Pilotwings
| |
| Pilotwings | |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| System | Super NES, Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U, 3DS) |
| Release Date | Super NES JP December 21, 1990 US August 13, 1991 EU January 21, 1993 Wii Virtual Console EU August 21, 2009 US December 28, 2009 JP April 6, 2010 Wii U Virtual Console JP May 29, 2013 US/PAL July 4, 2013 3DS Virtual Console US March 3, 2016 JP April 6, 2016 PAL April 14, 2016 |
| Rating | ESRB: E |
Pilotwings is a flight simulator. It's one of the well-known games, along with F-Zero, that used Mode 7 graphics to create a 3D effect without true 3D.
Gameplay[edit]
Pilotwings consists of a series of training areas. In each training area, the player must complete several objectives, which usually requires the player to fly through a series of rings. After each objective is completed, the player's total score is tallied. If it's high enough, the player passes.
After passing four training areas, the player gets to play a bonus mission in an attack helicopter. If they beat this level, the player enters Pilotwings EXPERT. Pilotwings EXPERT also has four training areas and a helicopter level; however, the score requirements are higher and the weather conditions are harsher.
The main vehicles the player gets to pilot are the Light Plane, Rocket Belt, Hang Glider, Helicopter, and Skydiving. If you land on a moving platform, you also play a bonus game featuring a penguin, a guy on a trampoline, and a birdman.
Legacy[edit]
Ports and Remakes[edit]
- It has been released for download on the Nintendo Wii, Wii U and New 3DS as part of every iteration of the Virtual Console program: the Wii Virtual Console in 2009, the Wii U Virtual Console in 2013 and the 3DS Virtual Console in 2016.
- In September 2019, it was among the first wave of Super NES games that were made available to play on the Nintendo Switch for anyone subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online service. This version included two player and online options.
Sequels[edit]
It received a successor on the Nintendo 64 in 1996 that was called Pilotwings 64. Afterwards, it went without another game until 2011, when Pilotwings Resort was released for the Nintendo 3DS.
Homages/References[edit]
- A stage based on Pilotwings would later be included in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.