Review: Pilotwings Resort (3DS)

Every gamer has their wish-list of games that they pray get sequels someday. For me, my wish-list includes sequels to Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, Panzer Dragoon, and of course the last game in the “Legacy of Kain” series. Most, if not all of these, will unfortunately stay exactly that, just wishes. However, up until recently, another Pilotwings game was also on my list. With the recent release of the Nintendo 3DS, one of my gaming wishes finally came true, so it just goes to show you that good things come to those that wait.

The Pilotwings series has been absent from gaming for a long, LONG time. 15 years to be precise. The first two games were released on the SNES & N64, and were praised for their beautiful graphics, breathtaking visuals (at the time), and fun, enjoyable gameplay. Pilotwings Resort continues this tradition, masterfully taking full advantage of the 3DS's capabilities.

Pilotwings Resort is set on Wuhu Island (the island environment first introduced in Wii Fit), as you pilot either an airplane, hang-glider, or jet-pack around the island in one of two different gameplay modes. The first is "Mission Flight", which requires you to complete a series of objectives (such as fly through all the rings, or land within the target zone) within the time limit. “Mission Flight” mode spans Training, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond classes, with each of these classes containing two to three missions for each of the different aircraft types, each more challenging than the last. You are graded between one and three stars on your performance in each mission. Three additional aircraft can be unlocked if you are able to get perfect rankings in all of the game's different difficulty classes. The second gameplay mode is "Free Flight", which lets you freely explore Wuhu Island using any aircraft, simply enjoying the scenery. You can also search around the island for different collectibles that can be picked up to unlock extra features in the game.  It may be a simple gameplay mechanic, but it is one that most assuredly falls into the “simple to play, difficult to master” category.

Graphically the game looks really nice, better than some Wii games in fact, and I am really excited to see what kind of performance developers are going to be able to get out of the 3DS hardware, especially considering that this a launch title. As far as the 3D effect goes, Pilotwings Resort uses it effortlessly. In fact, the game absolutely has to be played using the 3D, otherwise it appears to be flat and lifeless, and loses a lot of the fun that flying around the island gives you. However, I can say that after about 45 minutes I started to get a headache from the 3D effect. On the plus side, playing in short stretches is a nice fit for the gameplay style of Pilotwings Resort.

I have such fond memories of playing the original Pilotwings & Pilotwings 64, and I am happy to say that the third entry in the series definitely does not disappoint. If you own a 3DS and are looking for something to play (while we all wait for the remake of Ocarina of Time to come out) do yourself a favor and pick up Pilotwings Resort. You'll be glad you did.

 Submitted By: Aaron McKeever (Employee)