How Pilotwings 64 on the N64 Revolutionized 3D Gaming

In the 80s, early flight simulators were limited to what they could achieve. On consoles like the NES, it was nearly impossible to provide a sense of realism and immersion that you could only find in home computers like the PC and Amiga. However, in 1996 - Nintendo released Pilotwings 64 - a North American launch title for the Nintendo 64, and one that was developed alongside experts in military flight simulation 3d technology - Paradigm Simulation. The result was a technically brilliant realistic flight simulation engine that's wrapped up in a fun and whacky Nintendo game. Pilotwings 64 defined what was possible with 3d on the Nintendo 64 and could sit right alongside PC flight simulators in terms of its graphics and technology in the mid 90s. In today's video we take a look at one of my favorite Nintendo 64 games - Pilotwings 64

Sources/Credits:

Timestamps:

00:00 - 02:19 - Introduction
02:20 - 04:06 - Sponsor
04:07 - 13:07 - Paradigm Simulation and Pilotwings 64
13:08 - 14:07 - Outro

Social Media Links :

#Pilotwings64 #N64

[dangerZization]

My Dad, who was a commercial airline pilot, on his first time ever touching an N64 game, got a perfect score on his first go of this game, waaay back in 1997. I remember at the time I took that as a nod of approval to Paradigm for making the physics so realistic that a professional pilot is not hindered by unconventional controls, and also, that my dad really must be a natural pilot! My love for this game has never wained.

[billconiglio]

Having Mario 64, this and Waverace in the first couple of months was amazing. They absolutely nailed 3d gameplay in three completely different game styles.

[embracerodusk]

The N64/PS1/Saturn era is still my favorite gaming period. Every machine was unique & there was so much innovative software.

[mrfujisawa]

I remember being so impressed with this game. I would fly around the mini usa in birdman and just be in awe. the music was so well suited too.

[thebizzle]

Younger people have no concept of how mind blowing this was in 1996. Kids could not sleep after seeing this and SM64, it was unthinkable that a home console could do this.

[rigues]

Back in 96 a truck emblazoned with the SGI Logo parked at my university. Inside, it had various demo stations showing SGI hardware and software.

There were two demos that made a lasting impression on me: a spinning cube with live video texture mapped on the faces, and a flight sim by Paradigm.

Back then I was playing Air Combat on the PS1, and the leap on gfx quality was mind-blowing!

[BlaineEvans]

Man, this was THE N64 game for me. This was the game I saw at a friend's house and had to have the console for.

[therealfodder]

Both the most relaxing and anxiety-inducing game I've ever played. I'd love this series to come back properly.

[CorporalDanLives]

This game did insane things with LOD that I'd never seen before. Felt like I was playing a military grade simulation (and for good reason).

[Stealth_Black_Sanji]

The feelings of the tech/gameplay experience leap with the N64 was never equaled again

[TheLastLineLive]

Pilotwings 64 was truly a groundbreaking game for its time. Super Mario 64 certainly gets a ton of praise for very good reason, but Pilotwings 64 deserves a lot that it never got.

[AfterBurnerTeirusu]

The PAL version of Pilotwings 64 runs at the same speed as the NTSC version. Nintendo did not care about optimising their software, but Paradigm sure did.

[Yeenuwu]

Shoutout to Dan Hess for making a fantastic soundtrack to this game.

[Alan_Chapman]

As a longtime PC flight sim fanatic going all the way back to the 80’s, I still enjoy those first two Pilotwings games to this day. Resort didn’t capture the same magic for me, but I would love to see a new game with the same energy and direction of that first game: a fantasy flight club with licenses and instructor evaluations. Pilotwings 64 took the series in a more silly direction but still had legitimately fun challenges, good music and just an overall vibe that helped define that period of gaming.

[andrewamp]

I played the hell out of this game and Mario 64 when the 64 launched... Best Christmas ever 😊

[Jolly-Green-Steve]

Pilotwimgs and F-Zero are the two games I want to see a next gen sequel for the most.

[chesi___]

Who would've thought a defense military contractor could bring one of the most memorable games on the N64. I don't wanna even talk about the soundtrack of this game, which is pure bliss 🌸

[boredstudent]

I didn't play Pilotwings 64 until it was on the Nintendo Switch Online service. I did play the original Pilotwings on the SNES and I loved it. Speaking of flight simulation games, I've always had a soft spot for the Microsoft Flight Simulator games. I had FS98 on the PC and I also downloaded the Flight Simulator game on PC Game Pass when I had the membership. Definitely a good game.

[thomasgebert]

The music in Pilotwings 64 is A-tier stuff.

I used to have the squeaky sound effect from the menu as my texting tone on my phone, back when people did such things.

[temporaryscars]

I was never much of a fan of the N64, But Pilotwings 64 is one of my most favorite games of all time. I used to pick the gyrocopter and drive it around the maps at low speed so I didn't take off. It was like an early open-world driving game.