Custom flight and engine modeling were created for the F-104 (driven by plug-ins) giving well researched and authentic flight modeling properties for X-Plane. New pilots will quickly learn that asymmetric Boundary Layer Control and roll-off tendencies require careful manipulation of the throttle lest you end up upside down on the runway.
The virtual cockpit is nicely modeled and functional in most respects. While not the pinnacle of virtual cockpit development, the result is very good and much of the functionality of the radar modes and switches is modeled. The INS, electrical system, and several radar modes are modeled with the ability to lock up air targets and perform bombing maneuvers that the F-104 was designed for.
Liveries include historical paint schemes from decades past and the user community has created many other paint schemes from squadrons scattered all over the world that operated the F-104. Alas, the last operational Starfighter was retired from active duty by the Italian Air Force in 2004, so we are left with demonstration teams and private owners carrying forward the legacy.