
I'm actually pretty sure I DID notice the controls as a kid, and I think I found the planes too slow. I still loved the game just for its variety, though, it was a nice change of pace from Mario Kart.
I only ever rented it, but the next door neighbors had it, and I recall playing in Future Fun Land at their house.
I love this Tour de 64 idea, especially since it was my first system, technically (grew up with my older brother's NES, SNES, and Game Boy, but N64 was a Christmas present all my own.)