Pilotwings 64 is a 3D flight simulator in which the player must complete a variety of missions involving different airborne vehicles and air sports. Before each mission, the player must choose one of six character pilots, each with their own advantages and disadvantages based on factors such as weight.[4][5] Tests before each event require the player to complete an objective in order to earn a license for the event. Depending on the mission, points are awarded or deducted based on time, damage, fuel usage, accuracy, softness of landing, and similar criteria. The player is awarded a bronze, silver, or gold license based on the number of points attained.[4][6] More difficult tests become available as the player progresses.
There are three main events in Pilotwings 64 required to complete the game, each of which has its own objectives and unique flight controls using the Nintendo 64 controller's single analog stick. The first, hang gliding, usually requires the player to fly through a series of floating marker rings or snap a photograph of a particular piece of scenery before landing on a target area.[4][6] The player's movement is affected by wind currents, and altitude can be gained by flying through thermal columns. The second event is the "Rocket Belt", a jet pack that allows the player to move and gain height as well as hover, tilt, and rotate in the air using the belt's equipped thrusters. Goals entail flying through rings, landing on floating platforms or popping large balloons before landing.[4][6] The third event, the gyrocopter, challenges the player to take off and land on a runway after completing objectives like navigating a path of rings or destroying targets with missiles.[4][6]
Pilotwings 64 also features several bonus events that are unlocked if the player performs well in the main missions.[4] The player can also earn medals in many of these events. They include skydiving, a human cannonball event, and the "Jumble Hopper", which grants the player special spring-loaded boots use in bouncing across the landscape to an end space.[4][6] Lastly, Pilotwings 64 features a "Birdman" mode that puts the character in a bird suit and gives players the opportunity to freely explore the game's detailed, object-dense environments set among its four distinct islands.[4] One of the islands is based on the United States, and has geographical replications of famous landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore (with Mario's face replacing George Washington's) and major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.[4][5][6] Representations of Nintendo characters and many other quirks can be found in the landscapes of the game.
