I miss playing this game. All of the different challenges were great but, what I miss most is the Birdman mode. The maps in PW encouraged exploration as there were many secrets and details that reflected iconic places in the USA.
Birdman let you put on a pair of wings and explore at your own leisure. There were no objectives… Just explore and take pictures. You could pick your preferred time of day (night was the best) and go.
This game was very influential in showing me how a great game’s atmosphere can add so much to an experience. All of the sounds of the waves, planes, boats, etc. Coupled with cool slow background music all made the experience hypnotic. It truly brought me away to another place outside of my world, responsibilities, chaos.
Other games that impacted me early on with amazing atmosphere included Resident Evil 1, Sonic Adventure, and Shenmue.
Now I need to find my N64!