Microsoft Flight Simulator looks better than ever in these new video clips

For those that ever wanted to fly the friendly skies, Microsoft is just about ready to grant your wish. The publisher is hard at work alongside Asobo on Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC, set to release later this year. And it just provided a number of new videos featuring the game in action.

Will Microsoft Flight Simulator take flight with your heart?

First up is a look at the non-pre-rendered DR 400 as it sits in the hangar. It’s a bit on the brief side, but you can really see the attention to detail on the aircraft.

Next up is a video that features the Arcachon. While you don’t actually see an aircraft here, there is a spectacular view of beach-like land below.

This next video actually features sound, so you can hear the A320 as it flies through Strasbourg. It’s very brief, but a stunning sight.

With this video, you get a really cool time-lapse effect as clouds fly by in the distance.

The next clip takes place a little later at night, with a plane flying over the busy city of Aspen.

If you want to see how sophisticated the weather effects are in Microsoft Flight Simulator, this clip will impress you. It features a plane flying through a light rainstorm, from the cockpit view.

Here’s another aerial view clip, showing more great water effects.

In the longest clip of the bunch, there’s a good look at Baltimore as the sun shines in the distance. The lighting effects are mind-bogglingly good.

Ever want to pay a visit to Lake Tekapo? This video shows you flying right over it, with more great cloud and lighting effects.

Finally, there’s an early look at the DA62 as it proceeds on a test approach.

These are just a handful of development videos that went up on the official Microsoft Flight Simulator YouTube channel. They highlight Asobo’s tireless effort to make the game look as simple — and yet as elegant — as possible.

The game is due for release sometime this year on Windows PC.