Pilotwings is one Nintendo’s more interesting properties. Ever since it launched in SNES, it gained quite a following of fans since it was presented as a objective based flight simulator. The solid game play and overall fun helped Nintendo to make two more games in the series. The last one being the 3DS version. Now, if you have been waiting for a game to scratch that Pilotwings itch on your Nintendo Switch, Pilot Sports is here to scratch it. And, personally I see Pilot Sports like a homage to Pilotwings instead of a clone.
Pilot Sports is a objective-based arcade flight simulator in which you choose one of eight different pilots–from a businessman to a gothic lolita–and take part in a series of challenges, using four different means of air transport: a plane, jet pack, hang glider (with two types) and skydiving/parachute. The action is presented across 50 levels in which you must complete all challenges in each stage to unlock the next one. It’s worth mentioning that just getting close to target times or points isn’t enough to unlock the next one, since depending on how well you do it you will be awarded medals. With enough medals, you unlock the next stage. I like that you must do the best to improve your game play to unlock more stages, and the challenges have enough balance to be fair but hard to master. Personally, I really enjoyed the hang glider and jetpack stage, since I believe that they require a little more skill to play. This is required even more in stages in which you must get as far as possible with the hang glider taking advantage of wind bursts, and passing through rings to increase your time with the jetpack trying to move around collecting items all while managing your fuel (this screams Pilotwings, and its not a bad thing).
And, if you think alone is fun, imagine the challenge of competing to other three players in a four player showdown to see who is the best pilot in split screen action. I honestly enjoyed playing with my kid and nephews, so for families, you can’t go wrong here.
Graphically, the game looks good. It has a cartoony vibe, and that’s thanks to the cell-shaded graphics. The music is really mellow. I think it goes well with the game, since I feel that this is a game you can relax to after a long day at work or to have a healthy competition with the kids or friends. And, the simple but well done controls mean that everyone can have fun, even if getting all medals requires skills. However, once you get the hang of it is smooth flying.
Bottom Line: Pilot Sports is a game that pays homage to Pilotwings. Fans of the series will find that the game play is simple but fun, and while it sometimes feels and looks like the aforementioned, I feel that the developers managed to capture the spirit of what made Pilotwings so fun. I definitely recommend it if you want to scratch your Pilotwings itch.