Pikmin 4 | Review

Initial Release Date: July 21, 2023

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Developers: Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development, Eighting

Genres: Action, Adventure, Puzzle, Real-time Strategy

Mode: Single Player

Composers: Kenta Nagata, Asuka Hayazaki, Soshi Abe

Designer: Taku Matoba

Introduction

First let me preface this review article with the fact I haven’t finished the game to end credits. However, I did put a good four days time only playing Pikmin 4 which was more than enough time to develop it’s true gameplay loop. If you want to watch gameplay check out Pikmin 4 Video Playlist.

If you didn’t know Pikmin 4 is environmental strategy game which takes place on Earth (I assume). You’re just really small. Think “Honey I Shrunk The Kids”. Pikmin 4 above all else is fun and has charm.

Everything is pleasant In Pikmin 4 from it’s colorful visuals to the music. As for my history with Pikmin I did beat Pikmin 2 on my Gamecube many years ago. With that said, keep reading to find out what I think of Pikmin 4 for the Nintendo Switch.

Presentation

Pikmin 4 technically ran at a solid 30 frames per second (it seemed) sported great visuals for the Nintendo Switch. Technically Pikmin 4 was a decent experience. I don’t remember any bugs or glitches that stood out.

My only complaint is how odd feeling the controls were in the beginning. Took me some getting used to. Also maybe it was just me but the Lock-On never seemed to “stick”. But yea, otherwise, everything was gravy. Pikmin 4 had overall a solid presentation.

Story made me want to continue playing. Visuals are some of the best on the Nintendo Switch. Music was really good and lead to a chill atmosphere gameplay experience.

Story

Pikmin 4’s story revolves around “You” a intergalactic traveler part of a search team to find Capatin Olimar (from previous Pikmin games). Olimar crash lands on Earth and your job is to locate and find him.

Along the way you also have to find your missing comrades who serve as merchants at you Hub early into the campaign. Along the way, you discover Leafy-face individuals who you must help.

There are bad guys, good guys and lots of exploration. Story-wise Pikmin 4 is meh. The story is more designed to make you want to continue completing missions and gathering resources. I would not buy any Pikmin game for it’s story first. Just saying.

Gameplay

Pikmin 4’s gameplay been called RTS (Real Time Strategy). I akin it to more of a ERTS (Environmental Real Time Strategy). Each Day you’re tasked to either find resources or locate missing friends out in the environment. You start the campaign in character customization designing your hero.

You collect Pikmin of various functions that help in combat and exploration. There are many types of Pikmin you unlock and manage. For instance, Ice Pikmin let’s you freeze water into ice so you can cross water. You also have Glow Pikmin to light dark caves.

You have underground dungeon-caves looted with treasures and stronger creatures. You also have special Dandori Battles via splitscreen that tests your skills involving time management. Pikmin 4 has a few gameplay add-ons from past adventures sure.

The biggest gameplay change comes in the form of Oatchi, your “Pup”. You can ride, sniff trails, swim, carry objects and charge attack Oatchi. Oatchi is a jack of all trades who’s fully upgradable and makes a huge difference while exploring the environment.

There is a day/night clock tied to a day and night system that alerts you to get back to base in time with all your Pikmin in hand. If you lose Pikmin at night, they die. While at the base you can talk to various NPC comrades like Collin, Shepherd, Dingo who act as merchants or help upgrade Oatchi.

Pikmin 4 like Pikmin 2 for me gameplay was fun and engaging. I never felt intimidated by Pikmin 4’s difficulty while playing on it’s default difficulty. This video game is fun, engaging with a chill atmosphere. If you like strategy but hate hardcore RTS games and own a Switch this is for you.

You can outfit your Hero protagonist with special armors and a Survey Drone for seeing what’s ahead of you. There are a plethora of items and gear for your hero to traverse Earth.

Visuals/Graphics

Visually, graphically and art-wise Pikmin 4 is one of the better looking Nintendo Switch video games in my opinion. Sure some textures got blurry in the environment. Overall, the color palette and design, the creatures, various environments and lighting system makes things appear crisp to my old eyes.

Sound/Music

Pikmin 4’s music ranges from some Metroid synth-wave tunes to Saturday morning kids cartoons toons. Let’s just say the music really fits Pikmin 4’s atmosphere and I had a good time listening to it’s music while exploring.

Tips and Tricks

Manage your Pikmin by their strengths wisely. Say you have a lot of water around you. Use more Ice Pikmin to freeze the water to traverse across. Say you have electric gates all around you. Use more electric Pikmin to destroy those gates etc. Use your Survey Drone to the fullest.

Final Verdict

True, I wish I had more time with Pikmin 4 but it’s okay. I played enough to get it’s gameplay loop and story. Pikmin 4 is a polished environmental strategy video game with a fun, chill atmosphere.

With Oatchi your pup, Pikmin 4 will never be the same. If you have a Nintendo Switch and like strategy games that aren’t super hardcore buy this game. Thanks for reading. Later – Jason

8/10