Pikmin 4: A Charming and Delightful Extraterrestrial Strategy Game
A Pikmin 4 review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning just how charming and delightful the extraterrestrial strategy game is. That’s no surprise, considering the series’ history of being both cute and challenging. But this entry into the series takes a more confident turn and ditches past tedium in favor of a more relaxed experience.
Pikmin 4 takes place in a tiny version of our world filled with household objects and microscopic insects. The environments range from suburban gardens and family living rooms to beaches and deep oceans. This transition from space to the ground is not only visually appealing, but also provides a stark contrast to the series’ typical challenge.
This time around, you play as a rookie of the Rescue Corp, tasked with finding the missing astronaut Olimar. The game cuts out previous administrative features and time limits, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You can jump into stages at your leisure, either focusing on the campaign or completing every single treasure.
The introduction of Oatchi, an alien rescue pup that acts as a mount and helps transport Pikmin, is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it gives less-experienced players a way to avoid pitfalls, but on the other, it removes a significant chunk of challenge from the game. Combat takes a backseat, as the focus is on collecting treasures and gaining Sparklium fuel for the ship.
Pikmin 4 introduces new mechanics that don’t always mix well with the lack of challenge on the surface. Nighttime expeditions are a nice addition, as they include Glow Pikmin that give you the ability to see in the dark. However, the inclusion of tower-defense-style minigames during these periods is an overcomplicated mess that lacks any sort of charm.
The game also includes some subterranean tunnels that lead to multi-layered dungeons that have their own aesthetics and gameplay strategies. The initial sections of these areas are challenging, but once you figure out the dungeon mechanics, they become a breeze. Despite this, I still enjoyed figuring out how to best use my Pikmin’s unique abilities to collect all the treasure.
Pikmin 4’s other addition, Dondori Battles, are incredibly frustrating. These split-screen battles have you competing against another Pikmin Commander. Your goal is to defeat all the Pikmin on your opponent’s side, but the problem is that you don’t have complete control over your army. This results in a lot of cheap deaths because of a rogue Pikmin that falls off a cliff or into a trap.
Thankfully, Pikmin 4 includes a Rewind function that allows you to save any Pikmin from death. It’s an optional feature that you can turn off completely, but I did find myself using it quite a bit despite my experience with the series.
Once you get past the weaker points of Pikmin 4, you’ll find gameplay mechanics that are still enjoyable despite the easier gameplay. Beating opponents using a mixture of Pikmin armies and power-ups is fun and satisfying, especially when you’re on your last breath and manage to pull out a win.
There’s extra depth to be found by exploring off the beaten path or after the game’s first ending, but only those who are truly committed to the series will see it. Those looking for a relaxing experience that doesn’t challenge them will find it in Pikmin 4, but there’s still something there for those of us who like to put in a little bit of work.
Pikmin 4 is a confident step in the series that removes past tedium. However, it also removes some challenge and depth that longtime fans will notice. The joy of commanding armies of Pikmin and gathering treasures remains, despite the easier gameplay. So, don’t expect the journey back home to be a leisurely stroll, as there are still challenges along the way.
