Does this launch title soar or crash?
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/25758
Pilotwings Resort is, at its base, a wonderful showpiece for the 3DS. The graphics pop almost literally, and the 3D actually affects the gameplay in subtle ways, giving you a wondrous sense of depth. In more detail, Pilotwings Resort is a playful flight simulation focused on exploration and high score chasing that, while a little on the short side, is a full-featured quality launch title.
Technically, this is the newest Pilotwings game since the launch of the Nintendo 64, but this title is more of a sequel to Wii Sports Resort, as it features the same locale and graphical style as the Wii MotionPlus showcase title. It takes the Air Sports segment of the game and turns it into a full experience, with two main modes: Mission and Free Flight. Consisting of more than 30 stages, the Mission mode allows you to utilize three types of vehicles. Free Flight lets you take those vehicles out for a leisurely spin in two or more minute runs while you collect various trinkets to unlock throwaway content.
The three vehicles all control differently, and feature a few variations. The plane controls simply, with automatic acceleration, a boost, and a brake. The rocket belt, a known commodity to Pilotwings veterans, is trickier to control, requiring players to angle the jet pack's thrusters to propel their character. However, it is a fun challenge, especially since you can make use of the 3D to accurately see where you're moving. The third vehicle, the hang glider, is based around hitting pockets of hot air that elevate you, and then using the gained altitude wisely to complete goals. Each vehicle features a variation, including the jet plane, the skydiving squirrel suit, and the pedal glider.
The missions are varied, and none of them feel repetitive. While the number of missions might be low, there isn't a lot of fluff, making Pilotwings Resort's missions a focused experience. It gets very difficult in the final stages, and the quest for the perfect run in each mission is alluring.
Free Flight takes the structure of the missions and throws it out the window. Instead, completionists can rejoice as each vehicle has its own specific set of items to discover on Wuhu Island. The information points that served as the crux of Wii Sports Resort's Air Sports section return, and some of them are humorously updated to reflect the passage of time since the prior game.
The world, while a little less active than it was on Wii, is lovely to look at, especially when you throw in the beautiful particle effects that are bolstered by the 3D. It's one of the first games that has made me enjoy a lens flare because of how it looks on the 3D screen. The sound is equal parts gentle and intense, ramping up for more difficult missions and slowing down for Free Flight.
If you enjoyed the other Pilotwings titles and/or Air Sports in Wii Sports Resort, then Pilotwings Resort is right for you. The subtle ways that the 3D affects the gameplay, combined with the excellent controls and mission variety, makes for a great experience.
When I retire, I'm going to move to Wuhu Island.We can both become cheap alcoholics and sleep in the sword fighting arena! "You wanna sword ffphight? I'll give ya a sthworr*grumbles and grabs crotch before passing out.*" Ah, the dream. :D
It's not really the length of the game that bothers me as much as the scope. Pilotwings only had around twelve missions but they were spread out over multiple areas and as you progressed you unlocked different vehicles that completely changed the way the game was played. The birdman, cannon, skydiving, and...jump boot things...were all completely different game modes that added a lot of value even if they were "extras."
So yeah, Pilotwings Resort might actually be longer because it has twice as many missions and a free flight mode with actual goals, but they still limit you to one area (WHICH WE'VE ALREADY EXPLORED) and no extra game play options.
I guess I was a bit harsh earlier but I'm still pretty upset at the missed opportunity. But I shouldn't complain about what could have been and instead enjoy the game as it is. I know I'll have fun with it but at the back of my mind I'll always wish there was more.
I, too, am a bit saddened by the lack of content here, but launch titles have never really been huge games. With the exception of Super Mario 64 DS, most of Nintendo's first-party launch games have all been rather sparse.
I wasn't directly comparing those games. If you want to be that anal, then I'll only compare it to Excite Truck, which had an aborted two-player mode as its addition to the main game. I'd rather have the Free Flight than a crappy two-player mode.
Also, re:Madden, that is true. I assume you're trying to make some point that both of these games should have the same score or something. They shouldn't, because Pilotwings is a much better game.