Pikmin 4 Review: Pikmin Blooms Once Again

Since it has been over 10 years since the release of Pikmin 3, Pikmin 4 had a lot of catching up to do. Between adapting the game to a completely new console as well as increased expectations for quality-of-life features, I had some high standards going into my initial playthrough of the game. Not only was I pleasantly surprised by everything Pikmin 4 had to offer, but I was also floored by how excellent the game was as a whole, which will be reflected in the following review. It is both a marvel of quality in almost every category and the peak of what makes the franchise such an amazing series. With near-perfect gameplay, amazing visuals and music, and the usual Pikmin charm, I feel that, overall, Pikmin 4 was well worth the wait.

Pikmin 4 Review: Classic Pikmin in the Modern Era

10 years without a mainline Pikmin is a long time, despite such gaps being nothing new for the franchise. However, with Pikmin 4 reaching modern consoles, it can be easy to expect more from the game. This includes better graphics, gameplay, multiplayer modes, and most importantly, AI. With so much to look forward to in a modern entry, disappointment can follow just as easily. Luckily, the developers behind the game have used their time wisely. Overall, Pikmin 4 fits very well within its new home on the Switch, and it was a pleasure to review.

Story: Rebooting the Classic Formula

Pikmin 4 goes out of its way to reset all expectations set by previous entries and bring us back to the series’ roots. Instead of continuing the story after Pikmin 3, we are brought back for a retelling of the events of the original entry. The game begins with the classic tale of Olimar’s shipwreck on the alien planet PNF-404. Now, instead of following his journey repairing his ship, like in the first game, Olimar instead calls for assistance. In a twist of fate, the rescue team also crash lands on the planet, thereby separating the crew. The player character, simply referred to as the “Rookie,” must come in to save the day, rescue the crew, and save Captain Olimar.

New characters for the game include Captain Shepard, a 99th generation Rescue Corps Officer, Collin, the Communications Operator, Russ, the inventor, and many more simple-yet-pleasant characters. Out of any entry so far, we see the most unique characters in Pikmin 4. Although each one doesn’t have a lot of depth, the interactions between crewmates are wholesome and fun. Of course, the newest entry also introduces the lovable companion Oatchi. Although it’s hard to review someone so adorable objectively, Oatchi is a great addition to Pikmin 4 overall, adding an interesting layer of mystery to the story. When playing, I was curious about Oatchi’s odd transformations and was happy with the direction they took by the end.

Gameplay: Pikmin at Its Peak

Having played every entry so far, I can safely say in this review that Pikmin 4 is the peak of the series’ gameplay. The core of the mechanic involves leading an army of plant-like creatures known as Pikmin to assist in both foraging and combat. Each day revolves around exploring an alien planet and collecting treasures to harvest for their valuable resources. Following a strict timer, players will need to make the most of each day, throwing their Pikmin at any obstacle they need to overcome. Throw a Pikmin at an enemy, and they will attack it. Throw a Pikmin at a wall, and they’ll tear it down. By strategically and efficiently assigning them to each task, players can optimize each of their days and collect all the treasures in an area.

Normally, each game has leaders, like Olimar, that command the Pikmin to do tasks. However, this entry includes the aforementioned new canine companion, Oatchi, as a leader, alongside the Rookie. Oatchi functions very similarly to the Rookie, though he also has some additional special abilities that fix some of the series’ more glaring issues. These fixes include the ability to ride Oatchi with all your units for easier navigation, as well as a rush attack that causes all your Pikmin to attack a target simultaneously. I think Oatchi is the perfect quality-of-life update that Pikmin 4 needed, wrapped up in a cute package.

The game also includes new co-op gameplay. However, this is one of the weaker elements of Pikmin 4 and doesn’t add much overall. A second player can join in and aid the Rookie on their journey. Sadly, their contributions are extremely limited. The second player can only toss rocks at enemies – far from what players expected after 10 years. The competitive mode, Dandori Battles, is a bit better, though lacking in staying power. In these modes, players will need to face off in collecting treasures, with the player that collected more treasures and enemies crowned the winner. Though it’s fun for a bit, the mode becomes a bit repetitive over time.

Graphics & Audio: Pikmin 4 Is Charming, Cute, and Gorgeous

The music of Pikmin 4 is as strong as ever, making it an easy feature to review. Though it lacks some of the complexity of the adaptive music of previous entries, the simple melodies of the newest game fit well. The music still has a calm atmosphere that helps aid in the relaxing nature of the series’ exploration. However, when the music picks up, as it does during boss fights, it becomes more intense and hectic. Generally, though, it provides a steady baseline that aids in a player’s adventures, rather than overpowering them. Plus, I loved hearing many familiar melodies, like the classic Pikmin motif.

Graphics-wise, it’s easy to say that Pikmin 4 is the pinnacle of the series. Seeing Olimar, the Pikmin, and PNF-404 in the modern era is delightful. Each environment is full of life and small details that tie everything together. Caves especially show off some of the series’ strongest variety, with no single cave looking the same as another. As far as creature designs go, everything ranges from adorable to utterly terrifying. Oatchi especially shows the well-designed cuteness that I have grown to treasure.

Conclusion: A New Beginning for the Pikmin Series

Pikmin 4 is an amazing return for the series that is bound to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. First and foremost, the game is extremely well-polished and a poster child for the high quality that Nintendo is known for. The story is simple yet fun, reveling in its status as a retelling and utilizing adorable characters. On the flip side, the newest entry’s gameplay is incredibly addicting and captures exactly what it means to be a Pikmin game. A lot of polish went into making the gameplay fun, and it’s great to see the usual formula evolve with additions like Oatchi. Plus, the graphics and audio are fantastic, with modern technology really helping the series come to life. With such an amazing new entry, hopefully, we won’t have to wait 10 more years for Pikmin 5.