Wing Island (Hands-On) (Wii) Preview

By Adam Riley 24.09.2006

Nintendo fans have been waiting with great patience for a sequel to the Paradigm-developed Pilotwings on the Nintendo 64, but after talk of a Factor 5-fuelled GameCube version dissipated after the Third Party developer decided to part ways with its loyalty to Nintendo and stop its exclusive work on its systems. Therefore, it was with great relief that a 'wings-esque title appeared at E3. This was Wii Airplane, and people began muttering about how it may be Hudson, of Mario Party and Bomberman fame, behind it. However, that certainly is not the case for now as the team has its own flying simulation with a twist in the form of Wing Island.

Having seen this from a distance I had not been particularly impressed with it, mainly because its style looked far too simplistic and anyway, Piltowings was never really my cup of tea (shock horror!). So I approached with distinct caution, which after seeing recent shots of the new Wii Bomberman was most likely quite wise. The game is emblazoned with a slew of bird-like characters that all are reminiscent of something from an early 1990s cartoon. But at least it adds a certain amount of charm to what could well have turned out to be nothing more than a bland, sterile flight simulator that the market Nintendo is aiming at would clearly overlook, even at launch (yes, this is set for the Japanese launch, although it has not been confirmed for a Western release...yet).

Screenshot for Wing Island (Hands-On) on Wii

There were several modes available in the demo on show, one of which had me laughing so much as the aim was to fly around and capture the stray cows lingering around an isolated island. So you take to the air in your rickety old bi-plane and suddenly you are in full control. I really have to stress this

Screenshot for Wing Island (Hands-On) on Wii

So, after playing around like this for a short while to get my bearings, it was onto the main mission

Screenshot for Wing Island (Hands-On) on Wii

There are also other modes and planes to take control of. For instance, there is one particular section where you take on an entire squadron of planes for a ride, dropping off medicine supplies to a tiny little island, and each of the craft has one box, meaning you must (controlling them as one whole) manoeuvre them delicately as you aim to drop the supplies accurately onto the island as the weather conditions adversely effect your flight path. The game itself is all mission-based with a storyline running in the background to help keep gamer's interest. With the completion of each mission you earn money and with this you can upgrade your craft. Two players are also catered for, which is great, but you would have expected at least four-player. But you certainly cannot have everything you want...

Screenshot for Wing Island (Hands-On) on Wii

Final Thoughts

Considering I held absolutely no expectations for Wing Island, the fact that I walked away pleasantly surprised and definitely keen to learn more about it is testament to Hudson's efforts in this case. Overlook the fact that the game's appearance is rough around the edges, instead focusing on the gameplay and you will get along fine with this.

Wing Island (Wii)

Developer

Hudson

Publisher

Hudson

Genre

Simulation

Players

C3 Score

n/a

Reader Score

0 (0 Votes)

Out now

Out now

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Comments

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jesusraz 24.09.2006#1

Fun game! Can't wait to see just how much is put into the final thing (to see whether it justifies a purchase).

Adam Riley [ Director :: Cubed3 ]

UNITE714: Weekly Prayers | Bible Verses

dojo 24.09.2006#2

This game looks okay I think. I just hope they do spruce up the graphics a bit, as they are pretty crappy looking in ALL honesty.

CALUM 24.09.2006#3

I quite like the look of it. If it allows you to fly around at your own pace, then I'll be down the shops in an instant. That is, if it sees a Western release.

Special thanks to Clarky for the sig

jesusraz 24.09.2006#4

It's true - but the game looks slightly better in motion. The official screens don't do it justice at all...I agree, though, it needs a lick of class.

Adam Riley [ Director :: Cubed3 ]

UNITE714: Weekly Prayers | Bible Verses

Laurelin 24.09.2006#5

I already stated my opinion about the game back on some news, but at least Adam told us something about a gameplay.
But why exactly do I have to spend 50 bucks for it? I hope there is a decent and funny game behind it. If not I buy Wii-something which includes a air-ride simulation.

I am eager to hear that the controls are well designed.

But it makes me sad, that Faktor 5 broke up with Nintendo. I hope they deliver some fine software for Wii, thou, and are not totally gone for... bad.

I find your lack of faith disturbing!

The Croft 24.09.2006#6

Is there much difference between this and Wii Air

Mike Gee of iZINE said, "...The Verve, as he [Richard Ashcroft] promised, had become the greatest band in the world. Most of the critics agreed with him. Most paid due homage. The Verve were no longer the question mark or the clich�. They were the statement and the definition."

TAG 24.09.2006#7

It sounds nice. Is the world huge? Because I like the roman colliseum lookin' thing and would like to see more unique places like that (and more normal place like forests, mountains, rural towns, big cities, etc). It could be quite fun. Get all the cows in the Chicago!*

*it'd have to be bulls though. Chicago has bull statues on every corner, which is pretty cool. They're all unique, like the one in front of Disny Quest was purple and had the disney quest logo on it. I think there was another one that looked like it was made out of sticks or something. Unique somehow, been a while ago.

Okay, enough rant about bull.

TAG: That American Guy

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18

jesusraz 24.09.2006#8

This is the thing - from what we were shown at the event you could hardly tell how long the game will last or how it'll endure the test of time...

The islands I flew around were quite large and flying about was such a serene experience. I also hope they include a free-flight mode...that'd be great!