Installation: The product is distributed as a downloadable installer (approx. 600MB-1GB depending on version). The installer is straightforward, detecting your simulator paths automatically. It integrates cleanly into the scenery library.
Performance: FSDG has optimized this scenery incredibly well. Despite the high-resolution photorealistic ground textures covering the island, the impact on frame rates (FPS) is surprisingly low. Users report consistent frames even with complex add-on aircraft (like the PMDG 737 or Aerosoft Airbus). There is very little "stuttering" during final approach, which is a testament to efficient coding and LOD (Level of Detail) management.
Before we talk about the add-on, let’s talk about the location. Réunion Island is an overseas department of France located east of Madagascar. For a virtual pilot, it is a playground of extremes.
In the real world, Air Austral, Air France, and Corsair fly into Roland Garros Airport (FMEE). In the sim world, you need a scenery that captures the suffocating heat haze on the tarmac and the sheer vertical walls of the cirque.
Aerosoft is the gatekeeper of quality. When they put their branding on a scenery for FSX and P3D, it means the product has passed rigorous testing for frame rates and compatibility. Their version of Réunion comes with their famous installer—seamless for P3Dv4 and v5 users.
What makes this scenery the best Réunion package isn’t just the airport—it’s the entire island. FSDG has hand-placed:
Many simmers on forums argue the best setup is to install FSDG FMEE for the airport quality, and then layer FreeMeshX (global mesh) plus Reunion Island satellite ortho (freeware available on Flightsim.com) on top. This gives you the best of both worlds without the performance hit of the full Aerosoft package.
This is where the scenery truly shines and earns its price tag. FSDG didn't just build an airport; they built the island.
Introduction
The world of flight simulation has seen tremendous growth and advancements over the years, with Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) and its predecessors, FSX and Prepar3D (P3D), being at the forefront. One crucial aspect that enhances the simulation experience is airport and scenery design. Companies like Aerosoft and FSDG (Flight Sim Data Germany) have been renowned for their high-quality scenery packages. This essay aims to compare some of these industry-leading sceneries with Aerosoft's recent releases, particularly focusing on Reunion Island (FMME), to determine which offers the best experience.
FSX/P3D Era Sceneries
During the FSX and P3D era, sceneries from developers like Aerosoft and FSDG set high standards for realism, detail, and performance. FSDG, in particular, became synonymous with extremely detailed and authentic airport sceneries, often featuring hand-crafted 3D models, detailed ground textures, and dynamic lighting. Their work on airports around the world, especially in Europe, raised the bar for what simmers could expect from their virtual airports.
Aerosoft, another giant in the flight simulation industry, also made significant contributions with a wide range of sceneries, from small regional airports to major international hubs. Their approach often combined accurate real-world data with aesthetically pleasing graphics, making their products favorites among simmers.
Aerosoft in MSFS
The transition to Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) brought new challenges and opportunities for scenery developers. Aerosoft, being a key player, quickly adapted to the new platform. Their scenery packages for MSFS, including Reunion Island (FMME), showcase the potential of the new simulator. Reunion Island, a beautiful French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, is depicted with stunning accuracy, from the turquoise sea to the lush green mountains.
FSDG's Approach
Meanwhile, FSDG continued their work on sceneries, and though their primary focus has been on MSFS from the onset, their products maintain the high standards set during the FSX/P3D era. Their approach to scenery development emphasizes authenticity and performance.
Comparing Reunion Island (FMME) in MSFS
When comparing Aerosoft's Reunion Island (FMME) in MSFS to similar offerings from other developers, several factors come into play:
Conclusion
Determining the "best" scenery is subjective and often depends on individual preferences and system specifications. However, Aerosoft's Reunion Island (FMME) for MSFS, alongside FSDG's offerings, undoubtedly set a new standard for what simmers can expect from airport and regional sceneries. Their commitment to detail, performance, and authenticity contributes significantly to the immersive experience that flight simulators aim to provide.
In conclusion, while both Aerosoft and FSDG offer exceptional sceneries for MSFS, and considering the historical context of their work in FSX/P3D, it's clear that their recent and future releases will continue to push the boundaries of flight simulation realism and enjoyment. For those looking to experience Reunion Island or any other location in MSFS with the highest fidelity, Aerosoft's and FSDG's sceneries are certainly among the best choices available.
The Aerosoft / FSDG Reunion Island scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX)
and Prepar3D (P3D) is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and visually stunning island recreations for these platforms. It transforms the generic representation of the Indian Ocean island into a "pilot’s paradise" by combining high-fidelity airport modeling with full-island environmental enhancements. Key Features and Island-Wide Detail
The pack is distinctive because it covers the entire island, rather than just a single airport. Pilots can explore the dramatic geography of Réunion, characterized by active volcanoes like Piton de la Fournaise and steep, lush valleys.
Comprehensive Airport List: Includes detailed renditions of:
Roland Garros International (FMEE): The main international gateway.
Pierrefonds Airport (FMEP): A key site on the southwest coast.
Secondary Sites: Le Port, Bras-Panon, and three additional heliports for vertical flight operations.
Environmental Enhancements: The scenery features custom mesh, unique autogen, and high-resolution aerial imagery. Over hundreds of custom landmarks—such as bridges, solar fields, and antennas—are scattered across the terrain.
Operational Realism: For FMEE, it includes SODE/GSX animated jetways, custom apron traffic, and a dedicated AI traffic system with custom aircraft and helicopter models. Why It Is Considered the "Best" for FSX/P3D
Users often cite this scenery as a "must-have" for its performance-to-visuals ratio and its role in "island hopping" adventures near Madagascar and Mauritius.
Performance Optimization: Despite the high level of detail, the scenery uses "performance-first" technology designed to maintain smooth frame rates even with high-fidelity aircraft.
Dynamic Lighting: It utilizes advanced 3D light technology that provides long-range visibility and realistic night textures, which is particularly effective for tropical dusk-to-dawn transitions.
Challenging Operations: The steep volcanic terrain creates demanding approaches and localized weather patterns, offering a stark contrast to typical flat island runways.
The FSDG Reunion scenery remains a staple for FSX and P3D users looking for a blend of European aviation standards and raw, tropical landscapes. Expand map Airports & Landing Sites Natural Landmarks
Are you planning to use this scenery for long-haul commercial flights or VFR helicopter exploration? FSDG - REUNION FSX P3D3-5 - simMarket
For those on Prepar3D v4 or v5, the dynamic lighting is transformative. Approaching FMEE at dusk, the runway lights bleed realistically across the wet tarmac, while the terminal windows cast pools of light onto the apron.