Nintendo Missed Its Chance To Bring Back Bulbmin in Pikmin 4

Pikmin 4 is an excellent addition to the Pikmin series as a whole. In terms of content and gameplay, the franchise’s newest entry evolves and brings the games into the future. However, at the same time, Pikmin 4 doesn’t forget the past entries that made the series so great. By reintroducing every main Pikmin in the series prior, fans were excited to try out the newest game. However, one of the lesser-known Pikmin types is missing and hasn’t been seen yet in Pikmin 4. The Bulbmin could have been the perfect addition to bring back in Pikmin 4; however, Nintendo has missed its chance.

What Are the Bulbmin?

The Bulbmin are a species of parasitic Pikmin from Pikmin 2 that have taken over a Bulborb as a host. These creatures seemingly coexist peacefully. However, the larger species of Bulbmin are still feral and aggressive. Despite this, Juvenile Bulbmin, on the other hand, mimics any creature they view as their leader. Initially, this is the Mature Bulbmin. 

After Olimar defeats the Mature Bulbmin, he can add the Juvenile Bulbmin to his squad by whistling at them. These Pikmin, although average in stats, are immune to all hazards. This includes fire, electricity, water, and poison. Due to this, these Pikmin are one of the best and most fun to use in the entire game. Sadly, it seems that these Bulbmin were the only usable Pikmin type that didn’t make the cut to Pikmin 4.

Bulbmin’s Niche Is Replaced in Pikmin 4

First and foremost, the main reason why Bulbmin should be in Pikmin 4 is to have a Pikmin game with all Pikmin types. Although Pikmin 4 tried to reintroduce all Pikmin, Bulbmin may have been left behind because they are specialty Pikmin. The species was only usable in the caves of Pikmin 2, making it hard to implement them in the overall game. Pikmin 4 already has a Pikmin type that fills this niche as Glow Pikmin. Like the Bulbmin, the Glow Pikmin can only appear at night and be summoned in caves. Although the Bulbmin’s niche was filled in Pikmin 4, the Bulbmin and Glow Pikmin can still coexist.

Nintendo had the perfect opportunity to include Bulbmin in the night missions of Pikmin 4. With only Glow Pikmin generally available during nocturnal outings, their gameplay can sometimes get a bit stale. However, with the Bulbmin, players would have more variety during night missions. Similarly, Bulbmin could have a specialty item that lets players summon them in caves, like the Glow Seed. Doing this would bring back the original niche that Bulbmin served in Pikmin 2 while making it fit better in Pikmin 4. Obtaining these Bulbord Seeds would also be a great motivator for players to complete more night missions.

Bulbmin in Pikmin 4 Would Be a Great Late-Game Reward

Despite being a good fit for Pikmin 4 gameplay-wise, the Bulbmin may be harder to implement balance-wise. The Bulbmin’s immunity to all hazards and their decent damage may make most other Pikmin types less effective. Additionally, if the Bulbmin are too readily available, they may start to take over every player’s team. However, there are multiple ways to balance the Bulbmin. The Bulbmin could have its abilities changed. Removing the immunities and giving the Bulbmin a special sort of bite attack, similar to the Glow Pikmin’s special attack, would be great to see. Plus, making the Bulbmin rare would also make players think before using them. Finally, saving Bulbmin for the late game will be a fantastic reward for all the player’s hard work. 

In the end, while it’s sad the Bulbmin aren’t in Pikmin 4, it’s understandable as to why they weren’t added. Between balancing issues and Glow Pikmin stealing their niche, players will have to wait longer for the return of Bulbmin. Hopefully, in the future, we will see the Bulbmin added in some form via DLC or an update for the game. In the modern age of gaming, content updates are much more common than they were. With the fanbase calling for the return of Bulbmin, it doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility that Nintendo may consider adding them. Until then, players will just need to keep showing their love for the Bulbmin, Nintendo’s forgotten Pikmin.