Pilotwings Resort
Encyclopedia
is a flight simulation
video game for the Nintendo 3DS
handheld game console
, developed by Monster Games
and published by Nintendo
. It is a sequel to the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
(SNES) game Pilotwings
and the 1996 Nintendo 64
game Pilotwings 64
. Similarly to its predecessors, it was confirmed as a launch title in North America and Europe. In Japan, Australia, and New Zealand it was released on April 14, 2011.
at the E3 2010, where a playable demo was featured that revealed the return of plane
and rocket belt
missions. Later media unveiled the return of the hang gliding
missions as well. Pilotwings Resort is the first Nintendo 3DS game to feature Mii
characters, and is set upon the fictional Wuhu Island, which was originally featured in Wii Fit
(Plus
) and Wii Sports Resort
. The latter had featured its own flight sporting event, which was adapted for this game.
, was generally positive. It received an 8/10, stating "...Pilotwings ultimately hits an enjoyable sweet spot. It's intricate enough to encourage mastery, and roomy enough to tempt you back after the main event, while the skilfully simple presentation makes it perfect for demonstrating your latest gadget's 3D capabilities." Official Nintendo Magazine's review was also relatively positive. They gave it 81%, saying "Pilotwings Resort is a lovely game, with its beautiful 3D vistas and responsive, satisfying controls. We only wish there was more of it." Their verdict was, "While this looks and feels amazing, there just isn't quite enough." IGN
gave the game a 7/10, criticizing the lack of multiplayer, but also noting that "there is a definitely benefit in using 3D." GameSpot
scored it a 6.5/10. They praised the game for intuitive controls, enjoyable missions, and pleasing visuals, but the game was too short, didn't have enough content, and no high score sharing.
Pilotwings Resort sold an initial 26,554 units in Japan during its debut week, making it the best-selling 3DS game and the sixth-best selling game overall for that week. However, sales quickly tapered off, with the game having sold just 57,846 copies in the region by its fifth week.
Flight simulator
A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and various aspects of the flight environment. This includes the equations that govern how aircraft fly, how they react to applications of their controls and other aircraft systems, and how they react to the external...
video game for the Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
handheld game console
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
, developed by Monster Games
Monster Games
Monster Games, Inc. is an independent video game development studio in Northfield, Minnesota, USA that specializes in racing games. The company was founded in 1996.-Games developed:*1998 - Viper Racing *2000 - NASCAR Heat...
and published by Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
. It is a sequel to the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
(SNES) game Pilotwings
Pilotwings
is a video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System . It was developed by Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis and Development division, led by producer Shigeru Miyamoto. The game was originally released in Japan on December 21, 1990, shortly after the launch of the SNES...
and the 1996 Nintendo 64
Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
game Pilotwings 64
Pilotwings 64
is a video game for the Nintendo 64, originally released in 1996 along with the debut of the console. The game was co-developed by Nintendo and the American visual technology group Paradigm Simulation. It was one of three launch titles for the Nintendo 64 in Japan as well as Europe and one of two...
. Similarly to its predecessors, it was confirmed as a launch title in North America and Europe. In Japan, Australia, and New Zealand it was released on April 14, 2011.
Gameplay
Pilotwings Resort contains two modes of play. The first, "Free Flight Mode", allows the player to freely explore Wuhu Island using any type of aircraft. Various collectible such as balloons and stunt rings can be picked up to unlock certain features in the game, but there is a time limit. The second, "Mission Flight Mode", requires the player to complete a series of objectives within certain parameters. These increasingly difficult missions span Training, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond classes. The player is graded between one and three stars on their performance in each mission.Development
Pilotwings Resort was announced by NintendoNintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
at the E3 2010, where a playable demo was featured that revealed the return of plane
Fixed-wing aircraft
A fixed-wing aircraft is an aircraft capable of flight using wings that generate lift due to the vehicle's forward airspeed. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft in which wings rotate about a fixed mast and ornithopters in which lift is generated by flapping wings.A powered...
and rocket belt
Jet pack
Jet pack, rocket belt, rocket pack, and similar names are various types of devices, usually worn on the back, that are propelled by jets of escaping gases so as to allow a single user to fly....
missions. Later media unveiled the return of the hang gliding
Hang gliding
Hang gliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a light and unmotorized foot-launchable aircraft called a hang glider ....
missions as well. Pilotwings Resort is the first Nintendo 3DS game to feature Mii
Mii
A is a digital avatar used in Nintendo's Wii and Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. They allow users to capture a likeness of themselves and others. After creating one using the Wii's Mii Channel or the Nintendo 3DS's Mii Maker, they can be used as playable characters in various titles for the...
characters, and is set upon the fictional Wuhu Island, which was originally featured in Wii Fit
Wii Fit
is a video game developed by Nintendo for the company's home video game console, Wii, designed by Hiroshi Matsunaga. It is an exercise game consisting of activities using the Wii Balance Board peripheral...
(Plus
Wii Fit Plus
is a fitness video game by Nintendo for the Wii console. The game is an enhanced version of Wii Fit and was announced at Nintendo's E3 2009 media briefing on June 2, 2009. The game was released in Japan on October 1, 2009 and in North America three days later on October 4. It was released in South...
) and Wii Sports Resort
Wii Sports Resort
Wii Sports Resort has received generally favorable reviews, with an average score on Metacritic of 80%. IGN gave it a 7.7 out of 10, citing the impressive fidelity of the controls and how the graphics, as compared to the majority of Wii games, were superb. GameTrailers gave an 8.6 out of 10....
. The latter had featured its own flight sporting event, which was adapted for this game.
Reception
The game's first review, from EurogamerEurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
, was generally positive. It received an 8/10, stating "...Pilotwings ultimately hits an enjoyable sweet spot. It's intricate enough to encourage mastery, and roomy enough to tempt you back after the main event, while the skilfully simple presentation makes it perfect for demonstrating your latest gadget's 3D capabilities." Official Nintendo Magazine's review was also relatively positive. They gave it 81%, saying "Pilotwings Resort is a lovely game, with its beautiful 3D vistas and responsive, satisfying controls. We only wish there was more of it." Their verdict was, "While this looks and feels amazing, there just isn't quite enough." IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave the game a 7/10, criticizing the lack of multiplayer, but also noting that "there is a definitely benefit in using 3D." GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
scored it a 6.5/10. They praised the game for intuitive controls, enjoyable missions, and pleasing visuals, but the game was too short, didn't have enough content, and no high score sharing.
Pilotwings Resort sold an initial 26,554 units in Japan during its debut week, making it the best-selling 3DS game and the sixth-best selling game overall for that week. However, sales quickly tapered off, with the game having sold just 57,846 copies in the region by its fifth week.