Orbiter is a great simulator. It features realistic orbital physics and has the ability to support multiple objects interacting.

As the description states, this is not a game... There are not aliens to kill and it takes more than one button-press to reach space.

This *simulator

(not a game) has a huge learning curve and has infact taught me about the basics of space travel and how the we reached the moon and the difficulties that were faced.

There are many mods and addons available for this simulator most prominent of which is the sound addon that can be found on a link from the main site. It increases the realism and aura of the launch and reentry 10-fold.

There is a huge amount of reading/playing and learning involved with this game and it may/will take several attempts before a true orbit is reached. Many vehicles include 3d-cockpits with working switches and dials all of which affect the movement and operation. I know from experience that it is very hard ingame to activate the 3 abort-switches when your riding in the apollo module and you learn that you ruined your launch profile. Quite touching actually.

The game features spectacular effects for the planets including glints from the sun, water reflections, atmosphreic haze and much more. Reentry flames too.

Unfortunately it also has some downsides. It collison detection does not work well and it is quite easy to just fly through many objects from the space center next to the runway to the ISS. Docking is extemely tricky and even the slightest error in speed or direction will ruin the connection.

A multiplayer addon was made but is very faulty and difficult to use. I do not reccomend it.

In conclusion, Orbiter is an excellent simulator that can teach you alot if your ready to learn. It is not however for those with short attention spans or those who want a space-shooter.

Learning Curve: Takes a while

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