Skyward Bound: Diving into Stunt Flyer on Xbox

XPN Network
Sep 30
3 min read

Originally a Wii game, Stunt Flyer now touches down on Xbox Series XS and Xbox One as a bright, accessible flight playground. Developed by Torus Games and published by Ultimate Games S.A., it forgoes elaborate menus, whisking you through a brief tutorial before handing you the controls of your first quirky aircraft.

You play as siblings Jimmy and Sophie, tackling 40 missions across three distinct sky-bound islands: the sunlit shores of Gloster Island, the lava-speckled peaks of Captain’s Cove, and the ethereal expanse of Nimbus.

Stunt Flyer’s 40 missions break down into five core types, each with its own pacing and rewards:

• Precision Flying: navigate tight rings or cave passages against the clock

• Aerial Services: water crops, deliver mail or dust fields across sprawling islands

• Target Practice: use onboard weapons or cameras to hit moving targets or photograph rare wildlife

• Collectathon Runs: scout hidden gift boxes or stunt rings scattered in hard-to-reach corners

• Boss Encounters: challenge large, mechanized contraptions in timed shoot-’em-up showdowns

Stars earned on each mission unlock a varied fleet including jets, gyrocopters, UFOs and rockets, each with its own unique handling. Beyond mission objectives, each map hides secret pathways, floating platforms and hidden collectibles. Revisiting older levels with a faster aircraft or a different ability set can reveal additional presents and pilot skins. The pursuit of full-star ratings and uncovering every hidden chest incentivises players to refine flight lines and master each craft’s unique handling characteristics, lending Stunt Flyer a surprising depth beneath its cheerful exterior.

From the moment you taxi down the runway, the game strikes a balance between arcade simplicity and light simulation. Pitch and roll respond smoothly to the left stick, while the right stick adjusts yaw and camera angle. Face buttons toggle your aircraft’s special abilities including turbo thrust, water sprinklers or tractor beams (depending on the plane you’ve chosen). Generous checkpoint placement and automatic altitude assists ensure that even rough landings rarely punish you harshly, keeping the focus on fun over frustration.

Stunt Flyer shines as a welcoming gateway into flight games. Stick-and-button controls replace motion steering, auto-aim assists keep objectives in reach, and absent time limits remove frustration. Local split-screen co-op lets friends or family team up so one pilot focuses on tasks while the other hunts collectibles.

Despite its charm, Stunt Flyer moves at a leisurely pace that may test the patience of thrill-seekers. Aircraft feel slower than in the original Wii release, and there’s no way to speed up longer missions. Similar mission designs recur across maps, offering limited variety for seasoned players.

Pros

Intuitive, button-based flight controls
Vibrant, well-lit environments
Wide selection of unlockable aircraft
Generous checkpoints and no strict timers
Local split-screen co-op

Cons

Slow cruising speeds stretch mission length
Repetitive objectives and layouts
Shallow depth for experienced flight fans
Occasional blurriness in character textures
No fast-forward or mission acceleration option

Stunt Flyer on Xbox Series XS and Xbox One is a delightful, family-friendly flight adventure that prioritises accessibility and charm over complexity. Its colourful worlds, varied aircraft roster, and forgiving design make it a perfect gateway for younger or novice pilots, though seasoned players might find its leisurely pace and repetitive missions leave them wanting more. If you’re looking for a light-hearted aerial playground to share with family, Stunt Flyer delivers exactly that.

XPN Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (SILVER)