Pilotwings is a series that, after capturing hearts on Super NES, has failed to establish itself fully as a franchise. There was Pilotwings 64, and then after a long wait there was Pilotwings Resort, a 3DS launch title that took placed in and around Wuhu Island from Wii Sports Resort. Like some other much-loved Nintendo IPs, it's struggled to stay in flight after a promising take-off.
It could have been rather different, though, as Factor 5 - the studio that did an amazing job with Star Wars: Rogue Squadron games, in particular - was once particularly keen to make a Pilotwings game for GameCube. It was much rumoured at the time, though details were sketchy and - with the decline of its target system playing a part - it ended up on the cutting room floor.
There is an interesting story behind it, though, and Nintendo Life contributor and friend Liam Robertson has published an Unseen64 episode about this game on his YouTube channel. He spoke to those involved and learned more about the bold concept Factor 5 had for a Pilotwings game, and why it ultimately fell through.
Check it out below.
Comments 20
Pilotwings Resort is a fun game; it's incredibly relaxing game that also uses 3D fantastically! It's short, but sweet.
I hope Pilotwings 64 will be released for Wii U!
I don't like to think about "Pilotwings" much nowadays because it hurts almost as much as "F-Zero": Nintendo simply does not give us the core fans a game worthy of their name. A Factor 5 GameCube developed "Pilotwings"? You can bet I would have been all over that one.
I really wish Pilotwings 64 would come to WiiU already. Resort is an awesome small version of it all, I've played it frequently. Even though I love this small series so much, it's a niche game. Not many people care. Nowadays it's even harder to do a full release of this series in the state it's in. PW Resort was bundled with the 3DS for a while so it was "free" which was better than paying $30 full retail for it.
Factor 5 would have been a good fit for Nintendo And maybe a Pilot Wings collaboration would have started an exclusive relationship but it wasn't meant to be. Too bad.
As an aerospace engineer and a lover of aviation, especially the 50s/60s era, I would have gone crazy over a The Right Stuff video game or one based on it.
T'was not to be; maybe it'll appear on PC at some point as I doubt any console publisher would feel such a game would have enough of a large market appeal.
At the very least Pilotwings GCN by F5 would stand shoulder with games released today.
I'd imagine the technical skills on show by F5 were unfortunately too far advanced for Nintendo to accept. Hell the Rogue Squadron series on GCN has more advanced texturing, lighting and draw distances on display than the LOZ remaster on display recently....
Real shame sounds like both Factor 5 and Nintendo were as giddy as one can believe over this idea. This is a case of exterior meddling that canned this one. Real shame too because I know my brother and I would had been all over this as we were huge Rogue Squadron fans and this sounds like a dream game. Alas I guess it must remain one.
Well, I myself would rather see a new Pilotwings over a new Mario Tennis or Animal Crossing. I understand Nintendo will deliver the more profitible franchises though. Too bad, I always considered Pilotwings one of the main franchises.
I imagine this would have been an awesome Pilotwings. I loved Pilotwings 64, and I love Pilotwings Resort as well.
I've never played one, but want to. Nintendo + flight simulator = awesome!
I should have known that you guys would be all over this with your puns
@Wexter Rouge Squadron? Glad they never made that version. Would give a whole different meaning to "having someone on your tail"...
Wasn't there a Wii Pilotwings with terrible controls i.e skydive by holding the Wiimote like a skydiver voodoo doll?
@TheRealThanos Sorry typo
@Wexter Not to worry, was just pulling your leg...
I beat the snes one several times. I loved the 64 one. The real spirit of the game is the smooth jazz music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7QZ99B4M98
@iflywright I agree completely. I thought Pilotwings Resort was good but seriously could have used more content. The N64 had a mini USA map and this had Wuhu island alone (and a mini island) pretty disappointing.
@Nintenjoe64 No just some mini games in Wii Sports Resort.
@Mario-Man-Child Yeah I was expecting at least a screenshot or something, not just footage of other games. If it was there I couldn't get past around 5 minutes.
You can't expect every new ip that Nintendo creates to have the same success as Mario or Zelda, so you just have to enjoy the games you get when you get them. Which reminds me, Steel Diver: Sub Wars is AWESOME!
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