View source for Pilotwings 64

{{Short description|1996 Nintendo 64 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = Pilotwings 64 box.jpg
| alt = The image shows a stylized title displaying "Pilotwings 64" in blue and red text. Two characters pose on the far left beside a yellow and checkerboard-colored autogyro. A third character is running from the right side of the foreground toward the others. On the right are the logos "Only for Nintendo 64" under a peeled away portion of the image and "K–A ESRB" set within a red tint.
| caption = North American box art
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development|Nintendo EAD]]|[[Nintendo R&D3]]|[[Paradigm Simulation]]}}
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = Makoto Wada
| producer = [[Genyo Takeda]]<br>[[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
| artist = Yoshiyuki Kato<br>Hiroaki Takenaka
| composer = Dan Hess
| platforms = [[Nintendo 64]]
| series = ''[[Pilotwings]]''
| released = {{vgrelease|JP|June 23, 1996<ref name="JPlaunch">{{cite web | title=Nintendo 64 | url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/index.html | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | language=ja | access-date=2010-01-24 | archive-date=2010-02-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209203150/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/index.html | url-status=live }}</ref>|NA|September 29, 1996<ref name="NAlaunch">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=September 26, 1996 | title=Nintendo 64 Breaks Loose | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060305p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2010-01-24 | archive-date=2012-04-02 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402235605/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060305p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>|PAL|March 1, 1997<ref name="EUlaunch">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=February 28, 1997 | title=N64 Launches in Europe Saturday | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060567p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2010-01-24 | archive-date=2012-04-02 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402235138/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060567p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Flight simulation video game|Flight simulation]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| title = Pilotwings 64
| designer = Makoto Wada
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Pilotwings 64'''''|パイロットウイングス64|Pairottouingusu Rokujūyon|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1996 [[flight simulation video game]] developed by [[Nintendo]] and [[Paradigm Entertainment|Paradigm Simulation]] and published by Nintendo for the [[Nintendo 64]]. It was one of three [[launch game|launch titles]] for the Nintendo 64 in Japan as well as Europe and one of two launch titles in North America, along with ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. ''Pilotwings 64'' is a [[sequel]] to ''[[Pilotwings (video game)|Pilotwings]]'' for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], which was a North American launch game for its respective console in 1991. Also like that game, ''Pilotwings 64'' received production input from Nintendo producer and EAD General Manager [[Shigeru Miyamoto]].

''Pilotwings 64'' puts the player in control of one of six pilots as they try to earn [[Pilot licensing and certification|pilot licenses]] through various forms of aviation. The events are flying an [[autogyro]], using a [[jet pack]], and [[hang gliding]]. Several bonus tasks are offered, such as [[Parachuting|skydiving]] and a [[human cannonball]] test. The game also puts focus on allowing the player to freely explore its detailed 3D environments, most notably a miniature representation of the [[United States]].

The game received positive review scores and praise from gaming publications and news sources alike for its visual presentation and flying controls. Similar to its SNES predecessor, ''Pilotwings 64'' serves to demonstrate the graphical capabilities of its gaming hardware. Although the flight simulator did not enjoy the same commercial success as its fellow launch game ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', ''Pilotwings 64'' nonetheless went on to sell over one million copies worldwide. The game received its first official re-release on the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on October 13, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=N64 classic Goldeneye 007 headed to Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/n64-classic-goldeneye-007-headed-to-nintendo-switch-online-and-xbox-game-pass|last=Phillips|first=Tom|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=September 13, 2022|archive-date=September 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914162348/https://www.eurogamer.net/n64-classic-goldeneye-007-headed-to-nintendo-switch-online-and-xbox-game-pass|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[File:Pilotwings 64 hang glider.jpg|thumb|left|Piloting the hang glider, the player navigates a series of descending rings along a river.|alt=The screenshot shows a character in a red hang glider descending along an icy river between two snow-covered mountains. Green rings made up of yellow triangles accent the desired path. A radar is displayed at the top right. The character's time is on the top left. The character's speed, number of available photographs, and altitude are displayed at the bottom.]]
''Pilotwings 64'' is a [[flight simulator]] in which the player must complete a variety of missions involving different airborne vehicles and [[air sports]]. Before each mission, the player must choose one of six character pilots, each with their own advantages and disadvantages based on factors such as weight.<ref name="NPfeature">{{cite magazine | title=Now Playing | date=September 1996 | issue=88 | pages=24–31 |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] | publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref><ref name="nextgenmag">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Next Generation Magazine]] | publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] | date=August 1996 | title=NG Alphas: Pilotwings 64 | volume=2 | issue=20 | pages=69–72}}</ref> Tests before each event require the player to complete an objective in order to earn a [[Pilot licensing and certification|license]] for the event. Depending on the mission, points are awarded or deducted based on time, damage, fuel usage, accuracy, softness of landing, and similar criteria. The player is awarded a bronze, silver, or gold license based on the number of points attained.<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref name="EGMfeature">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | title=Special Features: Pilotwings 64 | pages=63–65 | issue=86 | date=September 1996 | publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> More difficult tests become available as the player progresses.

There are three main events in ''Pilotwings 64'' required to complete the game, each of which has its own objectives and unique flight controls using the [[Nintendo 64 controller]]'s single analog stick. The first event, [[hang gliding]], usually requires the player to fly through a series of floating marker rings or snap a photograph of a particular piece of scenery before landing on a target area.<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref name="EGMfeature"/> The player's movement is affected by wind currents, and altitude can be gained by flying through [[thermal|thermal columns]]. The second event is the "Rocket Belt", a [[jet pack]] that allows the player to move and gain height as well as hover, tilt, and rotate in the air using the belt's equipped thrusters. Goals entail flying through rings, landing on floating platforms or popping large balloons before landing.<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref name="EGMfeature"/> The third event, the [[Autogyro|gyrocopter]], challenges the player to take off and land on a runway after completing objectives like navigating a path of rings or destroying targets with missiles.<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref name="EGMfeature"/>

''Pilotwings 64'' also features several [[Bonus stage|bonus]] events that are unlocked if the player performs well in the main missions.<ref name="NPfeature"/> The player can also earn medals in many of these events. They include [[Parachuting|skydiving]], a [[human cannonball]] event, and the "Jumble Hopper", which grants the player special spring-loaded boots use in bouncing across the landscape to an end space.<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref name="EGMfeature"/> Lastly, ''Pilotwings 64'' features a "Birdman" mode that puts the character in a bird suit and gives players the opportunity to freely explore the game's detailed, object-dense environments set among its four distinct islands.<ref name="NPfeature"/> One of the islands is based on the United States, and has geographical replications of famous landmarks including the [[Statue of Liberty]] and [[Mount Rushmore]] (with [[Mario]]'s face replacing [[George Washington]]'s) and major cities such as [[Los Angeles]], [[Chicago]], and [[New York City]].<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref name="nextgenmag"/><ref name="EGMfeature"/> Representations of Nintendo characters and many other quirks can be found in the landscapes of the game.

==Development==
''Pilotwings 64'' was co-developed by the [[Texas]]-based graphics company [[Paradigm Entertainment|Paradigm Simulation]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development|Entertainment Analysis & Development]] (EAD) and [[Nintendo Integrated Research & Development|Research and Development No. 3]] (R&D3) divisions. Due to Paradigm's experience with [[Silicon Graphics]] workstations, Nintendo contacted the American company in 1994 concerning it becoming one of the Nintendo 64's "Dream Team" of first developers.<ref name="EGMfeature"/><ref name="qanda">{{cite web | author=Carless, Simon | author-link=Simon Carless | date=July 26, 2006 | title=Q&A: Paradigm Entertainment On Stuntman, Pilot Wings | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php/news_product_index.php?story=10220 | website=[[Gamasutra]] | access-date=2009-11-21 | archive-date=2012-10-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018080520/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php/news_product_index.php?story=10220 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly | title=Press Start: Nintendo And Paradigm Team Up To Make Ultra 64 Flight Simulator | page=60 | issue=66 | date=January 1995 | publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref> Paradigm worked directly with a team at Silicon Graphics and spent nine months developing a technology base for ''Pilotwings 64'' and Paradigm's other Nintendo 64 releases. Development on ''Pilotwings 64'' began in earnest during June 1995, with Nintendo working on the game design and Paradigm working on the technical production.<ref name="qanda"/> Nintendo's [[Genyo Takeda]] and Makoto Wada acted as Paradigm's primary technical and design contacts individually.<ref name="qanda"/> Wada, the game's director, was also involved in design aspects such as modeling and animation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wii Music — A First Time for Everyone |url=http://uk.wii.com/wii/en_GB/software/wii_music_interview_volume_2_1900.html |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=2010-04-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221162110/http://uk.wii.com/wii/en_GB/software/wii_music_interview_volume_2_1900.html |archive-date=February 21, 2009 }}</ref> [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the producer of ''[[Pilotwings (video game)|Pilotwings]]'' for the SNES, reprised his role for ''Pilotwings 64'' and oversaw the project from Japan. Miyamoto's involvement was more removed than with the SNES game due to his simultaneous work on the platform game ''[[Super Mario 64]]''.<ref name="EGMfeature"/><ref name="spaceworld">{{cite magazine | title=Out of the Shadows: Nintendo 64 Debuts in Japan |magazine=Nintendo Power | issue=80 | publisher=Nintendo of America | pages=25–28 | date=January 1996}}</ref>
{{Quote box |bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |width=30em|It's difficult to explain, but the feeling of the flight simulation is very realistic. You can glide down from the top of a mountain, then turn around and look back up at the peak and say, "Hey, I was just up there." It's that real.|Shigeru Miyamoto, June 1996<ref name="funmachine">{{cite magazine | title=The Fun Machine |magazine=Nintendo Power | issue=85 | publisher=Nintendo of America | pages=14–30 | date=June 1996}}</ref>}}
According to Miyamoto, ''Pilotwings 64'' was designed to allow gamers to experience free flight in realistic 3D environments on the Nintendo 64.<ref name="funmachine"/> Prior to the game's conception, Paradigm had worked on military vehicle and flight simulators, but not video games. Dave Gatchel of Paradigm disclosed that with regard to creating the game, they began with a "physics-based approach", but deviated from this in order to gain a balance between accuracy and fun for players.<ref name="EGMfeature"/> He indicated that there was never an issue as to whether ''Pilotwings 64'' should be more of an [[arcade game]] or a simulation, as their goal was to "always have a more arcade feel".<ref name="qanda"/> The technical team studied the original ''Pilotwings'' extensively during development.<ref name="EGMfeature"/><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Paradigm Simulation |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=16|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=April 1996|pages=78–79}}</ref>

''Pilotwings'' on the SNES makes use of the power of the 16-bit console, principally its [[Mode 7]] capability.<ref name="nextgenmag"/><ref>{{cite web | author=Parish, Jeremy | date=November 14, 2006 | title=Out to Launch: Wii – What Lessons Can Nintendo Learn From its Past System Launches? | url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3155264 | website=[[1UP.com]] | access-date=2010-01-23 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819040529/http://www.1up.com/features/launch-wii | archive-date=August 19, 2012 }}</ref> Similarly, ''Pilotwings 64'' prominently demonstrates the graphical features of its own console. Gatchel suggested that just as design elements present in the game generated its production requirements, these same elements were influenced by the Nintendo 64's technology during development.{{cn|date=December 2024}} The large islands within the game were created using Paradigm's own 3D development tool Vega UltraVision.<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Paradigm Simulation Inc.: The Flight Crew |magazine=Nintendo Power | issue=86 | publisher=Nintendo of America | page=33 | date=July 1996}}</ref> Navigation of these environments is relatively smooth thanks to ''Pilotwings 64'' taking advantage of several key Nintendo 64 hardware features.<ref name="nextgenmag"/> Conventional [[Level of detail (computer graphics)|level of detail]] and [[mipmap]]ping were used to reduce the computational load of distant landscape objects and terrains when they were rendered. The processes respectively substitute simpler geometrical shapes for more complex ones and less detailed textures for more detailed ones, lowering the [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygon]] count and [[3D rendering]] time for a given frame and thus putting less demand on the geometric engine.<ref name="nextgenmag"/> ''Pilotwings 64'' also applies [[z-buffering]], which keeps track of an object's depth and tells the graphics processor which portions of the object to render and which to hide. This, along with [[texture filtering]] and [[Spatial anti-aliasing|anti-aliasing]], makes the object appear solid and smooth along its edges rather than [[Pixelation|pixelated]].<ref name="nextgenmag"/>

As Nintendo was in charge of its actual game design, they dictated the aircraft and characters that would be present in the game.<ref name="EGMfeature"/><ref>{{cite magazine | title=Nintendo's Ultramen |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | issue=29 | page=64 | date=February 1996 | publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]}}</ref> The six playable pilots in ''Pilotwings 64'' are all named after various birds. The character Lark is modeled after [[Nester (Nintendo)|Nester]], a mascot for the North American ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' magazine.<ref name="NPfeature"/><ref>{{cite magazine | date=September 1997 | issue=100| page=10 | title=Player's Pulse |magazine=Nintendo Power | publisher=Nintendo of America | quote=NP's very own comic strip character, Nester, entertained readers since our very first issue. After December 1993, he went AWOL (however, he's been spotted masquerading as "Lark" in PilotWings 64) ...}}</ref> The female character Robin is called "Hooter" in the Japanese version.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja:パイロット紹介 | trans-title=Pilot Introduction | url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_npwj/cha/index.html | publisher=Nintendo | language=ja | access-date=2010-01-31 | archive-date=2011-06-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605075929/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_npwj/cha/index.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | date=March 1997 | issue=184 | page=59 | title=Pilotwings 64 | last=Davies | first=Paul | journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] | publisher=[[Future Publishing]]}}</ref> The soundtrack for ''Pilotwings 64'' was composed by Dan Hess with [[Akito Nakatsuka]] as arranger. According to Hess, Nakatsuka did not participate in the making of the game's music despite his credit.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watts |first=Martin |date=August 25, 2013 |title=Interview: Dan Hess on Composing the Pilotwings 64 Soundtrack |work=NintendoLife |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/interview_dan_hess_on_composing_the_pilotwings_64_soundtrack |access-date=April 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421204728/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/interview_dan_hess_on_composing_the_pilotwings_64_soundtrack |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |quote=I never met Akito Nakatsuka, who has been listed in the credits of the game for music arrangement. I can assure you that I wrote, arranged, produced, and installed/integrated each of the tracks in the game myself.}}</ref> The tracks were produced to complement each level, such as a "soothing" [[jazz]]-inspired musical piece played during the exploratory Birdman mode.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Pilotwings 64 Takes Flight on Nintendo 64 |url=http://www.nintendo.com/newsroom/pr/093096b.html |publisher=Nintendo |date=September 29, 1996 |access-date=2010-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961222152209/http://www.nintendo.com/newsroom/pr/093096b.html |archive-date=December 22, 1996 }}</ref> A CD soundtrack was released by [[Pony Canyon]] in Japan on December 16, 1996.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja:「パイロットウィングス64」オリジナル・サウンドトラック |trans-title=Pilotwings 64 Original Soundtrack | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B001BDCPS0/ | language=ja | access-date=2010-01-25}}</ref>

''Pilotwings 64'' was one of thirteen Nintendo 64 games shown at [[Nintendo Space World|Shoshinkai show]] in Tokyo in November 1995 when the console was first demonstrated to the public as the "Ultra 64".<ref name="spaceworld"/><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Taking Flight Simulations to the Next Level with Paradigm's Pilotwings!|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=3 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=January 1996|page=106}}</ref> The game was later displayed at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3) in Los Angeles during May 1996.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news | last=Dunn | first=Ashley | date=May 22, 1996 | title=The E3 Extravaganza: Din, Chaos and Evolution | url=http://partners.nytimes.com/library/cyber/surf/0522e3.html | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=2010-01-26 | archive-date=2011-03-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307155028/http://partners.nytimes.com/library/cyber/surf/0522e3.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
{{Video game reviews
| CVG = 9/10<ref name="CVG">{{cite magazine|author=Constantides, Alex |date=August 15, 2001 |title=Nintendo Review: Pilotwings 64 Review |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=8015 |magazine=Computer and Video Games |access-date=2009-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526021900/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=8015 |archive-date=May 26, 2008 }}</ref>
| Edge = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine | author=Stuart, Keith | title=Pilotwings 64 review | magazine=Edge | issue=34 | date=July 1996 | publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref>
| EGM = 8.4/10<ref name="EGMreview">{{cite magazine |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly | title=Reviews: Pilotwings 64 | page=25 | issue=86 | date=September 1996 | publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref>
| Fam = 5/10, 8/10, 9/10, 7/10<ref name="famitsu">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu]]|title=New Game Cross Review|date=July 19, 1996|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|language=Japanese|issue=396|p=29
|last1=Tsūshin
|first1=Hamamura 
|authorlink=Hirokazu Hamamura
|last2=Yoshida
|first2=Ranbu
|last3=Kosugi
|first3=Gēmu
|last4=Hada
|first4=Takayuki}}</ref><br/>
29/40<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Retrospective Review: Pilotwings 64 |magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu]] | date=October 10, 2003 | issue=773 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | language=ja}}</ref>
| GameFan = 95/100<ref>{{cite journal | journal=[[GameFan]] | title=Reviews: Pilotwings 64 | date=September 1996 | volume=4 | issue=9 | publisher=Metropolis Media}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="GIrev">{{cite magazine |date=August 1996|title=Review – PilotWings 64  |magazine=[[Game Informer]] | publisher=Sunrise Publications | issue=40|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=n64&path=aug96&doc=pwings |access-date=2009-11-29 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990908163435/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=n64&path=aug96&doc=pwings |archive-date=1999-09-08}}</ref>
| GameRev = D+<ref name="GameRev">{{cite web | date=June 6, 2004 | title=Pilot Wings 64 review for the N64 | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/n64/pilot-wings-64 | publisher=[[Game Revolution]] | access-date=2009-11-29}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.9/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web | author=Rubenstein, Glenn | author-link=Glenn Rubenstein | date=December 1, 1996 | title=Pilotwings 64 Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/n64/strategy/pilotwings64/review.html | website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=2009-11-29 | archive-date=2008-10-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006131808/http://www.gamespot.com/n64/strategy/pilotwings64/review.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| Hyper = 93%<ref>{{cite web | title=Hyper@ctive 2.0 Reviews: Pilotwings 64 | url=http://www.hyperactive.com.au/games/reviews/archive/Nintendo/pilotwings/ | publisher=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]] | access-date=2010-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970721175503/http://www.hyperactive.com.au/games/reviews/archive/Nintendo/pilotwings/ |archive-date=1997-07-21}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.2/10<ref name="IGNrev">{{cite web | author=Perry, Doug | date=September 25, 1996 | title=Pilotwings 64 Review | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/150/150083p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2009-11-29 | archive-date=2010-04-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407101021/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/150/150083p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| N64 = 89%<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Pilotwings 64 | date=April 1997 | issue=1 |pages=52–57 |last=Weaver |first=Tim |magazine=N64 Magazine | publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref>
| NP = 3.825/5<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Now Playing | date=September 1996 | issue=88 |pages=95, 97 |magazine=Nintendo Power | publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref>
| TOT = 97/100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/total-58/page/n39/mode/2up?q=|title=Pilotwings 64|magazine=[[Total!]]|issue=58|date=October 1996|pages=40–49|access-date=June 28, 2021}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Maximum''
| rev1Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="Max7">{{cite magazine|last=Leadbetter |first=Rich |title=Maximum Reviews:Pilotwings 64|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=7 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=June 1996|pages=118–9}}</ref>
| NGen = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="nextgenrev">{{cite magazine |magazine=Next Generation Magazine |publisher=Imagine Publishing |date=September 1996 |title=Flying High |volume=2 |issue=21 |page=146}}</ref>
| MC = 80/100 (13 reviews)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pilotwings-64/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64|title=Pilotwings 64 Metacritic Review Score|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=2023-11-01|archive-date=2024-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817145016/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pilotwings-64/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Pilotwings 64'' was released in Japan on June 23, 1996, as one of three Nintendo 64 [[launch game|launch titles]], the other two being ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and ''[[Saikyō Habu Shōgi]]''.<ref name="JPlaunch"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Buchanan, Levi|date=September 29, 2008|title=Nintendo 64 Week: Day One | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/29/nintendo-64-week-day-one|website=[[IGN]] |access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223060056/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/29/nintendo-64-week-day-one|archive-date=February 23, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Pilotwings 64'' managed to sell about one unit with about every tenth Nintendo 64 console, with regional sales totaling 136,986 copies by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite book | last1=DeMaria | first1=Rusel | last2=Wilson | first2=Johnny Lee | title=High Score! The Illustrated History of Electronic Games | publisher=[[McGraw-Hill|McGraw-Hill Osborne]] | year=2003 | page=382 | isbn=0-07-222428-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=1996年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP100 | trans-title=1996 Video Game Software Sales Top 100 | url=http://geimin.net/da/db/1996_ne_fa/index.php | publisher=Geimin.net | language=ja | access-date=2010-01-20 | archive-date=2008-12-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227141144/http://geimin.net/da/db/1996_ne_fa/index.php | url-status=live }}</ref> The game was one of two original releases for the system during its September 26, 1996 debut in North America, which was a few days earlier than the date set by Nintendo.<ref name="NAlaunch"/> While ''Super Mario 64'' initially sold at a one-to-one ratio with each console in the United States, ''Pilotwings 64'' sold an average of one copy with every fourth console.<ref>{{cite web | author1=Horwitz, Jer | author2=Miller, Skyler | name-list-style=amp | date=October 31, 2000 | title=The History of Nintendo: A New "Reality" (1996–Present) | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/hist_nintendo/6.html | website=GameSpot | access-date=2010-02-13 | archive-date=2010-09-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907192201/http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/hist_nintendo/6.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | date=October 2, 1996 | title=Nintendo 64 Sold Out; Company Pushes for More Product; Frenzied Consumers Demand to Buy Before Product Officially Launches. | publisher=[[Business Wire]] | url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-18745127/nintendo-64-sold-out.html | access-date=2010-02-13}}</ref><ref name="shipments">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=September 26, 1996 | title=N64 and Mario Sell One-to-One | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060307p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2009-11-29 | archive-date=2011-06-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615200215/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060307p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Despite selling out, some store locations for [[EB Games|Electronics Boutique]] and [[KB Toys]] reported few or no units of the flight simulator being shipped to retailers.<ref name="shipments"/> About 90,000 copies of ''Pilotwings 64'' were sold in its first few days on sale in the country, putting the game at number four on the [[NPD Group]] sales charts for that September.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] | publisher=[[Sun-Times Media Group]] | title=Nintendo hits a winner | last=Wolinsky | first=Howard | date=October 7, 1996 | page=43 | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4362408.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103000354/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4362408.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=November 3, 2012 | access-date=2010-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=November 1, 1996 | title=N64 Tops September Sales | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060364p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2010-01-24 | archive-date=2024-08-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817145040/https://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/02/n64-tops-september-sales | url-status=live }}</ref> It went on to become the sixth best-selling Nintendo 64 [[1996 in video games|game of 1996]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Top-Selling Nintendo 64 Titles (1996) - USA |journal=[[Screen Digest]] |date=1997 |page=130 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=51nvAAAAMAAJ |publisher=Screen Digest Limited |access-date=2021-10-17 |archive-date=2024-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209212411/https://books.google.com/books?id=51nvAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Pilotwings 64'' saw a release in European nations on March 1, 1997, when it was one of three launch games along with ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (video game)|Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire]]''.<ref name="EUlaunch"/><ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=March 3, 1997 | title=U.K. Launch Leaves Many Empty-handed | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060569p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2010-01-24 | archive-date=2011-06-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615180349/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060569p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In the United Kingdom, it was listed by ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' magazine as the "cheapest game in Nintendo's frighteningly-priced opening range of titles".<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] | publisher=[[Nat Mags]] | date=June 1997 | last=Campbell | first=Stuart | title=Short List 10}}</ref> It was confirmed in early 1998 that the game had sold over one million units worldwide.<ref name="sales">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=February 4, 1998 | title=Paradigm's Side of the Story | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/061/061767p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2009-11-21 | archive-date=2011-06-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615193600/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/061/061767p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | date=May 5, 1998 | title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Exclusive Partnership With Gathering of Developers, Ltd., for Edge of Reality, Inc.'s 4 X 4 Mud Monsters for the Nintendo 64 | url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-20553901/take-two-interactive-software.html | publisher=Business Wire | access-date=2010-02-11}}</ref>

''Pilotwings 64'' was well received by most reviewers. The game's combination of 3D graphics, realistic settings, and flight simulation were applauded by many news sources and major gaming publications.<ref name="Max7"/><ref name="nextgenrev"/><ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | title=Valley Weekend; Mario is Back to Help Launch New Nintendo; The little guy is still pursuing the elusive Princess Toadstool, but in a 64-bit format that allows better moves. | last=Curtiss | first=Aaron | date=October 3, 1996 | page=18 | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/16645144.html?dids=16645144:16645144&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+03%2C+1996&author=AARON+CURTISS&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=VALLEY+WEEKEND%3B+Mario+is+Back+to+Help+Launch+New+Nintendo%3B+The+little+guy+is+still+pursuing+the+elusive+Princess+Toadstool%2C+but+in+a+64-bit+format+that+allows+better+moves.&pqatl=google | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604065702/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/16645144.html?dids=16645144:16645144&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+03,+1996&author=AARON+CURTISS&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=VALLEY+WEEKEND%3B+Mario+is+Back+to+Help+Launch+New+Nintendo%3B+The+little+guy+is+still+pursuing+the+elusive+Princess+Toadstool,+but+in+a+64-bit+format+that+allows+better+moves.&pqatl=google | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 4, 2011 | access-date=2010-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Day | first=Vox | author-link=Theodore Beale | newspaper=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] | publisher=[[Lee Enterprises]] | title=Flying Colors; Nintendo 64's Flight Sim is a True Top Gun | date=October 24, 1996 | page=40 | url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04FEE42D69417&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | access-date=2010-01-26 | archive-date=2011-06-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608155045/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04FEE42D69417&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] | publisher=[[Torstar]] | title=Nintendo's N64 lineup takes shape; A pair of new games are superb, but not quite up to Super Mario's super standards | last=Burrill | first=William | date=December 5, 1996 | page=G.3 | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/18881123.html?dids=18881123:18881123&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+05%2C+1996&author=By+William+Burrill&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Nintendo%27s+N64+lineup+takes+shape+A+pair+of+new+games+are+superb%2C+but+not+quite+up+to+Super+Mario%27s+super+standards&pqatl=google | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201084920/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/18881123.html?dids=18881123:18881123&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+05,+1996&author=By+William+Burrill&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Nintendo's+N64+lineup+takes+shape+A+pair+of+new+games+are+superb,+but+not+quite+up+to+Super+Mario's+super+standards&pqatl=google | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 1, 2013 | access-date=2010-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[The Charlotte Observer]] | publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]] | date=October 13, 1996 | title=Can New N64 Outsell the Competition? | page=1E | url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CO&s_site=charlotte&p_multi=CO&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB6D3B030548FCA&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | access-date=2010-01-26 | archive-date=2024-08-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817145131/https://www.newslibrary.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&p_product=CO&s_site=charlotte&p_multi=CO&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_text_direct-0=0EB6D3B030548FCA&p_topdoc=1&p_theme=realcities&s_trackval=GooglePM&p_perpage=10 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] | publisher=Tribune Company | title=Game Reviews Reveal Stunning Graphics | last=Gwinn | first=Eric | date=September 27, 1996 | page=71 | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/17241019.html?dids=17241019:17241019&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+27%2C+1996&author=Eric+Gwinn%2C+Tribune+Staff+Writer.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=GAME+REVIEWS+REVEAL+STUNNING+GRAPHICS&pqatl=google | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604065735/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/17241019.html?dids=17241019:17241019&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+27,+1996&author=Eric+Gwinn,+Tribune+Staff+Writer.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=GAME+REVIEWS+REVEAL+STUNNING+GRAPHICS&pqatl=google | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 4, 2011 | access-date=2010-01-26}}</ref> In his release review of the Nintendo 64, ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' contributor [[Steven L. Kent]] found that the flight mechanics and vast areas featured in ''Pilotwings 64'' make it one of the most impressive games ever made.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]] | publisher=[[The Seattle Times Company]] | title=Game Gear – Nintendo 64 Console, Another 'Super Mario' Add Zip To Video Fun | last=Kent | first=Steven L. | author-link=Steven L. Kent | date=June 20, 1996 | url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19960620/2335445/game-gear----nintendo-64-console-another-super-mario-add-zip-to-video-fun | access-date=2010-02-02 | archive-date=2012-09-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926175456/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960620&slug=2335445 | url-status=live }}</ref> Glenn Rubenstein of the website [[GameSpot]] summarized, "The graphics, sound, control, and all around excitement add up to make ''Pilotwings 64'' one hell of a great ride."<ref name="GSpot"/> Staff reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', ''[[GamePro]]'', and [[IGN]] all voiced positive comments on the game's polygon rendering and frame rates, as well as its sense of control and flying.<ref name="EGMreview"/><ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine | author=Air Hendrix |magazine=[[GamePro]] | title=Pro Review: Pilotwings 64 | page=76 | issue=97 | date=October 1996 | publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Communications]]}}</ref><ref name="IGNrev"/> Alex Constantides of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' enjoyed the game's large environments, exclaiming, "You'll not believe just how huge the islands really are and, because certain elements are hidden at first, it'll take you months to see everything."<ref name="CVG"/> IGN's Levi Buchanan described this low-pressure, "challenge without competition" aspect of the game as a design philosophy adopted by later Nintendo titles such as ''[[Nintendogs]]''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Buchanan, Levi | date=October 1, 2008 | title=Nintendo 64 Week: Day Three | url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/915/915214p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2010-02-17 | archive-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207112919/http://retro.ign.com/articles/915/915214p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Rich Leadbetter of ''Maximum'' said that not everyone is appealed by its gameplay's "sedate nature", but agreed that ''PilotWings 64'' involved high "skill, dexterity and control", and that "it is a game that you must own and whilst not quite in the same league of 'must-have'itude as ''Super Mario 64'', it remains an astounding achievement and another triumph for Nintendo."<ref name="Max7"/> A ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' critic remarked that once beyond the introductory missions the game becomes satisfyingly challenging, and succeeds as both a flight simulation and an example of Nintendo's surrealistic gameplay: "It's a weird mix of total realism and self-conscious videogame elements, and the two don't grate."<ref name="nextgenrev"/>

''Pilotwings 64'' has been criticized for lacking innovative gameplay. ''[[The New York Times]]'' writer Ashley Dunn characterized the game's E3 demonstration as "brain-dead" in its gameplay and suggested that even young children would rather fly a [[dragon]] on the [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] [[PlayStation]].<ref name="nytimes"/> [[Game Revolution]] issued ''Pilotwings 64'' a particularly harsh review score, declaring the game to be nothing more than a graphical showcase for those with nothing better to do.<ref name="GameRev"/> The sound effects present in the game were impressive to several reviewers, but the soundtrack has been negatively compared to [[lounge music]] and [[porn groove]], although the "Birdman" track was highly rated.<ref name="gamepro"/><ref name="GameRev"/><ref name="IGNrev"/>

''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' awarded ''Pilotwings 64'' Flying Game of the Year, explaining that it shows the potential of the fun factor of flying and allows for more than one path from point A to point B, and says that "fun, variety and easy-paced action gave PW64 this award."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Best of '96|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997|page=88}}</ref>

''Pilotwings 64'' was ranked number 38 in ''[[Nintendo Power]]'''s "100 Best Nintendo Games of All Time" in its landmark 100th issue in September 1997.<ref>{{cite magazine | date=September 1997 | issue=100 |page=97 | title=Nintendo Power's 100 Best Nintendo Games of All Time |magazine=Nintendo Power | publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> In February 2006, it was rated the 117th best game made on a Nintendo system in the magazine's "Top 200 Games" list for its 200th issue.<ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite magazine|date=February 2006| title=NP Top 200|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Nintendo of America|issue=200|pages=58–66}}</ref> In July 2007, the United Kingdom video game magazine ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' included ''Pilotwings 64'' at number 69 on its own "Top 100 Games" list.<ref>{{cite news | author=Schofield, Jack | date=July 4, 2007 | title=Edge's Top 100 games – almost certainly not yours | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2007/jul/04/edgestop100g | newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | access-date=2010-01-23 | author-link=Jack Schofield (journalist) | archive-date=2009-03-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318145252/http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2007/jul/04/edgestop100g | url-status=live }}</ref> The UK's ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' listed it at number 40 on its "100 Best Nintendo Games" in February 2009.<ref>{{cite magazine | author=East, Tom | date=February 24, 2009 | title=100 Best Nintendo Games – Part Four | url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] | publisher=Future Publishing | access-date=2009-11-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831160037/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | archive-date=August 31, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Paradigm announced at [[E3 1997]] that they were producing a Nintendo 64 sequel to ''Pilotwings 64''.<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=June 18, 1997 | title=E3: PilotWings 2 Confirmed | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060940p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2009-11-29 | archive-date=2010-02-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213191918/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/060/060940p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> However, even though Nintendo expressed interest in Paradigm's early presentations, the game was cancelled because Nintendo did not have the resources to aid in its development at that time.<ref name="sales"/> There were rumors of a sequel on the [[GameCube]] and later the [[Wii]], development courtesy of [[Factor 5]], but no game was ever shown.<ref>{{cite web | author=Giancarlo Varanini | date=April 30, 2003 | title=Pilotwings comes to the GameCube? | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/pilotwings/news.html?sid=6026028&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures%3Btitle | website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=2010-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=AnGeL | date=December 30, 2008 | title=PilotWings on Wii? | url=http://66.163.168.225/babelfish/translate_url_content?lp=fr_en&trurl=http://www.livewii.fr/news/113603/PilotWings-sur-Wii-.html?c=7&.intl=fr | publisher=LiveWii | access-date=2010-05-15 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> After their briefing time at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010|E3 2010]], Nintendo announced a sequel titled ''[[Pilotwings Resort]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], which was released as a launch title for the handheld console.<ref>{{cite web | author=Thomas, Lucas M. | date=June 15, 2010 | title=E3 2010: Pilotwings Resort Announced | url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1097953p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=2010-06-16 | archive-date=2010-07-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722005744/http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1097953p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Video games|1990s}}
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_npwj/index.html ''Pilotwings 64''] at [[Nintendo]] {{in lang|ja}}

{{good article}}
{{Pilotwings}}

[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:Flight simulation video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 64 games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Classics games]]
[[Category:Parachuting video games]]
[[Category:Paradigm Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Pilotwings|64]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Shigeru Miyamoto]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional islands]]