Pilotwings Resort

• Release Date: March 27, 2011
• Genre: Simulation
• Style: Flight Sim
• Similar Games: MySims SkyHeroes (Nintendo DS)

Game Description

Nearly 15 years after Pilotwings 64 was released alongside the Nintendo 64, the quirky and well-received aviation series returns with 3D gameplay and full "Mii" compatibility in the 3DS launch title Pilotwings Resort. Set on Wuhu Island, the fictional location of Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus, Pilotwings Resort offers gamers more than 30 unique plane, hang-glider, and rocket-belt missions in "Mission" mode. All three vehicles are controlled differently, so players must learn to master each craft before they can successfully complete each mission and earn stars. Gamers who are less task-oriented can instead try out the "Free Flight" mode, where they are encouraged to explore the skies above Wuhu Island to find hundreds of collectibles and unlock interactive 3D dioramas. Players can also snap photos of the island's many landmarks, save them to their 3DS photo album, and show them to friends at any time.

Review: Overall

When it comes to Nintendo's handheld launches, everything old is new again. The original DS was released alongside an enhanced version of 1996's Super Mario 64, and the Nintendo 3DS revisits the Pilotwings franchise, a lighthearted flight sim that debuted with the Super NES in 1991. Instead of a remake, however, Pilotwings Resort takes off in a new direction.

The result is a bright and colorful game with simple to grasp controls and play mechanics that reward both speed and precision. The game consists of two play options: a mission flight mode that consists of 42 aircraft-specific challenges, and a free flight mode that lets you choose your transport and explore the area while collecting items. In both modes, flight is limited to a plane, rocket pack, or hang glider on timed runs that will last you no more than five minutes.

The single island setting means you'll be seeing a lot of the same terrain for much of the game, and there's no tornadoes, torrential rains, erupting volcanoes, or other random elements to spice up the action, other than time of day. On the flip side, each aircraft type has its own distinct feel, and you'll eventually unlock variants such as a jet, a pedal-powered glider, and a flying squirrel suit.

Unfortunately, there's no gyrocopter as in previous games, and the flying squirrel suit, which feels closest to skydiving, is limited to a single mission. Due to the limited number of aircraft and single locale, the missions aren't as diverse as they could be. The majority involve flying a specific, pre-defined route through the air, marked by rings and colored spheres. You can earn up to three stars based on your performance, with points earned for clean landings, fast times, clearing rings, and so forth.

There are also some alternatives to the standard point A to point B routes, where you'll have to shoot at targets on a plane, take a few pictures on a glider, and more. More creative missions, such as collecting tiny UFOs while on a jetpack, or firing a plane's water cannon to put out campfires, are few in number. Most will be able to unlock all missions within a few hours, but if you want to master everything, expect to spend considerably more time. Points are deducted for slight mistakes or misses, and since the runs get more involved the further you progress, perfecting a mission is not easy.

In addition to the mission mode, there's a free flight option, but this isn't exactly what you'd expect. Instead of being able to freely fly across the island at your leisure, you have a limited amount of time to "collect" things like balloons, information icons, gold rings, and trophies. Your reward for doing this are silly dioramas to view.

The lack of multiplayer races or even score-based leaderboards is puzzling, but what's really surprising is the absence of mini-games. Firing a human cannonball at a target, parasailing, stunt-based courses, landing challenges, would have added to the game's replay value.

While it's a disappointment compared to its 64-bit predecessor, Pilotwings Resort is still worth your consideration. When you're lined up correctly, the 3D effect is impressive. You can also customize your character's appearance, and flying certain missions can be a relaxing experience after a stressful day. If only the game's features were as deep as the stereoscopic screen...