Is Pilotwings 64 Worth Playing Today? - SNESdrunk

Thanks to nelson88 for the request via Patreon, and thanks to Nate for help with the footage.
New SNES-related video every Tuesday, and something else (Genesis, Game Boy, whatever) on Thursdays
SNESdrunk and NESfriend team up for a podcast, DrunkFriend, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many other platforms: link.chtbl.com/OxWjbR12
SNESdrunk's Patreon page, if you're into that sort of thing: / snesdrunk
Binge watch SNESdrunk: • All Reviews (Newest to...

[@SNESdrunk]

Dan Hess has his own KZbin channel, check out more music he's made here: kzbin.info

[@LanEXHikari]

The music is really chill, and somehow it reminded me how chill it was playing Uncharted Waters Online ⛵ Thanks for the video and Dan Hess's channel, Drunk 👍🏼

[@mountainsofpixels]

The results music has a similar vibe to the continue music from Strike Gunner S T G. Smooth, funky vibes.

[@drgribb]

I am a BIG fan of you continuing to promote the channels of the ORIGINAL composers from these games. This'll probably come off sounding pretentious, but it really just seems like the most ethical way to stream these guys' music off of youtube, is from their own pages. Thank you so much for sharing these links! :)

[@christopherthibeault7502]

If it helps, you have to be cognizant of the gyrocopter's throttle setting and toggle it low to descend quicker and reset it to max to get some air. The original biplane operated on a similar structure.

[@kyle857]

It is a gyrocopter, just fyi.

[@BubblegumCrash332]

I spent hours flying around that island everyday after school. Back in the 90s just exploring 3d worlds was a new thing.

[@johanrosenberg6342]

Certainly a new thing in the 90s, but exploring 3D worlds in games have always been popular since. I remember just messing around in Super Mario Sunshine and even Galaxy, and just look at the popularity of open-world games, they're everywhere!

[@lucag.lisickza425]

yeah, flying in 3d was the shit back in the day

[@joesaiditstrue]

yup, the 2d to 3d transition was by far the biggest generational leap ever for gaming. growing up in a time where 3d open world games weren't even possible and then all of a sudden they were, it's hard to explain how mesmerizing it was, total game changer

[@BubblegumCrash332]

@@joesaiditstrue it really was going from the SNES Mario World too 64 in only a couple years was crazy. Playing Mario 64 for the first time was insane. There is no comparison in modern days unless yiu skip 3 generations

[@davidv4018]

There was some magic into it. Because you, or at least i, didn't know the extent or limits of this so called 3d. So, exploring meant endless posibilities. What if i found something new?

[@michaeloffgrid]

Flying "around the world", at night, for the first time was one of the most amazing things I ever experienced in gaming.

[@ARedMotorcycle]

Agreed.

[@robhulson]

I really got lost initially in the demo for Jumping Flash on the PlayStation, stage 3-2. And then there was night bird man, and I realized video games were entering entirely new territory. Same goes for Wave Race, where my buddy and I spent more time just goofing off like we would on our bikes.

[@thisisjames4474]

Yes it was very serene.

[@joesaiditstrue]

yup, cannot even compare the experience to anybody who didnt grow up with 3d graphics. Hell, I remember playing Jumping Flash! on PSX and having my mind blown, coming from SNES era

[@joesaiditstrue]

@@robhulson OMFG I swear I didnt read your post before mentioning Jumping Flash, that's bizarre lol

[@thisisjames4474]

I remember it being a cold winter night, I was wrapped in a blanket and had a cup of cocoa, and I was flying around this little world at night taking pictures of sailboats with those awesome soothing jams playing. Sublime.

[@RealSugam]

treasure them moments, its why we live...and why we are forgotten.

[@They_drew_first_blood]

These are the kind of things I like to read that makes me want to have time travel, because I would definitely go back to my childhood days in the 80's and 90's.

[@kevlarvest7375]

Like sands through the hourglass... lol

[@black2785]

They need to make this Upscale this trash in 4K VR so we can live in our memories. Top 5 best N64 games easily

[@TheFloodFourm]

Your explanation of freedom in Mario 64 is spot on. It's easy to forget that that feeling of freedom was so rare back then.

[@charliericker274]

Metriod came out on the NES. I get what you are saying, but I think the "freedom" was felt so strongly because of the novelty of 3d and the fluidity and fun of controlling mario. As I said, Metriod had freedom, zelda, Final Fantasy, plenty of NES games offered freedom but it's not as fun and unique to just move around in those games like it was in mario 64.

[@justsomebody-1665]

Its exactly how I felt when Super Mario Bros 2 came out. There was no time limit like SMB 1, and you could scroll to the right AND back to the left again. You could just explore the levels at your leisure, or just hang out in one for as long as you wanted. Sure it wasn't 3D, but i was like 8 years old.

[@mafiousbj]

I remember how mindfucked i was when trying Soul Edge on arcades and realizing i could move up and down too...in a fighting game...it was almost too much to handle for my kid brain ^^

[@Ramjet164]

Whilst I agree, I feel it’s gone too far many a time nowadays. A linear game is a rarity now and as someone that spend his youth in arcades I hate that both have can’t have their place as they should imo.

[@justsomebody-1665]

@@Ramjet164 I definitely agree that linear games are not inherently inferior to nonlinear ones. Both can be great

[@todd12278]

Loved how one of the characters was Nestor from Nintendo Power Magazine

[@davidedavidification]

God, never realised that!!!

[@djpegao]

*Nester* (damn autocorrect)

[@eastsidedirtykid]

WOAH and what’s crazy is every character is named after a real life bird

[@danielespeziari5545]

I absolutely love this series. Their gameplay is so unique

[@Tom_Van_Zandt]

Yep...A company sort of copied the Pilotwings formula on the PS2 with the game Sky Odyssey but that series never "took off" (pun intended). I remember Sky Odyssey being a fun game, but it lacked that unique and ubiquitous Nintendo charm that Pilotwings oozes.

[@Hattes]

I remember playing this game a lot back in the day. Haven't touched it since then. Seeing these things is giving me some serious nostalgia.

[@ISEESPACEMONKEYS00]

Same!

[@evilblader7]

Pilotowings is so special to me, the first time I played in my SNES was stunning, the freedom, the music, EVERYTHING. Sadly Pilotwings 64 dropped away the funny instructors, and "school sensation" but still ok, I still love it. I'm concept artists now (well I try) but thanks to F-zero and pilotowings series, those game inspired me.

[@danielespeziari5545]

Yes, I love the instructors in the SNES original. They have tons of personality. But yeah, the N64 sequel added enough of its own to make it a great game

[@jorybeatty1726]

Just here to say yes it is. +1 engagement.

[@lennywright5655]

Even with the abundance of chill games these days, I think we could still use a new Pilotwings. Oh well, maybe next Nintendo gen?

[@spartansfan1026]

My elementary school's after-school program had an N64 and a few games and I always spent the time I had playing it with Pilotwings. That's been 20 years now; man, the nostalgia is really hitting!

[@spartansfan1026]

Good lord when you played the hang glider music I could feel myself right there in the school gym, eyes fixed on that CRT-on-a-cart, my friends watching me to see how many points I'd get...

[@superamario6464]

I will watch this later...but the answer is an unequivocal yes

[@bryantaylor9874]

I think you'll appreciate this story. About 30 years ago my Dad got to work backstage at a wwf event in my area. I met a bunch of famous wrestlers that day but absolutely none of them were as cool as Koko B. Ware. My Pops bought him a pit beef sandwich and Koko split his 6-pack with him. Koko was good people. My only let down was that he didn't have Frankie with him lol

[@not2tired]

Was waiting for the part where you played Pilotwings with Koko

[@bryantaylor9874]

@@not2tired Ha! I wish but this was pre snes days. I'm not even sure he was still alive when N64 came out. I noticed this wasn't the first time snesdrunk name dropped Koko B Ware. Thought maybe he was some kind superfan. Kokodrunk would make a cool channel lol

[@adriensebbane]

I love this review ! It makes me want to play this game and the 3DS iteration as well !

[@MarMaxGaming]

So cool.. this was a game we didn't grow up with but I almost feel an immediate nostalgic attachment to that great music and that charming little island! Back when exploration was so new that any little area like those felt like home.

[@Frietuurs]

Love your channel man. Have been here for a long time but just wanted to let you know that you’re appreciated. You described how laidback is in demand, well that’s pretty much your channel for me. Always look forward to you uploading. Keep up the chill work, for however long you want to keep going.

[@blackflame4506]

I'm definitely digging the music from this game. Thanks for the video SNesDrunk

[@stusux]

The cruising music sounds like that "weekend" song, and the results music sounds like eyes without a face by Billy Idol.

[@damian597]

This game came bundled with my n64 and being able to freeroam as birdman around the islands blew my mind.

[@ElaEhDoTempoDoBob]

This video made me want to play that game again. And omg, that soundtrack is SO funky!

[@KyleHerman]

Happy to have some new SNESdrunk videos to start the day

[@thenostalgiafactor5023]

Total length of video: 319 secs. Total length of "SNES Drunk": 3.5 secs. 1.1% of the video was spent listening to "SNES Drunk."

[@tomsupreme_]

@@PuritanUnion Ok. But who asked you that?

[@dustman820]

@@tomsupreme_ I loved when SNES Drunk trolled people like Alex when he made that part most of the video in the Race Drivin' video. I feel like SNES can do that again if the trolls return like Alex.

[@brawnzen]

BRO i thought I was the only one who rememebers Coco B. Ware!!

[@joesaiditstrue]

Remember playing Pilotwings 64 at my cousin's house on his 60 inch projection tv back in like 1995, it was an unreal experience flying around on a screen that size

[@joegalford2319]

This has me wishing for a Pilotwings on the Switch

[@seraphimdunn]

"Where you fly around as Koko B. Ware" This will go down as the most underappreciated joke in internet history

[@theshellderinslowbrostail5422]

Why?

[@tonware]

Loving the N64 reviews.Keep em coming!

[@aquateenchris]

Thank you for this great review and for informing me that Dan Hess has a channel on here!! Pilotwings 64 has a soundtrack that only gets sweeter over time.

[@HaitaniMasayuki]

The Birdman Theme is one of the chillest songs ever used in a video game.

[@carsena1318]

your videos have that same calming stress reliever effect as animal crossing and pilot wings, you also have amazing analysis and video presentation all in short videos, makes me feel homey, idk how to explain just thank you so much for your amazing videos

[@JoJoTheOtter]

This is one of my all-time favorite games and would really enjoy a contemporary follow up. If you’ll indulge me; I would like to post here what I posted in a video of the Birdman theme, so many years ago (which, by the way, the original composer has commented on and is so grateful people love his music so much): If I EVER think of my N64 days, this is the first game to come to mind. My father was a pilot, and when this game first came out [Or, rather, when I eventually obtained it], I showed it to him because I knew he’d just go nuts over it. He ended up buying his own N64 just to play this. Sigh… Rest in peace, Pop. This song is for you. :’-]

[@liammccool9542]

You’re evolving this channel in the best way. Great video once again..... I still love the original Pilotwings

[@CinefreekProductions]

I wish Nintendo could either remaster or do a new Pilotwings title for the switch.

[@Oniphire]

I'd buy a Pilotwings All Stars for sure

[@evilblader7]

I'd buy a Pilowings, but the good Nintendo is no longer exists, only bullshits like Zelda exists to them.

[@nickmasterx]

Air Mail is pretty fun, not quite to the quality of Pilotwings though

[@PandaXs1]

@@evilblader7 tfw someone calls botw bullshit lmao

[@nnickplays9713]

I hope you have a fantastic day too!

[@toniwonkanobi]

I forgot how money the music was. SO great.

[@Silvergun_Raven]

Got this with Super Mario 64 for my birthday in October 1996 and Pilotwings 64 is such a relaxing game with its amazing music. I still have my save game with all gold medals!

[@andrewcruz1931]

I never got to play this one ! I did however this past year get to play SNES pilotwings. And it’s weird because I found it incredibly nostalgic even though I had never played . It also has a great soundtrack. Now that you mention the music of this game; mario 64 and mario kart 64 also had some chill tracks as well .

[@lufia22]

I used to love flying around as the bird man, listening to the cool jazzy music, and landing on random stuff.

[@Unquestionable]

Rented an N64 along with this and Mario a few weeks after launch and it blew my mind. Not simply the shift into the third dimension but the atmosphere, something I never really could put into words until this video pointed it out.

[@mmocracy]

Welcome back and thanks for the video

[@Dizzula]

The nostalgia when I heard that results screen music... wow!

[@Caun-88]

This is actually the very first N64 game I ever played, my friend across the street growing up got an N64 at launch and got this game, and I remember playing this with her and her dad as my first ever experience with it. The scope of the areas in 3D impressed me a lot. Seeing the footage is nostalgic.

[@badmrfrosty09]

It's been quite a while since I heard a game soundtrack that blew my mind wow thanks so much for bringing this to my attention man

[@kyanitefrog3880]

I was only fully sold when you showed the music lol ty for that part!

[@showersmoker]

My mom still talks about the music from Pilotwings 64 lol. She loved to jam out while I played as a kid.

[@InariAlchemist]

I've been hearing Pilotwings 64 music as background in more than few videos around KZbin lately, then this review comes out. Everyone's vibin' out to this soundtrack, apparently

[@clintonhumphries9329]

I’m liking this n64 theme,owned an n64 but never really got in to it so would like to see more videos on n64 games to see what I’ve missed out on. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@ix8750]

I've had the results music for this game on my "chill"playlist on my PC for like 10 years now. Good stuff.

[@otroflores91]

This was one of my favorite games as a kid. The chill music brings back memories.

[@UnwrittenSpade]

I was obsessed with this game! The bird wings and hitting the secret icon that turned it to night. And omg the music is to die for in this game! Also the bounce shoes were fun!

[@T4KUM4KUN]

Thank you for making and I hope you have a great rest of your day.

[@wesc.addle.9789]

Love your videos! Keep up the great work. Snnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeees Drunk!

[@albertamalachi3560]

That music... Ah yes. A E S T H E T H I C S. So chill.

[@Andrew-bn7rr]

Good call on the soundtrack! So chill. Can't wait for my copy to arrive this weekend. Could play rom but need to experience with the n64 controller again.

[@TheMinchio]

I've never had the chance to play PW64, but I do clearly remember it was one of the games used to showcase the N64 release, I didn't know the music was so nice too, Thanks for the video.

[@halfpipehillbillies5591]

Its absolutely worth playing, this is still one of my low key favs from the 64, along with wave race, I think this is one of the more peaceful, chill and just feel good games it had. The only thing I don't get is why Nintendo won't do anything new with these series. Its just a shame 😔

[@grammaticalrouge29]

The required effort to make sure franchises like this do not just flop on today market makes sure companies like Nintendo stay away from risky moves like bringing some of their old IPs back. The main reason Splatoon got to be is because the "competitive shooter/moba/etc." boom made sure it didn't just fade away into obscurity. We may see companies making references, working cameos, or even spicing some of their games with mechanics reminicent of those games of yore, but they actually bringing them back on a full release is a totally different story.

[@biltle]

Mr Drunk!! Great video! Do a review on the desert strike series

[@Nanasuyl]

Really happy you're doing N64 reviews! Keep 'em coming!

[@ProfessorPesca]

I can still hear the creak of that water mill as you land next to it with the rocket pack. And Robin was thicc.

[@supergrendel]

I remember actually marking my CRT tv doing those canon shots for bullseyes. Damn that was a long time ago.

[@guttsu]

GOD this soundtrack, it's just so *perfect*. And I loved your line about not being great at it, but still enjoying it. That definitely sums up childhood-me playing it, and I bet the soundtrack helped immensely since it says to the player "hey, chill out man. It's okay you aren't nailing everything, we're just here to have a good time."

[@SonicArtist313]

Nailed it. This is what I was going for on much of the sound track creation.

[@therealshinchanisonvacation]

the fact that they will use sound effects and voices from the game for children's channels is hilarious

[@johndoe-li8oy]

used to love messing around with the jet suit

[@IanDeMartino]

This will be funny to younger viewers: We rented a N64 and this game from Blockbuster around when it first came out. My mom saw us playing it and said "I think the graphics look too real." Yeah, those characters with less than 20 polygons, too real.

[@IndyGamer61]

The music sounds like it could have been from Napoleon Dynamite. Drunk, as always, awesome work. I appreciate how you represent the music of the games you review as well as the gameplay.

[@svenbtb]

This looks chill as heck, I'll have to check this out

[@maxadocious]

oh that funky music at the end is so good! thank you SNES drunk

[@ned5244]

Was about 8 when I got this and got DEEP into exploring every map it became hypnotic

[@kyle857]

This game was a huge part of my childhood. The overall look and feel is just so inviting and the exploration aspect was amazing. It was the first open world game I played and finding all of the little secrets was a blast.

[@Drinkabeerandplayagameofficial]

Good review man, for as much of a n64 nut as I am I never played this. May need to get it for Koko alone

[@Huntsmaestro]

Nice review, Drunk! Also, how do you get such a sharp image?

[@erinc.1610]

My 3 favorite n64 games to play after school: Super Mario64, Pilotwings and Wave Runner...man, I'm having a nostalgia fit over here lol!

[@Akinohotarubi]

Man that music is chill.

[@hugoleonardoamaral586]

That sound track is great vaporwave material too, hope someone makes something of it

[@71dembonesTV]

Birdman Mode: where you cosplay as Xavier: Renegade Angel

[@Otis151]

Loved this game growing up. To the video's point, I really enjoyed exploring the maps, objective free, with the jet pack.

[@Beavetowski]

This was a classic... i played the hell out of it. Found some of the hand gliding levels to be tough. And the giant robot in the snow level could be hard. All around great fun tough.

[@blackdragon6]

Yes it is worth playing today. It's still fun today, that's just my opinion.

[@Doughty321]

I agree. It’s great to jump back into for a quick half an hour or so. Music is chill.

[@GrampsGaming91]

Nice Koko B. Ware and Chris Andersen references

[@elmalifico3708]

I used to do this but with Wave Race 64. I used to spend a couple of hours a day at my friend’s house playing just busting out tricks in the practice mode.

[@GODDAMNLETMEJOIN]

I didn't get a chance to get to play this game until the mid 2000s when it was already dated and I still loved it. It's a great balance of chill and challenging.

[@ripster8766]

I just played through this a few weeks ago for the first time since I was a kid. I just left it going on pause a few times for the soundtrack

[@playmooregames371]

Awesome content, as always. Any chance you could do a review of Shadowgate 64?

[@mycabbages3538]

I spent some time tracking down some remixes of the hang glider theme. Man it’s awesome.

[@VicHD]

The Birdman Song is so chill and relaxing that it sounds like the perfect song to set the mood for you and your partner. If you know what I mean.

[@brendantreynor7876]

@SNES drunk, dude your "relaxing snes music" got me through some rough ass sinusitis headaches, seriously, I cannot Express how glad I was to have subscribed Not like you did it for me specifically, just thought I'd let you know it helped me, thanks for the upload and hours of entertainment

[@NESFriend]

Definitely popping this in soon. This is the experience I need these days. I couldn't hear the music over my incessant swearing at this game as a kid. I have a new outlook now. Thanks!

[@chaospoet]

If only the bird guy you unlock had a little bird with him then you could complete the Koko B. Wear reference with Frankie. That's interesting you put it as a game to relax and chill out to. Aside from just loving them I greatly enjoy old school RPGs for the same reason as they tend to be slower paced and you can take your time in battles, but I never thought of it that way. It also explains why, despite never having played any of the Pilot Wings games I've always really wanted to because they always seemed like games I'd really enjoy.

[@zooropa04]

The Chris Anderson/Birdman line made me literally laugh out loud.

[@lhfirex]

I never got to play this one, but it seems pretty unique in the n64 library.

[@daktaklakpak5059]

One of the best N64 games, period!

[@commonsensei8719]

That result music gives me goosebumps. What great memories❤

[@raphaelfp]

As a bass player and a fan of ambient music, I really enjoy the results music groove here

[@lazybacon7520]

This game was the first thing I played that came close to an open world sandbox. I loved exploring the islands more than the actual challenges.

[@whosaidthat84]

Coco B. Ware! Love your 80s wrestling references!

[@thomasm6234]

Shout out to Dan Hess for that badass soothing music? 🎶 The game wouldn't have been the same without it.

[@SonicArtist313]

Thanks!

[@BleakVision]

There‘s so many little details in these levels. Incredibly impressive for a launch title and such an early 3D game.

[@pablofmc]

Gonna play this later on, the music sounds great

[@spaceace3048]

Very nicely done! 👨🏻‍🚀👍

[@FarmerSlideJoeBob]

Remembering the VHS Tapes in Germany in one of the Stores like Woolworth and Schuker. I was so impressed by the freedom in Pilotwings 64, when I was playing it as a Kid it was very relaxing and the music awesome :) I should buy it on my N sixtyyyyy fourrrrrrrrrrrrr :D

[@Solodolo84]

Shout out Koko B Ware Chris Anderson, RIP Owen Hart 🍻