Stunt Flyer made its quiet debut on the Nintendo Switch in February 2025, and it’s not hard to see why it slipped by unnoticed. On the surface, it presents itself as a budget-friendly version of Pilotwings, tailored predominantly for kids. In truth, that’s a fitting comparison. Nevertheless, it has its own charm, especially when you dive into the two-player simultaneous co-op mode.
You step into the world of Jimmy and Sophie, among several other pilots, navigating through landscapes that seem to aspire to become a second Wuhu Island, if only in spirit. However, it struggles to carve its own identity, which leads to inevitable comparisons that it just can’t match, even with its available unlockable islands. Once I came to terms with its lack of uniqueness and polish—factors that set it apart from the game it tries to mimic—there were moments where I genuinely enjoyed it, albeit briefly.
But then there’s a sense of directionlessness that creeps in. While I initially enjoyed the open-world exploration, before long, I found myself yearning for a bit more guidance. The missions feel familiar enough—shooting, snapping photos, racing—but there’s a noticeable disparity in their entertainment value, and they seem to appear randomly. Gathering scattered rings was entertaining to a point, but once I’d collected a hundred, it felt more like meaningless busy work. Balancing mission tasks with free-spirited exploration is tricky, and Stunt Flyer doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The game’s aesthetics don’t bring much relief either. It boasts just one main music track, which is pleasant enough initially, but quickly becomes repetitive as you graze the sky for new activities. The visuals, meanwhile, give off a vibe reminiscent of higher-resolution Wii graphics, which isn’t surprising considering the game first launched on Wii over 13 years ago with a slightly altered name and a plastic accessory. Its age is starting to show.
I cannot stress enough how playing with a buddy is where Stunt Flyer truly takes flight. The split-screen mode allows each player to chart their own course while still teaming up for challenges. However, how long it actually keeps you engaged is up for debate. My wife and I found ourselves satiated in under an hour, at which point I had to carry on solo to complete this review.
While Stunt Flyer runs out of steam quickly when flying solo, its split-screen co-op mode adds a bit of a lift. The game’s longevity hinges on how much you’re driven by earning achievements, improving mission times, or simply unwinding with something simple. Despite its affordable price tag, I’d suggest holding out for a sale or just enjoying Pilotwings 64 on Switch Online instead.
