screw landing procedures. This is how I land an F-16.... 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jJSiCLprOdM      (5MB)

it's been a long time since i've seen the last 'playable' space flight sim like Descent: Freespace 2

X2: Reunion looks nice but, it's too similar to Freelancer... ><''

LO:MAC is a joke. I'm sorry, but it is. Graphics are good but the gameplay sucks. F/A-18 and Falcon 4.0/ F4:Allied Force are meant to be complex because it's modeled after the real thing.

I mostly play Falcon 4.0 Allied Force now. Graphics are not as good as FS or LO:MAC, but there's nothing like starting up a 50 million dollar war plane to get your blood pumping. The sound of the jet engine firing up gives me goose bumps every time.

Janes F/A-18 does not have the startup sequence. Graphics are a bit outdated when compared to Falcon 4.0. Also It lacks a bit of oomph that Falcon 4.0 brings as well. For example, when you get hit from a SAM or air-to-air missile, there's this horrifying yet satisfying explosion that goes with it. You can actually feel the aircraft breaking apart. The only indicator that you got hit in F/A-18 is this loud beep that indicates a bit failure right after a very weak explosion when the missile impacts. After that, you either get a crippled or destroyed aircraft. However, it compensates by giving you the ability to land on aircraft carriers. That feeling you get when you hit the 3 wire on the deck at night brings a smile to your face every time. Not to mention that due to the newer and more advanced avionics and weapon systems available, its actually easier to fly the F/A-18 than the F-16.

When comparing the gameplay, I say both are equally the same. You still get the same satisfaction from landing safely after a sortie. That same nervous feeling you get when trying to get a wounded aircraft home, checking and double checking failed systems, struggling to fly straight, monitoring the engine temperature, hydraulics and oil pressure, praying the engines wont fail before reaching home. Not to mention the horrifying feeling you get when the Radar Warning Receiver indicates a radar lock on your aircraft and the Missile threat indicator flashes. And the awe you get when you see the Anti Aircraft Artillery opening up over the skies of your target.

Yes, it IS complex to play. You WILL spend a lot of time reading. You WILL be frustrated at times. But its all worth it. You can't go wrong with any of this two sims.

Edit: haha, like a freaking review. Sorry for the long read.