Test machine specs: MSI X670E, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX, 48gb RAM
Reviewed for: FS2024
Add-ons: FS Traffic, GSX Pro
DETAIL
Owning several Glideslope airports prior to acquiring KSAN, I knew pretty much what to expect. This is one of their dual compatibility sceneries, meaning it’s only been modified for FS2024 rather than built natively.
As always, I flew in from elsewhere (in this case, KLAX) to get my first glimpse. The approach is, of course, stunning, thanks to Asobo’s good US PG and the airport’s unusually close proximity to its city’s downtown (in my case, supplied by Samscene as part of their USA Modern Cities Vol. 3).
The first thing that disappointed me on short finals to RWY27 is the lack of modelling at the highway intersection just before the threshold. There is one large building (the Solar Turbines factory, I believe) that’s been done, offset to the left, but the petrol (or gas) station and infamous multi-storey car-park have been left as default PG. US PG tends to be very well done but it’s not meant to be viewed at the distance dictated by this unique approach — therefore a certain degree of modelling in this zone should’ve been a prerequisite.
Moving on, the runway, taxiways and aprons textures are decent, if not a little uniform (a common trait of Glideslope airports). Airfield lighting is sadly entirely default but at least it looks better in FS2024. Ground markings are good but there are no types indicated on the aircraft stands, which is, I believe, contrary to reality. The apron features a decent amount of custom clutter but there’s noticeable repetition and I think more could have been added. That said, the various baggage dollies and airline-specific vehicles mostly match up with real-world gate usage.
The Terminal building looks good, despite lacking a little detail on its roof sections. Most of the structure has basic internal modelling (all airside), except the section with the large glass façade, which has been given a more complete interior. Static and animated people populate both the terminal interiors and outdoor landsides (which is good to see). The landside modelling is good, with a selection of custom, San Diego-specific vehicles parked on various sections of the terminal’s access roads and in the multi-storey car-parks. Again, though, I’d like to see a little more variety but I shan’t be too harsh here since plenty of very good devs still largely neglect their terminal landsides. The fully-modelled roads basically encircle the entire airport but their texturing is generally a bit uniform, often giving an impression of sterility.
The airport has an almost complete perimeter fence (a few sections missing but in areas you’re unlikely to really notice) but again, the modelling outside it is minimal, especially when you consider how developed KSAN’s real-world surroundings are. The Port of San Diego building is present but overall, the airport’s north side feels a little sparse, except for perhaps the cargo ramp. The west side is slightly better, and the south side features the aforementioned terminal landside, along with a couple of hotels (which lack night-lighting), the marina and a well-modelled rendition of the nearby naval air station (which boasts static jets, choppers and aircraft carriers).
Finally, I’m pleased to say the custom night-lighting is one of this scenery’s strengths, particularly in and around the main terminal. Coupled with the city lighting supplied by Samscene’s pack, it all looks rather nice.
PERFORMANCE
As usual, I can only go by my own machine’s specs but I had no stutters or fps drops, despite the scenery density in the San Diego/SouCal area. I always try to find reasons for developer omissions (benefit of the doubt, and all that) and perhaps Glideslope thought too much peripheral detail would affect performance?
VERDICT
As an airport, Glideslope’s KSAN is good — no doubt about it — but I feel they missed a trick by not modelling more of the airfield’s unique surroundings. 27 is the predominant runway here, the final approach to which happens to be where the majority of the real-world development is. The lack of surrounding modelling on three asides of the airfield I can understand; but omitting the most prominent structures on the intersection at the 27 threshold undoubtedly takes some of the shine off the final few metres of this visually-pleasing approach. Melted PG buildings, meant to be viewed from considerable distance, just don’t cut it.
What we have here is a decent airport, but what could have made it great has sadly been left out.
Prospective buyers have another choice, in LVFR’s KSAN. While this airport is much older and arguably less detailed than Glideslope’s, it does feature some (fairly basic) modelling on the RWY27 intersection. However, the inclusion of city POIs means it cannot be used with Samscene’s city. In other words, Glideslope’s is likely better, even with its inadequacies.
If you just want a good version of KSAN, as an airport, Glideslope’s KSAN is it. If you want to experience the thrill of the real-world 27 approach, however, you may find the last few metres before touchdown a bit anti-climatic…
IMAGES
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