Fly Over Jurassic World in Orbx’s Flight Simulator DLC

Soaring above the iconic islands of Jurassic World is now a breathtaking reality for flight simulation enthusiasts, thanks to the newly released Archipelago DLC by Orbx for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This expansion invites pilots to explore meticulously recreated landscapes from the beloved film franchise, blending high-altitude adventure with up-close encounters with prehistoric creatures.

Many of us grew up utterly captivated by dinosaurs. Those long-necked gentle giants sparked imaginations long before advanced CGI brought them to life on the big screen. When Jurassic Park first premiered in 1993, it felt like a revelation, audiences sat wide-eyed, witnessing dinosaurs in a way that had never been possible before. Now, more than three decades later, that sense of wonder translates directly into the virtual skies.

This new add-on transports players back to the memorable islands and structures that defined the Jurassic series. It’s important to note that this content isn’t available on Steam; instead, you’ll need to use Orbx Central or purchase it directly through the in-game marketplace. After a somewhat sluggish download process on launch day, I finally took to the skies in a Jurassic World-branded CubCrafters XCub. From the moment I descended over the first island, it was clear this was going to be an extraordinary journey.

The visual presentation is nothing short of stunning. Gliding through the air, I found myself completely absorbed by the scenery unfolding outside my cockpit, the distant horizon, the dynamic weather, and even a flock of pterodactyls soaring nearby. Initially, I struggled to spot many dinosaurs during free flight, which left me wondering where all the creatures were hiding.

That’s when I decided to try the guided interactive tour. Unlike some other tours in Flight Simulator 2024, this one is fully active, requiring you to pilot yourself to each marked location. While I had hoped for a more passive, narrative-driven experience, the tour does offer rich backstories for each site once you arrive. The tour is divided into eight distinct areas from the films, each offering opportunities for dinosaur sightings and on-foot exploration.

However, this is where the experience hits some turbulence. The CubCrafters XCub provided in the DLC is notoriously tricky to handle, especially for those still getting comfortable with flight controls. Landing, even on stable ground, proves challenging, and attempting to touch down on small, uneven patches of terrain feels nearly impossible for less experienced pilots.

Fortunately, I discovered that all DLC content is accessible through the standard “Free Flight” menu, which allows you to use any aircraft you already own. Switching to a more forgiving plane made a world of difference, finally letting me relax and fully appreciate the sights and sounds of the islands without fearing a crash.

Orbx offers four different purchasing options for exploring Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna, making it easy to choose the package that best fits your interest level. For those with a high-end PC VR setup, this DLC is an absolute must-try. The ability to land, exit your aircraft, and walk among the dinosaurs provides a level of immersion that’s both thrilling and deeply nostalgic.

In summary, the Jurassic World: Archipelago DLC is another visual masterpiece from Orbx. While dinosaurs can be scarce in free flight, the joy of discovering a herd after patient exploration makes each encounter feel earned and memorable. For fans of the franchise, this expansion delivers a uniquely magical experience, one that rekindles that childhood sense of awe and invites you to see Jurassic World from an entirely new perspective.

The DLC is available now on PC VR. If you’re eager to see more of these islands from both the air and the ground, be sure to tune into VR Sideload for live exploration and discussion.

(Source: Upload VR)