Summary
The long-awaitedPikmin 4has finally arrived, and it has been a treat for fans of the franchise so far. The world is as unique as ever, the gameplay feels polished, the Pikmin are adorable, and it feels like everything fans have been wanting for 10 years. It not only stays true to the series template but also introduces a plethora of new features that help make this entry stand out. However, some parts ofPikmin 4may play it a bit too safe.
Players have been able to go on a unique journey across four iconic RTS titles, but the actual story has never been the franchise’s strong suit.Almost everyPikmingameseems to have a remarkably similar plot structure that seldom deviates, andPikmin 4is no different. While the game is still a blast to play, it would have been nice if Nintendo had tried something new with its narrative beats.
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It is Time for Pikmin to Change
The firstPikmingame shined with its unique puzzle-solving gameplay, but its story was never the strongest part. Players took control offranchise mascot Captain Olimaras he crash-landed on a mysterious planet filled with Pikmin. He had to utilize these Pikmin to help him explore the world, gather various ship parts, take out hostile creatures, and escape the planet in 30 days. Once players gather everything they need, Olimar leaves the planet and races off into the stars.
WhilePikmin 2told a very different story,Pikmin 3returned to the tried-and-true template of the first game. Players took control of three brand-new characters after they crash-landed on a new mysterious planet. They once again have to use Pikmin to navigate the world, solve various puzzles, collect resources, and also save Captain Olimar from peril. The initial setup may be different, but the actual story feels terribly similar.
Pikmin 4has once again redone the crash-landed storyline with a new cast of characters. This time, players control their own custom character as they help save the Rescue Corps that crash-landed on a mysterious planet. They mustuse these Pikmin to explore the levels, solve all sorts of puzzles, collect various treasures, and also ultimately save Captain Olimar from danger. While Nintendo added a slew of new features to help reinvent the gameplay, the story should be awfully familiar for series veterans.
There is nothing wrong with having a simple story, but Nintendo could do a lot more with thePikminseries if it really wanted to. There is a vast sci-fi galaxy out there brimming with unique stories to tell andnew Pikmin to discover. Players may have to take on a vile being bent on destroying the galaxy, they may have to save a planet from disaster, they may have to traverse the galaxy looking for lost secrets, or they could simply help Captain Olimar finally retire. There are so many different things Nintendo could do with the concept, and hopefullyPikmin 5is when it decides to do that.
The crash-landed story is fine, but players have crash-landed on mysterious planets for three games now. Eventually, these characters' pilot licenses should be revoked, and a new type of story should enter the scene. It does not have to be on the level ofThe Last of Us, but it should at least be unique. Telling a newPikminstory could go a long way in reinventing the concept and injecting new life into the series, and it may even help introduce new players to one of Nintendo’s most overlooked franchises.
Pikmin 4is available now on Switch.
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