After 10 years, Nintendo’s beloved Pikmin series has returned with Pikmin 4. Now players can once again lead adorable Pikmin in a massive treasure-hunting adventure. Overall, Pikmin games have a generally simple and sweet story that can be enjoyed by all audiences. However, new players might be worried about starting with the series’ fourth game. With so much history behind the series, Pikmin 4 can be an intimidating point to jump into for the world of Olimar and the Pikmin. Nevertheless, anyone, a newcomer or long-time fan, can enjoy Pikmin 4 without needing the experience of previous Pikmin games.
Initially, the first two Pikmin entries followed the adventures of Captain Olimar. After crash landing on the planet PNF-404, Olimar befriends a strange species of plant-like creatures to find the parts of his ship scattered across the planet. Although Olimar returns home, later games focus on returning to the alien world for additional treasure or food. For Pikmin 4, the pattern of the series continues. As the series progresses, more and more complexity is added, such as new Pikmin types, more crew members, and a wider variety of monsters. For instance, Pikmin 4 includes many new elements, like base-building and an adorable dog named Oatchi.Â
Do You Need To Play Previous Games To Enjoy Pikmin 4?
Overall, enjoying Pikmin 4 doesn’t require any previous gaming experience. Due to the easygoing nature of Pikmin and the focus on gameplay, players don’t need to worry about missing out on previous narratives. Although the stories are interconnected, the simple and addictive gameplay is the priority of Pikmin 4. In the end, Pikmin is a series about controlling an army of Pikmin and finding treasures on an alien planet. If this sounds like fun, then don’t be afraid to hop right in on the newest entry of the series. After all, the Pikmin series is available on the Switch if you want to play the prequels. Any player looking to get into the series has the perfect place to start with the Nintendo Switch.
Pikmin 4 Is Easy To Pick Up And Hard To Master
Not only is it easy to pick up the story of Pikmin so far, but the gameplay is also simple enough to appeal to a broad audience. Pikmin, as a whole, is easy to pick up yet hard to master. Gameplay involves throwing different Pikmin at treasures and enemies. From there, the Pikmin will handle the rest by carrying materials back to base or pummeling the enemy. However, players looking for a bit more complexity can take a more strategic approach than just throwing Pikmin around. Players can optimize damage and resource-gathering by utilizing each Pikmin’s unique trait. Any player concerned about needing previous Pikmin experience to enjoy Pikmin 4 from a gameplay standpoint needn’t worry. The series itself is simple enough for anyone to enjoy.
Previous Pikmin Games May Enhance Your Enjoyment Of Pikmin 4
Regardless, we still highly recommend checking out other entries. Each Pikmin game, while essentially the same concept, offers a unique experience. Pikmin 1 is an excellent choice for players looking for a more time-based experience. The game lasts only 30 days, creating a fun and hectic time crunch. Sadly, the first entry only has 3 varieties of Pikmin, leading to less strategy and variation in gameplay. For a closer experience to Pikmin 4, Pikmin 3 is a great gateway experience. Pikmin 3 is by far the strongest entry in the series, boasting the most refined gameplay. Each game is also relatively short, with each entry only requiring 10 hours of gameplay.
In the end, although you don’t need to play any Pikmin games to enjoy Pikmin 4, playing them may enhance your experience. The series is one of Nintendo’s strongest to date, consistently putting out quality entries. So far, Pikmin 4 has proven to be the same, keeping up the level of polish Pikmin is known for. No matter how a player plays it or their past experience, they are bound to have fun with this fantastic game.
