PilotWings Resort (Nintendo 3DS)

As one of the 3DS' launch games, Pilotwings Resort not only had to live up to the it's well loved forbearers (Pilotwings and Pilotwings 64), but also had to show off the abilities of the new 3DS, whilst still being a fun game. Has it achieved this goal. Almost, but not quite.

Pilotwings Resort has no element of plot whatsoever. The game just dumps you on Wuhu island, and tells you to get on with it. Of course, the setting will be very familiar to anyone who has played Wii Sports Resort. Indeed, this game is essentially and extended version of Sports Resort’s flying minigame.

There are two main modes. Mission mode is the more focused element of the game, giving you specific tasks to do, such as flying through rings, shooting targets and performing stunts. These are split into 6 different vehicle types. 3 are available from the start, and 3 are unlocked later. You start off with the Plane, Glider and Jetpack, with the Plane being the Beginner friendly machine, the Jetpack being for more intermediate player, and the Glider being for the expert. All are fun to use, although the Jet Pack and Glider can get a little frustrating.

The other mode is free flight, which serves more as a distraction from the main game. In this mode, you can fly around the Island and explore, albeit with a time limit. The time limit starts off very short, but as you pop more silver balloons it gradually increases.

Pilotwings, of course, has to also show of what the 3DS can do. It does this relatively well. Wuhu Island looks great, particularly at sunset, and there are loads of hidden secrets and eater eggs tucked away for you to discover. I would even go as ar as to say this is one of the best looking 3DS games! However, the main thing this game had to use well was the 3D, and, sadly, this is where it falls. The 3D is simply too strong. Play with it full for longer than 10 minutes and you’ll get double vision and your eyes will start hurting. This aspect has been done very poorly

Pilotwings Resort is an enjoyable game. However, it gets very frustrating very quickly and hurts your eyes after ten minutes of playing. Not to mention you’ll feel you’ve seen all the game has to offer long before you complete it.