Having taken a fifteen year break the Pilotwings franchise returns as one of the 3DS launch titles. Pilotwings Resorts removes the previous games' characters and locations and replaces them with Miis and the locations featured in Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resorts. With this in mind some gamers have been asking, "is this really a Pilotwings game?"

The primary aspect that has continued from the previous games is the numerous flight vehicles available; plane, rocket belt and hang glider. Each mode of transport offers unique gameplay and different challenges and Nintendo has ensured they're all worth playing.For anyone who hasn't played the previous titles, and considering how long it has been since Pilotwings 64 and how the DS was snapped up by a wider variety of audiences it is likely many people will not have, the game eases you in gently. After an explanation about what gamers can expect you are given the opportunity to try out each of the various vehicles.

Once you have done this you are thrust into the main game. There are two primary modes: Mission Mode and Free Flight Mode. There are five different ranks in Mission Mode, from novice to platinum. While the missions are easy to begin with the difficulty soon increases sharply. You are given a number of missions for each vehicle that you must complete in each difficulty level. In order to proceed to the next difficulty level you must obtain a number of stars, with each mission containing up to three stars. While it is unlikely you will not obtain any stars the real challenge, particularly during the later difficulty levels comes from obtaining enough to progress.

The missions are varied in terms of difficulty and content and this really helps to broaden the game. While some aspects get repeated, such as the requirement to fly through hoops, land on refuel pads etc, there is enough overall variety to prevent the game from getting stale quickly. One of the missions in the silver class adds a surprise twist to the gameplay just when you think you had seen it all. It is little touches like this, as well as the sheer visceral delight of Pilotwings Resorts, that means you will keep coming back to it.

The Free Flight Mode is wonderful mode and it can be played to just relax or you can rise to its numerous challenges. As the title suggests there is no set mission to achieve but scattered around the island there are many location markers, balloons and other items to obtain. If you are using the plane you must go through stunt hoops, whereby you must perform a stunt indicated by the hoop as you are passing through it. If you select the rocket belt you must collect Mii trophies and if you choose the hang glider you must fly through rotating gold rings.

What at first is something you simply do because it is present on the game it can soon become an obsession. Pilotwings Resorts rewards you for your persistence in the form of dioramas, similar to Super Smash Brothers Brawl's trophies, and extended flight time and times of day. The extended flight time is probably the biggest reward as it allows you even longer just to absorb yourself into the beauty of the landscape.

This mode really allows you to explore both the beauty and complexity of the island, particularly when you earn more time. One of my fondest memories of Pilotwings 64 was just exploring the island and this feeling is replicated with Pilotwings Resorts. Finding hidden nooks and crannies and discovering all the areas from the Wii series titles makes this mode very enjoyable and something to relish.

The controls handle well, with the circle pad used for directing and the buttons used for various things depending on your vehicle, and feel perfectly responsive. Pilotwings Resort contains some wonderful music that really shines thanks to the console's surround sound and the visuals are particularly appealing in either 3D or 2D. This title seems to be the console's flagship launch title for how beautiful the graphics can be, much like Pilotwings 64 was to the N64 back in the mid-1990's. There is honestly not another game available at launch that has the same level of graphical prowess. While other games may surpass Pilotwings Resort's graphical capabilities none of them have the same amount of charm.

Pilotwings Resort is an enjoyable title, providing both frustrating challenges and rewarding relaxation in one game. Unfortunately some rather obvious aspects are missing, namely an online mode. It would have been great to have a co-operative Free Flight Mode just to enjoy the mode's charms with a friend, similar to Endless Ocean. It would have also been great if players could create and share missions with others but unfortunately this is not the case.

Any title could be picked apart for what it is missing and launch titles are always under greater scrutiny, quite unfairly considering developers typically have less time then they'd like to meet deadlines. Pilotwings Resort is a pure delight to play but it would have been even better if it were longer. The title can easily be completed within a few days casual play, but that is discrediting its real pleasure: just leisurely enjoying the brilliant flight simulation it offers. Additionally the numerous missions will constantly challenge you to try "just one more time" until you have perfected them all.