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Pikmin 4 has finally been released to massive fanfare and praise. After 10 long years of waiting Pikmin fans have received the newest entry of the Pikmin franchise. Sporting tons of new content, modes, and Pikmin, Pikmin 4 is a worthy entry in the series. However, sometimes players are looking for something a little different than the usual Pikmin gameplay. Whether they have already finished the newest Pikmin game or are looking for something new, there are many great alternatives to the Pikmin series. Plenty of games out there match Pikmin in both fun strategy gameplay and cute art style. Here are our picks for the best games to play if you like Pikmin 4.
5. Patapon
Patapon is a classic 2007 PSP game that is an excellent experience if you like Pikmin 4. The title is a rhythm-strategy fusion game where players command an army of warriors as they charge into battle. Much like Pikmin, players won’t have direct control over the units. Instead, they can issue orders by playing a drum to the beat. Timing is key in Patapon, as playing correct rhythms can give your troops additional power.
Additionally, the art style has a cute charm that Pikmin players should already be familiar with. Outside of a similar playstyle, players will also need to construct a base to upgrade units and provide buffs. This mechanic is similar to Pikmin’s new base building that was added to the newest entry.
4. Lemmings
Next up is Lemmings, another great game to try for those who like Pikmin 4. Lemmings is a strategy-puzzle game where players must guide a legion of Lemmings to reach the end of the level. However, many obstacles are in the way between the lemmings and victory. Players will need to use specialized lemmings to complete each level.
Similar to Pikmin, Lemmings is a game about setting your units on a path and watching them go. Once we send off the lemmings, they will travel on their own. Players who enjoy commanding a Pikmin swarm from point A to B would love this kind of gameplay. Additionally, much like Pikmin, the lemmings are adorably designed. As a result, losing either a Pikmin or a lemming can be devastating in either series.
3. Minecraft Legends
For fans of the real-time strategy aspects of Pikmin 4, you may like to try Minecraft Legends. In this Minecraft spin-off, players must build bases and raise armies to defeat their opponents in battle. For devoted Minecraft players, seeing and commanding all the different mobs in battle should be already engaging enough.
Minecraft Legends also handles similar to Pikmin 4 control-wise. Your army will follow you around in a large group formation behind you. Once players send them to attack, they will swarm the enemies and attack them. For any player that loves the gameplay of Pikmin, Minecraft Legends is a great alternative.
2. The Wild at Heart
Next, The Wild at Heart is an amazing indie game choice for anyone who liked Pikmin 4. Playstyle-wise, The Wild at Heart is a spiritual successor to Pikmin. The games handle almost identically, with the protagonist commanding a herd of quirky creatures. However, on the surface, the two games seem identical. Beneath the hood, they are quite different. For example, The Wild at Heart has less of a focus on strategy and combat than Pikmin does.
Overall, this creates a less stressful experience than during games like Pikmin 4. Additionally, the art style goes in a completely different direction. Despite being different, The Wild at Heart is still an awesome game for Pikmin fans to try.
1. Mario + Rabbids Series
Finally, the best game to try if you like Pikmin 4 is the Mario + Rabbids series. Mario + Rabbids is a series of tactical turn-based strategy games starring Mario and friends alongside Ubisoft’s Rabbids. Although the playstyles of Pikmin and Mario + Rabbids are very different, both are perfect for casual strategy game fans.
For games similar to Pikmin, Mario + Rabbids certainly fits the bill. On top of this, the tone of both games is light-hearted and fun, and a similar vibe to a cartoon. The cutscenes of Mario + Rabbids are memorable and extremely funny. Though it may take some time to get used to, Mario + Rabbids is worth trying if you had any fun at all playing Pikmin 4.
