the PC crowd. Hundreds of thousands of logged flight time, tons of mods, even elaborate homemade rigs… It’s one of those things that’s just insanely popular among a specific set of people.

With that rabid fanbase in mind, TAS Games is preparing to release Flight Unlimited – a less expansive but no less impressive single-aircraft simulation. Players can freely explore the immense city and parts of the surrounding suburbs in their adorable little Cesna. Exploration is the key element here, as there don’t seem to be any official tasks or missions to complete. It’s just the player, the plane, and a city full of things to buzz, land on and crash into. And it sure looks pretty.

Flight Unlimited is available on the App Store now for $2.99. iPhone 3GS users and below need not apply. It’s currently only planned for the iPad (1 and 2) and the iPhone 4 (and 4S).

$2.99

Flight Unlimited

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-11-30 :: Category: Games

NuOxygen has just released “The Racing 3D Flight Simulator,” Ikaro Racing HD for iOS devices, and it’s looking pretty neat. Players will race through a diverse set of environments (and 22 tracks), from sprawling cities to winding canyons, jockeying for first place. It won’t be easy, but it makes winning that much more satisfying.

The game is designed to steadily increase in difficulty, so that players adjust naturally to the curve. It’s meant to be more pleasant than panic-inducing, with cameras that highlight the beauty of the landscape or the details of the planes so that the visuals can truly be appreciated. Of course, spending too much time drinking in the details are a good way to end up face-planting into an obstacle. A danger that becomes even more real when the dynamic weather system opts to replace those clears skies with a thunderstorm.

Ikaro Racing HD was designed with the iPad 2 in mind, but it’s also available for most other iOS devices. It just requires some tweaking in the options menu first. Aspiring air jockeys can grab it off of the App Store right now for free.

FREE!

Ikaro Racing HD

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-10-15 :: Category: Games

Expedia has made a major update to its TripAssist app including all-new interactive features to make it easier for travelers reach their destinations.

A YouTube video has been posted explaining the new features using an example case study.

Some of the best enhancements include itinerary tracking, real-time SMS and email alerts, online booking, alternate flight options and SeatGuru seat maps. Ideal for those last minute alterations to your trip or unexpected ash clouds from Iceland.

From within the TripAssist app, users can now plan their route or follow that of others by looking up flights or checking an entire itinerary. A new horizontal view shows you where you should be at any given point in your trip including arrival and departure times, hotel and rental car locations.

The SeatGuru seat map feature allows you to find where you are seated on your flight to allow for any last minute changes.

The app is free and available now in the App Store.

FREE!

TripAssist by Expedia

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2009-05-06 :: Category: Travel

F.A.S.T. from SGN is a very different game that this developers usual offerings. They are best known for the MMOs such as Agency Wars (App Info) and Mafia: Respect and Retaliation (App Info) as well as their Wii-like sports games like SGN Golf (App Info) and iBowl (App Info).

F.A.S.T. stands for Fleet Air Superiority Training and is a really killer arcade flight simulator. The game supports both single player and up to 4 players in dogfight mode over wifi.

There are multiple unlockable planes all the way up to the B2 Stealth bomber. As you progress in the missions, and beat them in under the required time, you will unlock planes which will give you more power for successive levels.

Once the app is updated to take advantage of in-app purchasing in OS 3.0, expect many more purchasable missions and equipment.

The game looks impressive, is very responsive, but the controls take a little getting used to. Take a look at the trailer below for a better idea of the furious gameplay.

Priced at the higher end for a game, $9.99, F.A.S.T. is available now. A lite version with only one plane is planned.

FREE!

F.A.S.T. -- Fleet Air Superiority Tactics!

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-06-07 :: Category: Games