With great level design, vast visual improvement, and many new additions, Pikmin 4 is still a worthy addition to the Pikmin series and should be considered among its best entries.
It’s been that long since Pikmin 3 came out for the Wii U, and 10 years have passed by then. Yes, there was a game called Hey! Pikmin, but it wasn’t really a Pikmin game. Despite this, we were also able to play Pikmin 3 Deluxe on the Switch throughout the year 2020, which is considered to be an unlucky year.
Even though it had a lot of new features, that update was still bound by the principles of the first edition. There was a controller called the KopPad, which functioned similarly to the Wii U’s remote, and a captain system demanded precise timing and coordination. But it is all behind us now, and we can start again. This entails a redesigned interface, a sharpened point of view, and an all-new narrative.
The franchise has been given a fresh start with the release of Pikmin 4. A glistening redo button that retains some of the aspects of the last game you enjoyed the most but leaves you none the wiser. But what kinds of environments are ideal for Pikmin 4? Surprisingly enough, the vast majority of its characteristics. As the plot of Pikmin 4 gets underway, we are presented with Captain Olimar as we always have been. Olimar is present.
However, his background story appears not the same as the ones in the prior three entries. It would appear that the captain came across the Pikmin at some point during this expedition when he discovered a staggering number of his ship’s pieces and then sent out a signal for assistance at another location.
The mission of returning Captain Olimar back to his base has been given to the Rescue Corps, which consists of a group of individuals who are all unique in their own way. However, their ship malfunctions just before they are able to land on the planet, and as a result, everyone is scattered across the surface of the world. Now that you have been promoted to the role of team rookie, it is your responsibility to track down the other members and discover what happened to our much-loved character. Oatchi, the rescue dog you’ll be traveling with, is unquestionably the cutest thing about this new experience.
Pikmin 4′s ability to self-insert is a pleasant surprise, although the game does have a few drawbacks. It seems as though there is a restricted choice of components from which to construct your character. In addition, it indicates that the person you’re playing doesn’t actually have any thoughts worth mentioning. The other characters in the game, most notably Shepherd, the officer of the Rescue Corps, and Collin, the comms operator, are responsible for all of the communication that takes place through a device that is similar to a tablet.
The fact that I could see the world from the perspective of these space cadets was one of the aspects that I enjoyed most about the games that came before this one; nevertheless, this feeling is much diminished in the new game. Despite this, your conversation with the Rescue Corps members is rather funny, and your interactions with them are also quite enjoyable. They will guide you through the experience with witty comments and helpful advice on your next actions.
The narrative of Pikmin 4 is very similar to that of its predecessor in terms of its themes and overall structure. At the same time, it does feel like substantial strides are being made in the right direction. The story is not simply something that happens after the events have passed and you have had time to reflect on what was placed. You can now interact with characters, acquire new missions to perform during the voyage, obtain stuff, and navigate between the numerous available options in a new hub area.
Even though there is little in the way of voice acting, Pikmin 4 gives off the impression that it is steadily laying the groundwork for whatever comes after it. The fact that there is less pressure to perform well is beneficial. Pikmin 4 allows you to play at your own speed because it removes the day and night cycle from the equation. You are allowed to take as much as you require to complete objectives, including those connected to the overarching story. Finding Sparklium, the game’s primary resource, requires players to diligently search throughout various environments and hunt for treasure to be successful.
As a result, the player can familiarize themselves with the controls and the new gameplay aspects in a somewhat less stressful manner. Even if you make a mistake, the game allows you to go back in time for a few minutes and correct any mistakes you may have made. The vibe you get while you’re playing, is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. This is what left a significant and lasting impression on us right away.
The gameplay of Pikmin 4 is the most varied in the series’s existence, which is a big assist. In this unexplored world, the landmasses you investigate are vast, packed to the gills with activities to participate in, and, most importantly, colorful. Consider the first location, the Sun-Speckled Terrace, as an example. As you begin to explore your surroundings for the first time, a great number of opportunities become unavailable to you. During the course of your exploration of the vast open space, you could come up with an idea or two, but you won’t be able to put those ideas into action right away.
You will go over the openings to caves that reach numerous underground sublevels, even if you may appear lost at first glance. It is in this section that you are made familiar with new kinds of Pikmin, such as the Yellow and Ice Pikmin before you discover that a greater number of locations are now easily accessible. You will find that you are able to take on bosses and obtain the larger pieces of loot once you have a sufficient number of Pikmin at your sides and the ability to move them around with you. The rate of flow is unchanging.
Pikmin 4 ups the ante by introducing solo Dandori Battles, which can take place everywhere in the game, from the underworld to the overworld. Here, you will venture into unique caverns and battle with Leaflings, which are originally from other worlds but have undergone a significant transformation. There is a possibility that there could be a special mission very much like the ones that can be found in the downloadable material for Pikmin 3, in which you will have a set period to accumulate a certain number of points. When you travel to other areas, the battles will be similar to the Bingo Battles from the games that came before.
In these battles, you must gather as many creatures and valuables as possible to get an advantage over your opponent. As a result of the fact that there will be unique bonuses awarded for collecting specific pieces within the level, the competition will continue without ceasing at any point. The fact that Dandori brings further variation to an already action-packed game is, if anything, what makes its inclusion all the more welcome. On the other hand, the nocturnal excursions are a little bit of a letdown.
Finding a unique ingredient that can transform the Leaflings back into humanoids is the primary objective of these journeys, which is why they are taking place. The concept it is based on is a really good one; yet, to tell the truth, the Night Expeditions are nothing more than shorter versions of the tower defense mini-missions.
You are entrusted with defending dirt piles and keeping your balance for a predetermined amount of time while Glow Pikmin is your companion in this mission. In practice, it’s entertaining enough, but as a component of this whole offering? A potential weak point in the chain. Pikmin’s controls have gone through a lot of iterations since the game’s first release. From making use of a regular GameCube controller to utilizing a WiiU Remote instead.
The gameplay has undergone several minor adjustments over the years in order to make it more compatible with its new location. That said, it is a worrying development that they have moved away from using the Wii controller. The plan made so much sense for the game’s concept, which caused us to be somewhat concerned about Pikmin 4’s development.
Although there is space for some skepticism regarding the outcomes, on the whole, they are significantly more favorable than they could have hoped for. The controls are much more similar to those of the GameCube, but you have the option of using motion controls for some of the smaller functions, which should help alleviate some of your concerns.
The fact that you have space to select and operate goods ask Oatchi for guidance, and map the buttons on the D-Pad for some helpful functionality is a major talking point. The cumulative effect of all of these petty details gives the impression that they are moving faster. The auto-aim feature is yet another significant addition to this game. To tell you the truth, it causes a little bit of contention, but all things considered, it is very much a positive overall.
On the other hand, this eliminates the possibility of making mistakes while playing Pikmin, which results in the most recent iterations being slightly less chaotic. In addition to this, it is very simple for the auto-aim to become mired in its own practices. Having said that, it makes the base level of entry significantly better for players who are just starting out.
Pikmin 4 gives you more access to free-roaming areas at an earlier stage in the game, making it a more compelling option if you’ve been on the fence about Pikmin. In addition, it is quite useful while engaging in combat with larger foes throughout the game because it pinpoints the areas of the enemy that you can strike and, in nine out of ten cases, makes you a more effective fighter.
The answer to this question varies greatly from person to person. Do you enjoy a good challenge, or are you more concerned about finishing the game quickly? Moving on to the Dandori Battles for a while, I should mention that you may actually compete in them locally, exactly like in the previous Pikmin games.
These hard-hitting battles in Pikmin 4 are a joy to engage in with a close friend from the area, and you can obtain the greatest outcomes possible by gathering as much as you can. But this is also one of the reasons why it is frustrating that Dandori and Bingo Battles are not available online. This is the same situation that existed with Pikmin 3 Deluxe before it. Imagine having your very own team of Pikmin and being able to track your progress in relation to that of your pals.
Could you handle the pressure? Although it is not a feature that would have been successful in the long run, it is one that is incredibly innovative in principle and expands the audience for games in the Pikmin genre. Perhaps at some point, Nintendo. Perhaps at some point.
Pikmin 4 is undeniably one of the most aesthetically pleasing games that can be played on a Nintendo Switch. This game is a treat to behold because of the incredible-looking scenery, the detailed texture work, and the overall concept. That is correct concerning absolutely every facet of the game. Pikmin 4 encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of the environment, unlike Pikmin 2, which had procedurally created dungeons. The overworlds use graphic design signals to ensure that you look carefully and remain vigilant for unexpected foes or obstacles.
The Pikmin crew went above and above to ensure their meticulous craftsmanship was fully shown. Naturally, it is also to the benefit of the project that the utilization of color is so prominent. The various prizes, people, and foes truly stand out on the screen, contributing to the impression that the experience is really appealing.
In addition to these goods, make it a point to keep an eye out for some unique Nintendo memorabilia as well. Similarly, the background music features a robust contrast between frenetic and soothing tones, all of which are an excellent fit for the scenario. The overworld themes are a huge personal favorite of mine, likely due to the fact that they are so well suited to their respective locales.
The converse is true in the caves, where deeper tones are essential to the environment. The quality of the work done on the sound effects is unmatched; for example, when a musical instrument is picked up, it comes to life; when an adversary appears, an immediate threat is shown; and when duty is finished, it ends with a short tone. It is lovely for the most part. Mostly because, oh Lord, the pitiful sounds made by the Pikmin still seem to have the ability to break your heart. To summarize, though, Pikmin 4 is yet another game that shines on the Nintendo Switch. There is a more grounded vibe that may instantly turn on a dime and change direction.
If you feel like you’re making too many mistakes or if you don’t know what to do, the game provides you with a lot of different options to help you out. The gameplay of Pikmin 4 loop has never been stronger than it is now, and it brings the best of what this series has to offer. This is one factor that helps. Night adventures and the absence of online Dandori are, without a doubt, causes for some degree of dissatisfaction.
All things considered, however, these are not major deal-breakers for Pikmin 4. The feeling that you should do as much as you possibly can is what this game excels at doing better than any other aspect. It’s a lot more fun to play through these places. It is another good addition to the Pikmin series, albeit with a few flaws that slightly bring the total score down. Despite this, it easily ranks as one of the most impressive games released for the Nintendo Switch in a long time, if not The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
