Year Released: 1996(N64)

Number of Players: 1

Mario Cameo Appearance: One of the levels, Little USA, includes Mount Rushmore. Mario's head is carved in the rock, right next to all the presidents. Hit it with a missile or your character and it changes to Wario's face, and vice-versa.

Haven't you always wanted to be a pilot? Now's your chance. Earn your (virtual, at least) pilot's license by skydiving, shooting from cannons, and flying the Hang Glider, Rocket Belt, and Gyrocopter in three 3D levels.

Graphics: Since this was quite an early N64 game, the graphics are quite blocky, though the three worlds look nice. Each of the characters you can select has a custom paint job for their aircraft.

Play Control: From turning to firing missiles, the controls are never hard to pull off. The controls do change a bit with each vehicle, but they're easy to get used to.

Sound: The sound is really one of the great factors of this game. Though engine and wind sounds are pretty generic, the different effects you hear when flying around a level really add to the immersion factor. You'll hear everything from whales to carnival music as you fly around the levels. Your character will speak when you select them and scream when you screw up and crash into something (Ha ha!)

Challenge: The rating system judges you from take-off to landing, making it challenging to get the highest rating in every mission. The variety is great, too. You'll do everything you can do in the air, from forming complex formations in skydiving to exploring a cave with the Rocket Belt. You'll even fight a rock-throwing monster in the Gyrocopter! In the bonus levels, you'll be able to strap on a pair of wings and fly like a bird.

The Bottom Line: This is about the closest to a flight sim you'll get on N64. The variety and challenge are great. It might not be for everyone, however. Some people may be looking for more action in a game.