Back in February 2025, Stunt Flyer made a low-key entrance onto the Nintendo Switch, and it’s not hard to understand why it didn’t make waves. On the surface, the game appears to be a budget-friendly attempt at recreating Pilotwings, aimed at a younger crowd. That assessment isn’t entirely off-base. However, the game shines a little brighter when you dive into the two-player co-op mode.
In this game, you and a buddy take on the roles of Jimmy and Sophie (plus a few other pilots), navigating a world that seems like it’s trying to be the next Wuhu Island in everything but the name. Admittedly, the lack of originality in Stunt Flyer makes comparisons inevitable, and it doesn’t quite hit the mark, even with a few extra islands to unlock. But once I came to terms with its lack of fresh ideas and polish, it turned out to be a fleeting bit of fun.
Still, there’s a notable sense of wandering about aimlessly. I enjoyed exploring initially, but eventually yearned for more structure. While the game features familiar missions—like shooting targets, snapping photos, and racing—the fun factor varies, and the missions seem randomly placed rather than thoughtfully arranged. Picking up scattered rings for experience is entertaining at first, but after hitting the 100 mark, it just feels like pointless busywork. The game struggles to find the sweet spot between structured missions and open-ended play.
Aesthetically, Stunt Flyer doesn’t offer much that sticks with you. The game features a single main music track. It’s pleasant enough at first, but you might find it grating as you seek new objectives. Visually, it resembles an upgraded Wii game, which makes sense since it originally launched on the Wii, boasting a slightly longer title and an accompanying plastic accessory. Thirteen years later, its age definitely shows.
Playing with a friend is where Stunt Flyer really takes off. Split-screen mode lets each of you pursue separate goals or team up for missions. That said, you might question how long it’ll keep your interest. My spouse and I had our fill pretty quickly, and I ended up pushing through solo to complete this review.
The solo experience in Stunt Flyer is a bit lackluster, but playing it with a partner gives it a slight boost. Its staying power depends on your motivation to unlock achievements, beat mission times, or simply unwind for a bit. Even at a budget-friendly price, I would suggest waiting for a sale or opting for a nostalgic session with Pilotwings 64 on Switch Online.