Review: Stunt Flyer (Nintendo Switch)

Stunt Flyer was quietly released on the Nintendo Switch in February 2025, and it’s easy to see why this one flew under the radar. By all appearances, it’s a budget Pilotwings with a kiddie focus. And honestly, that’s not too far off the mark. But it’s also a relaxing game that gets elevated with two-player simultaneous co-op.

You and a friend fly as Jimmy and Sophie (and a handful of other pilots) through a world that looks like it wants to be Wuhu Island 2.0 in all but name only. In truth, the lack of originality invites comparisons that Stunt Flyer can’t live up to, even with unlockable islands. But once I accepted it for what it was (a game lacking originality and polish compared to the title it aimed to emulate), I had some short-term fun.

That said, there is real aimlessness in the affairs. While I appreciated the exploration, I eventually longed for more structure. Stunt Flyer has familiar missions (shooting, taking pictures, races, etc.), but they vary sizably in entertainment value and seem to be scattered about without much thought. Finding scattered rings to gain experience was fun, but after collecting 100, it seemed to cease serving any function except pointless busy work. It’s a balancing act blending missions with the freedom to do what you want, and Stunt Flyer struggles with it.

Aesthetics don’t provide much lasting help either. The game has one main music track. Though pleasant, you’ll grow tired of it as you search for more to do. Visually, it looks like a higher-res Wii game. Come to find out it is just that, first released on Wii with a slightly longer name and a plastic peripheral. Over 13 years later, its age is showing.

I stress again that playing with a friend is where Stunt Flyer flies the highest. Split-screen allows each to do their own thing but also cooperate on missions. How much lasting power it has is a fair question, though. My wife and I had our fill in less than an hour, and I was forced to preserve on my own for this review.

Stunt Flyer runs out of gas when playing solo, but split-screen co-op elevates it slightly. How much lasting power this has might depend on your desire to earn achievements, improve mission times, or simply chill for a spell. Even with the budget price, I’d wait for a sale or just boot up Pilotwings 64 on Switch Online.