Wing Island

Wing Island is not going to replace Pilotwings anytime soon however, if you are looking for a quirky arcade flying game with short spurts of unadulterated fun, then you will be satisfied.

If you enjoy the simple things in life, Wing Island just may be your perfect getaway. The controls are tight and simple, the level design isn’t complex, and the premise is a simple “get from point A to B” in as little time as possible. The game isn’t terribly long either; so don’t expect this visit to Wing Island to be an extended one.

Heralded by some as a potential "Pilotwings" replacement, this is in no way as deep, clever or fun. Naff missions tackled in a vehicle not even remotely handling like a plane. [JPN Import]

It's too bad, really, because the core gameplay is quite fun and uses the Wii hardware in some interesting new ways. [May 2007, p.85]

The game had so much potential, but the execution simply never occurred.

Wing Island is one game that truly misses a level of immersion better visuals could provide.

This is a game whose graphics and presentation as a whole could have been executed, and much better, as a first-generation GameCube or PlayStation 2 effort, and we expect much, much more from developers on Wii.

To be clear, I have no problem with non-violent flight games. In fact, I loved both Pilotwings games in their day. But Wing Island went down a dark path somewhere in development and somehow killed any potential for fun along the way.

It can definitely be appealing but imprecise controls, lack of missions and mission variety, and extremely short length (only three levels) detract from the game's otherwise enjoyable experience.

Though the premise isn’t all that bad, poor execution and terrible controls keep Wing Island from taking flight.

Your on-screen plane may capture, almost perfectly, the movements of the Wiimote in your hand, and a trio of extra moves - the speed boost, rapid brake and 180-degree turn, activated by thrusting the Wiimote, pulling it quickly back and flicking the point to the left or right - allow for a greater range of movement options, but the degree to which it accepts input is actually counter-productive, often forcing you slightly off-line when you're trying to approach something at a precise angle.

The motion-controls certainly deserve praise, but its assorted shortcomings stifle the game’s good qualities. Lackluster, repetitive missions and a horrid ranking system prevent Wing Island from being more than a short-lived diversion for your kids.

Essentially Wing Island has so much charm and potential you can't help but want it to be great, but it will only hold any true appeal to youngsters, or the rare breed of gamer who doesn't want any real challenge.