Test machine specs: MSI X670E, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX, 48gb RAM
DETAIL
It’s a mixed bag but generally of a very good standard. M’M Simulations’ texturing can look a bit ‘sterile’ (appearing quite generic with a distinct lack of weathering) at times, and we do see areas like this at EYVI — particularly some parts of the main terminal, which frankly look like they were exported from FSX! Luckily this is mostly confined to bits seldom seen by virtual pilots, so you’ll only really notice if you go snooping with the drone.
The main terminal’s landside façade is something I’d like to draw attention to right away as it’s pretty impressive. In spite of the somewhat clean textures, the effort to replicate the intricate masonry work here is commendable. Every detail of the carved stone figures has been captured and it looks fabulous, day and night. There are all sort of nooks and crannies to explore around the terminal, each having been detailed despite the likelihood of never really being seen by the majority of virtual pilots. There’s an interior, too, both for the original building and the more modern extension that now almost completely encompasses it. It’s not quite a full interior but it’s close enough — I’d just like to see a few more people to truly bring it to life. Aside from the wonderful façade, the landside is very well done, extending quite some way from the terminal — but again, too few people to make it believable. The car models are also those quite poor stock assets (low-res with a weird ‘seam’ running down their middle) but there are a handful of ‘pimped’ examples that serve as taxis. At least the road network is completely custom, and some of the textures on the many peripheral buildings are actually better than those seen in airside areas. The drums at the small fuel farm are particularly impressive, having been done with a very authentic metallic finish. We get an animated tram/train that stops at the airport’s (relatively simple) station, and it runs for quite some distance before vanishing — however it’s prone to wandering from its designated track (not that you’re likely to notice unless you again go specifically looking).
Moving airside, the ground textures across the board are excellent and there’s a sufficient amount of clutter (lots of it custom) to make the apron feel ‘used’. My only gripe is that, at night, the lamps in the excellently-modelled apron floodlights appear way too dull when you look how much light they project onto the ground. Speaking of night-lighting, there are also a few pesky Asobo ‘globes’ floating around, uncomfortably close to parts of the main apron — which is a shame since the night-lighting is generally very pleasing.
Further out on the airfield we find a handful of stored/abandoned aircraft: a cluster of ex-Yamal CRJs, plus a couple of 737s and a 320. Since these statics are very close to the runway, it’s a small touch that really adds to an arrival or departure. Outside the perimeter fence we get a fully-modelled retail park, just off the approach to RWY19. Ikea’s café even features an interior! At the other end, nearer the 01 threshold and close to the cargo facilities, the official viewing area has been included.
PERFORMANCE
I’ve seen a few reviews now that claim performance is poor, even after the recent updates that claimed to specifically address the issue. For me, EYVI actually runs pretty well and I see no noticeable slow-down anywhere. But do note I’m running a very high-spec system so your mileage may well vary.
VERDICT
EYVI is a decent airport, in a part of the world that’s somewhat neglected (despite its proximity to Scandinavia). There’s a bit to dislike about this airport but far more to like. I fully recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere close to Latvia and Estonia, and not a million miles from parts of Poland, Finland, Sweden and Russia.
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