REVIEW: ‘Pikmin 4’ Brings Pikmin Magic To A New Generation (Switch)

It’s been 10 years since the release of Pikmin 3 and fans of the hit series have been clamoring for a true sequel. Pikmin 4 brings the world of Pikmin to a whole new generation that might have never experienced it before. A somewhat new formula makes Pikmin 4 highly approachable to new fans and enjoyable for old ones, making it a perfect game for every generation of players.

Pikmin 4 puts players in the shoes of their own customizable astronaut as they set out to rescue Captain Olimar, the franchise’s most recognizable character. This is the first Pikmin game that does not feature Olimar as the playable character, which sets the tone that this really is a new generation of Pikmin games. The character creation is somewhat limited and not necessarily game-changing. Still, the fact that it changes something that has been a core of the franchise in a way that doesn’t feel forced or awkward was greatly appreciated.

The core gameplay loop of Pikmin 4 is pretty straightforward. Players collect miniature aliens called Pikmin that are used alongside the astronaut to explore the giant-sized world. Exploration can vary from solving puzzles to unlocking new areas and even boss battles against interesting enemies throughout the various locations in the game. The Pikmin rely on the player to steer them in a certain direction and act as an almost hivemind mob seeking to do the will of the player.

The relationship between the player and the Pikmin can be described as an almost parent-child one. There is a constant thought of “Oh no, what are they getting into now” as they jump into yet another dangerous situation. Some players, like me, might just throw wave after wave of Pikmin into dangerous situations to solve a problem without really worrying too much about their fate. Others will jump into overprotective mode and do everything they can to keep their Pikmin from harm.

There is no “right” way to play Pikmin 4, offering a significant amount of freedom for players. Being able to use gadgets to help find lost Pikmin more easily or hunt down secret treasures helps make the experience more accessible for players of all ages to enjoy. There is also just enough challenge to keep older, more experienced players from feeling like things are stale.

Pikmin 4 is all about optimizing your play, making the most of the time you have in each in-game day to make new discoveries and progress through the game. The new mechanics that have been introduced can help make this optimization easier to manage too — something that again makes the game more approachable without making it feel too easy or simplistic. The most significant of the new additions is the dog Oatchi. Oatchi, like the player, can be upgraded throughout the game and used for all sorts of new opportunities. Riding around on him makes transportation easier, but he also serves a vital role in exploring the land around you.

Another thing I loved about Pikmin 4 is the vibe you can feel throughout. The gentle piano-led music gives things a relaxed feel even when I found myself starting to stress about how to best manage my time. It helps too that the character animations give a whimsical feel to a game that could otherwise feel too much like a stressful exploration simulator. Every new locale is vibrant and bursting at the seams with color, enhancing the satisfaction found in every new discovery. I was particularly taken by how well larger-than-life items in the background helped showcase how small the player and the Pikmin are. The creativity and design visually drive home the type of world Pikmin 4 is attempting to create and immersed me even more.

Pikmin 4 brings back a storied franchise in a way that will appeal to players both old and new. A significant amount of exploratory freedom allows players to craft their own journey with so much to be discovered. New modern tools help assist players by making the experience more streamlined without ever feeling like hand-holding. Pikmin 4 nails a difficult balance trying to bring a classic franchise to a new generation but manages to stay true to itself even if the package is a new one.

Pikmin 4 is out now on Nintendo Switch.