Considering this game is almost two years old, you have to ask yourself, why would anyone review it this late in its lifespan? Well, because it's a great game. I know many of you are just buying the N64 now and may be quick to ignore the "old" games. But a great game is a great game! How many of you wouldn't play Super Mario 64 if you bought the system today because that game is nearing the two year old mark? Case closed on that argument. Super Mario is the reason many of us rushed out and bought this system way back in September 96. For me, I had another reason: Pilotwings 64.
Back in August/96 I had the opportunity to rent a Japanese N64 system with Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64. I found myself playing both games equally as much. I once heard Roger Ebert (movie reviewer) say that he wished he could watch Citizen Kane again for the first time. I know what he means. I wish I could play Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64 again for the first time. What a feeling of complete and total awe. Those moments are extremely rare in this day and age.
Pilotwings for those who may be uninitiated is a flight sim of sorts that puts you in control of some great flying machines: A hang glider, jet pack and gyrocopter. The game takes place on four islands: Crescent Island, Little States, Everfrost & Holiday. Each has their own theme and objectives that you must complete. Scoring is based on points for completing objectives. Depending on how you fare you may earn a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal for your efforts. Score Silver or Gold in all of the categories and you will graduate to a new island. Of course, if you get Gold in all three of the aircrafts, you will be awarded with something extra special, like the opportunity to try some new challenges that offer different ways of flying.
Each aircraft handles differently and therefore provides unique challenges. The Hang-glider is the hardest to control at first because you must find thermal drafts that will keep you afloat. The Rocketbelt (jetpack) is the most maneuverable due to the fact that the Z button acts as a brake that will stop you in mid-air. The Gyrocopter handles very well and allows for some great sight seeing over the islands. Which brings me to my next point: This game allows you to blow out the level objectives and just fly and explore. For that reason alone, this game is worth the price of admission. If you see a building you can land on it. If you see something in the distant, you can fly to it. The level of interaction is astounding. You have to play it to believe it. In the case of Little States, this is a scaled down version of the U.S. complete with New York, L.A, Seattle, Washington, The Whitehouse, Hoover Dam, Mt. Rushmore and much more! This island in terms of size is approx. 30 miles by 50 miles in game scale which is unbelievable!! I'm still findings things I hadn't noticed before! There are quite a few hidden secrets to be found such as floating yellow stars that you can fly into... wonder what they do?
Along with the craft selection and Island selection there of course is the obligatory character selection which offers up 6 to choose from. As you would expect, certain characters are better at handling certain machines. Hawk , the biggest guy, is strong and can turn quickly, but he's heavy and not so great at the hang glider. You get the picture.
If you can't tell, I have strong feelings for this game. Everything is executed beautifully. The graphics are great, the music is good (especially relaxing on the birdman stages....), the variety keeps you interested, the challenge is high but not impossible and the control is spot on. What more can you ask for? Some games don't have ANY of those qualities. As far as I'm concerned this game is just as much a masterpiece as Super Mario 64, for different reasons obviously.
Due to the age of this game it would be quite easy to pick this up used almost anywhere at a great price. If you have avoided it for any reason without trying it, rent it for a few days and discover that this game is more than just a graphics demo for N64. It has great depth. I'm quite surprised that this game isn't part of the Million Sellers club that has a reduced price tag. You can't tell me that this game didn't sell 1 million copies in North America... Come on, it was the only available game next to Super Mario 64 at the time of release.
This game holds its own against second generation N64 games like Goldeneye and Diddy Kong without breaking a sweat. Paradigm Software should be applauded for it's efforts! It's the most realistic flying I've ever encountered in a video game. And it's offered up some of the most fun I've ever had too.
Final Prognosis: Buy it! You should own it. Buy it used though, cuz it's out there.