Pilotwings is one of the lesser known franchises that have come from the big N. Pilotwings has been flying around our screens for 19 years (or more depending when you read this) and has enjoyed a fair bit of success. In the games first release in 92, it was one of just a handful of games to utilize mode 7 to give a 3D game-play effect on the SNES. Then in 97 the second Pilotwings game was released for the Nintendo 64 in full 3D and now Pilotwings makes a 2011 return for the 3DS in full stereoscopic 3D.
The Story
Are you looking for a heartwarming tale of adventure, action and quite a few moments of comedy? Well if you are then unfortunately for you this games has none of that, it has no story whatsoever! This is not a bad thing in the slightest however, as the game is all about the ride not the tale so do not let this put you off!
Without a story the game still holds a purpose, the purpose of good old collecting and earning unlockables (but that will be covered in the game-play section). The main character you play is you! Yes this is the first 3DS game that you play as your very own Mii. So your Mii is at Wuhu island (the same place as Wii Sports Resort) and joins the Wuhu sky club to start a game filled missions that take place in the clouds.
Pilotwings may not be full in the story department and don't think that this makes it a bad game. I feel that if a story was in place it would be very poor and would only get in the way, so that fact it is story-less is a very good thing.
The Music
Pilotwings does also suffer a lack of soundtrack. Unlike the story, I do think Nintendo have dropped the ball with this aspect of the game. The small amount of music in the game is not bad, but it does not really compare to the excellent music to come from other Nintendo games.
The extent of the music is so short i can describe it in one paragraph. The game opens up with a really good song, it's very uplifting and exciting. Then you start to play the game you will probably recognize the song, this is because its the same song you have just heard seconds ago. What Nintendo has done is got one song (that is quite catchy) and rearranged it many times to make it sound different.
You will hear a different arrangement whenever you fly a different aircraft or are flying around at day, evening or night. If Nintendo would of just placed more songs and not arrangements, the games soundtrack would be full and rich.
The Visuals
Wuhu island is filled with various of things to please your eyes. A huge volcano is placed in the center of the island, fly inside it you will see burning red larva. Go out of the volcano and head to a small village though the village seems lifeless its a joy to fly low and avoid the buildings. Glide over to the sea your 3DS screen will show off crystal blue water.
Take to the skies when during different times of the day (unlocked by progressing through the game) and makes the island strangely seem varied. Compared to Wii Sports Resort, Pilotwings has done well to keep up the visuals to the home console brother.
The 3D effect is very, very strong in this game. Maybe Pilotwings is the game that gave the 3DS a bad reputation as this game did give me eyestrain. This is in no way the hardware's doing, I have played numerous 3DS games in full 3D for hour upon hour without suffering any problems. If you want to play this game in 3D do not go higher than half way on the slider (this is different to everyone though).
Game-Play
The game-play is the best part of the Pilotwings Resort experience, it is divided into two sections Mission mode and Free-flight mode.
Mission mode is exactly what it says on the tin. You have a set of missions to complete in one section. After you complete a certain number you move onto the next section and then so on. After each mission you will receive a score and a star rating. The problem with mission mode is that it will take a slightly experienced gamer only a few hours to complete and the only drive to keep playing the mode is if you are a perfectionist.
Free-flight mode is a fun and very casual mode. You chose your vehicle (plane, hang-gilder rocket belt) and then fly freely for a set time collecting various items that unlock things for the game. This mode will last you a while if you are a gamer who loves collecting things but otherwise this is very lackluster and you will be bored in less then an hour.
Verdict
While this game is very fun to play it will not last you a long time, if you can pick it up for £10 or less go for it. Just don't expect a lot from this game.
6/10
