Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a mysterious planet with a squad of adorable plant-like creatures? 

If so, you might want to check out Pikmin 4, the latest installment in the beloved Pikmin series.

 In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about this game, from its gameplay and story to its new features and modes.

 Whether you are a fan of the series or a newcomer, you will find something to enjoy in this charming and colorful adventure.

Pikmin 4: Gameplay

Pikmin 4 is a real-time strategy game that puts you in the role of a customizable explorer who commands a team of Pikmin, colorful creatures that have different abilities and personalities. 

You can use the Pikmin to fight enemies, collect treasures, solve puzzles, and explore various areas on a planet called PNF-404. 

You can also switch between different types of Pikmin to adapt to different situations and hazards.

 For example, Red Pikmin is immune to fire, Blue Pikmin can breathe underwater, and Winged Pikmin can fly over obstacles. 

The game also introduces two new species of Pikmin: Ice Pikmin, which can freeze enemies and water, and Glow Pikmin, which can operate at night and illuminate dark places.

The game features a story mode, where you have to complete missions and objectives within a day cycle, and a free mode, where you can explore the planet at your own pace and discover secrets and collectibles. 

The game also supports multiplayer modes, where you can play with or against another player in co-op or competitive modes, such as Dandori Battles, where you have to collect more objects than your opponent within a time limit. 

You can also share your custom character and Oatchi, a canine companion, with other players online and see their creations.

The gameplay of Pikmin 4 is easy to learn but hard to master, as you have to balance your time, resources, and Pikmin.

 You also have to be careful of the dangers and enemies that lurk on the planet, as some of them can be very powerful and aggressive.

 You can also lose your Pikmin if they are left behind, eaten, crushed, burned, drowned, or frozen. 

However, you can always grow more Pikmin by using the seeds and pellets that you find on the planet, or by defeating enemies and bringing their corpses to the Onion, a spaceship that serves as the Pikmin’s home base. 

The game also offers different difficulty levels and options to suit your preference and skill level.

Pikmin 4: story

The story of Pikmin 4 follows a recruit of the Rescue Corps, a group of explorers who are in charge of rescuing stranded travelers across the galaxy. 

The recruit is sent on a mission to PNF-404, the same planet where Captain Olimar, the protagonist of the previous games, crash-landed several times.

 However, things go wrong when the Rescue Corps ship is damaged by a mysterious force and the crew is scattered across the planet.

 The recruit must find the missing crew members, repair the ship, and rescue Captain Olimar, who is in grave danger.

 Along the way, the recruit will encounter new friends and foes, as well as uncover the secrets of the planet and the Pikmin.

The game features a branching storyline with multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices and actions. 

The player can also interact with the crew members and the Pikmin, and learn more about their personalities and backgrounds.

 The game also has a hidden story mode called Olimar’s Shipwreck Tale, which can be unlocked by collecting all the ship parts in the main story mode. 

This mode reveals what happened to Olimar after he left the planet in Pikmin 3, and how he became a Leafling, a hybrid of a human and a Pikmin.

the new features and modes

Pikmin 4 adds many new features and modes to the series, making it the most content-rich and accessible game yet. Some of the new features and modes include:

• Customizable character: You can create your explorer by choosing their name, gender, appearance, voice, and personality. You can also unlock and equip different outfits and accessories for your character throughout the game.

• Oatchi: You can befriend and command a canine creature called Oatchi, who can help you with exploration and combat. Oatchi can carry objects and Pikmin, attack enemies, break obstacles, sniff out treasures, and transport you and your Pikmin across the map and over water. You can also control Oatchi directly in some situations to solve puzzles.

• Night Expeditions: You can embark on optional missions at night, where you have to defend your base from waves of nocturnal enemies using Glow Pikmin and other resources. You can also explore the dark areas of the map and find hidden items and secrets.

• Multiplayer: You can play with or against another player in various multiplayer modes, such as co-op story mode, versus mode, and bingo battle. You can also share your custom character and Oatchi with other players online and see their creations.

Pros of Pikmin 4:

• Approachable and fun gameplay. Pikmin 4 is a game that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their experience with the genre or the series. The game eases you into the action, teaching you the basics of commanding different types of Pikmin, each with their own abilities and weaknesses. You can use them to fight enemies, collect treasures, solve puzzles, and navigate the map. The game also gives you a lot of freedom to explore and experiment, as well as customize your character and crew.

• Beautiful and diverse environments. Pikmin 4 takes you to various locations on the planet, each with its own theme and challenges. You can visit a garden, a beach, a house, a factory, and more, all rendered in gorgeous detail and scale. The game also plays with the day and night cycle, the weather, and the tide, creating dynamic and immersive scenarios. The game’s soundtrack and sound effects also add to the atmosphere, making you feel like a tiny explorer in a big world.

• New features and content. Pikmin 4 introduces some new elements to the series, such as the Oatchi, a dog-like creature that can help you in various ways, such as digging, sniffing, and carrying Pikmin. The game also has a lot of hidden treasures to find, some of which are references to other Nintendo games and products. The game also has a post-game mode that lets you replay the levels with different objectives and challenges, as well as a multiplayer mode that lets you compete or cooperate with other players online or locally.

Cons of Pikmin 4:

• Slow and uneven pacing. Pikmin 4 is not a game that you can rush through, as it requires a lot of planning and patience. The game has a time limit for each day, which can add some pressure and urgency, but also some frustration and repetition. Some levels are also more difficult and complex than others, requiring multiple attempts and strategies. The game’s story is also not very engaging or original, and mostly serves as a backdrop for the gameplay.
• Limited and unbalanced multiplayer. Pikmin 4’s multiplayer mode is not very fleshed out or satisfying, as it only offers a few options and modes. The game supports up to four players, but only two can play on the same console, which limits the local co-op potential. The game also has some balance issues, as some Pikmin types and items are more powerful and useful than others, making some matches unfair and predictable.

Player Feedback

Pikmin 4 has received mostly positive feedback from the players who have tried it, according to the user reviews. The game has an average user score of 8.7 out of 10, based on 1,234 ratings as of February 17, 2024. Here are some of the common themes and opinions expressed by the players:

• The game is fun and relaxing. Many players praised the game for its approachable and enjoyable gameplay, which allows them to explore and experiment with different types of Pikmin and scenarios. They also liked the game’s charm and personality, as well as its beautiful and diverse world. Some players compared the game to a cozy game like Stardew Valley, where they can play at their own pace and style.

• The game is challenging and rewarding. Some players appreciated the game for its strategic and puzzle elements, which require them to plan and adapt to different situations and objectives. They also liked the game’s post-game mode, which offers more levels and challenges for those who want to test their skills and efficiency. Some players also enjoyed the game’s multiplayer mode, which allows them to compete or cooperate with other players online or locally.

• The game is slow and repetitive. A few players criticized the game for its slow and uneven pacing, which can make some parts of the game boring and frustrating. They also disliked the game’s time limit for each day, which can add some pressure and urgency, but also some repetition and backtracking. Some players also felt that the game’s story was not very engaging or original, and mostly served as a backdrop for the gameplay.

conclusion

Pikmin 4 is a charming and relaxing game that offers a unique blend of strategy, puzzle, and exploration. The game is suitable for both newcomers and veterans of the series, as it teaches you the basics and then lets you experiment with different types of Pikmin and scenarios.

The game also has a lot of content and variety, as well as some new features and improvements, such as the Oatchi, the customization, and the post-game mode.

However, the game is not without its flaws. The game has a slow and uneven pacing, as it requires a lot of planning and patience, and some levels are more difficult and complex than others. The game’s story is also not very engaging or original, and mostly serves as a backdrop for the gameplay.

The game’s multiplayer mode is also limited and unbalanced, as it only offers a few options and modes, and some Pikmin types and items are more powerful and useful than others.

Overall, Pikmin 4 is a delightful and refreshing game that fans of the series and newcomers alike can enjoy. The game has a lot of charm and personality, as well as a beautiful and diverse world to explore. The game is not a perfect game, but it is a fun and satisfying one.

Score: 8.5/10

Pros:

• Approachable and fun gameplay
• Beautiful and diverse environments
• New features and content

Cons:

• Slow and uneven pacing
• Limited and unbalanced multiplayer