IMO using the flightsims for VFR is very close to worthless since you don`t get the feel of the aircraft, nor can you get the proper visuals (including depth perception), even though the sims recreate the instrument panels well.
However, the sims` value increases once you begin using them as an IFR procedure trainer (FTD) to fly approaches during low weather conditions sicne you`ll basically be looking inside the aircraft at all times (IMC) rather than outside.
But no matter what, the sim is just that - a sim. It`s a representation (mock-up) of the real thing and can therefore never truly be the real thing (allthough some sims are very very close). My advice would be to get in the aircraft with an instructor and put in some hard work - it will pay off!