Is a new Pilotwings game in the works? PGC explores.
Nintendo fans have been clamoring for a new iteration of the beloved Pilotwings franchise for quite some time now. Three years ago, Factor 5 was rumored to be on the project, but since they've pledged support exclusively to the PS3, we can rule out that possibility with some certainty. However, that's not to say that there isn't a new game in the works, especially if we're to believe 1up.com's Sam Kennedy in his recent blog post, where he said the following:
And that's where the Revolution comes in. It's Nintendo's big effort to get rid of that barrier and to create something that everyone can enjoy. Microsoft's been talking about how the industry needs to reach 1 billion gamers, and as far as I can see their best efforts have been Bejewled and Zuma on Xbox Live Arcade. Sure, not everything companies do on the Revolution will be great (honestly, I've tried playing an FPS on it and I don't find it an improvement over today's controllers), but there will be some games that really show the universal appeal of the console. Friends of mine tell me Pilotwings is absolutely perfect - it's something anyone can pick up and enjoy. Nintendo's changing all of the rules - they've created an experience anyone can enjoy. They've created a system for everyone.
While it sounds definite, I've got my doubts. Kennedy might just be referencing the Pilotwings-like tech demo that was shown off at TGS this past September. At this time, we don't believe Nintendo has demoed any first-party Wii games to the media, at least not in America. So unless he's talking about someone being treated to a very rare demo at NCL in Kyoto, it sounds suspect.
That being said, a new Pilotwings does sound likely as a Wii game. Nintendo's renewed interest in the franchise can be inferred from the aforementioned tech demo, and the series would work quite well with the innovative controller. As an eventual title, PGC is confident that it's on the way. Whether it is currently in development, though, is a different question.
In closing, while Sam Kennedy's candid statement may or may not be right on the mark, the thought of a future release of the acclaimed flight simulation has a high percentage of truth to it.
