Microsoft announced on Wednesday that Combat Flight Simulator, its World War II air combat simulation game, is on its way to retailers. Combat Flight Simulator (CFS) is Microsoft's first attempt at leveraging its popular Flight Simulator series by incorporating air combat and head-to-head competition into the same game - something that Flight Sim pilots have been asking about for years.

　　The title features eight realistic aircraft boasting authentic flight models and fully detailed cockpits. Pilots will be able to choose historical missions, campaigns, free flight, and quick combat. And while it may sound simple to fly an older plane with a prop - it isn't. Microsoft has built the title with authentic WWII pilots to make sure the game has all the pros and cons of each plane accurately detailed.

　　While the game shows off a new direction for Microsoft, CFS remains compatible with popular add-ons for Flight Simulator. To prove it, Bruce Williams, Microsoft's flight simulations project planner, stopped by to show off the levels of detail including weapon trajectories, challenging enemy AI, damage effects, and how to pull add-on planes into the game. Nothing like rattling off a few bullets against an enemy from a Boeing 747.

　　Full domestic distribution is set for November 5, and if you look hard enough, you should be able to find a copy for around US$54.99.