Review: Stunt Flyer for Nintendo Switch

Stunt Flyer made a quiet entrance onto the Nintendo Switch in February 2025, and it’s understandable why it didn’t make a big splash. At first glance, it resembles a budget version of Pilotwings with a child-friendly spin. That’s a pretty fair assessment. Still, this relaxing game gains a boost from its two-player co-op mode, which adds some excitement.

In this game, you and a friend can take to the skies as Jimmy and Sophie—or a few other pilot options—and soar through worlds that seem to want to be a new and improved Wuhu Island. Admittedly, the game lacks originality, drawing comparisons it’s unable to match—even with its unlockable islands. Once I embraced the game for what it was, essentially a less polished imitation, I found myself enjoying it for short bursts.

However, the game does feel a bit unfocused. I enjoyed the freedom of exploration initially, but eventually, I craved more structure. The missions—ranging from shooting to picture-taking to racing—vary quite a bit in their entertainment value and seem somewhat haphazardly placed. Although collecting scattered rings for experience was entertaining at first, once you hit 100, it feels more like meaningless busywork. Balancing structured missions with the freedom to roam is a tricky dance, and Stunt Flyer struggles to nail it.

The aesthetics don’t offer much long-term appeal either. It features a primary music track that’s pleasant enough but wears thin as you search for something more engaging. Visually, it resembles a high-resolution Wii game. It turns out that’s precisely what it is, having originally launched on the Wii under a slightly different name with a plastic peripheral. Thirteen years later, its age is apparent.

I can’t emphasize enough that Stunt Flyer’s real charm comes out when you play with a friend. The split-screen feature allows each player to venture off independently while also teaming up on missions. But how long this enjoyment lasts is up for debate. My wife and I were satisfied in less than an hour, leaving me to soldier on solo for the sake of this review.

Flying solo, Stunt Flyer loses its spark, but the co-op aspect gives it a minor boost. Its longevity might depend on your interest in achievements, beating mission times, or simply unhurriedly exploring. Even at its budget price, it might be worth holding out for a sale or just firing up Pilotwings 64 on Switch Online instead.