With the release ofPikmin 4, brave adventures are eager to return to planet PNF-404 and recruit those cute mobile plant-like creatures. The game promises a whole new perspective onPikmingameplay, literally and figuratively, as well as the introduction of dog-like companions.
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Pikmin 4’s arrival is also the perfect time to look back on its predecessor,Pikmin 3, released on the Wii U in 2013, and then ported to the Switch in 2020 asPikmin 3 Deluxe. The game follows three new explorers: Captain Charlie, Alph, the engineer, and Brittany, the botanist, as they venture to planet PNF-404 to gather fruit for the burgeoning population of planet Koppai. Much about this game still provides plenty of reason to revisit it, even today.
8The Pikmin Themselves
The icons of thePikminfranchise are the tiny sentient creatures of the same name. Not only do they come ina variety of colors and shapes, but they also have unique traits. For instance, yellow Pikmin are resistant to electricity, and blue Pikmin can navigate across bodies of water.Pikmin 3also introduced two new species: Rock Pikmin, which can break down certain walls and crystal formations, and Winged Pikmin, which can get to hard-to-reach places.
ThePikmindesigns are still as adorable as they ever were.Any wranglerwill want to do what they can to ensure every single little guy gets out alive. Unfortunately, they can get a little sidetracked, and they have a habit of falling off ledges and platforms at the most inopportune times.
Being thatPikmin 3was a Wii U title, the developers integrated the console’s gamepad, basically a hybrid between a controller and a tablet, into the game. On their journey, the game’s brave adventurers use a device called a KopPad, which could be accessed via the gamepad.
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This device complementsPikmin 3’s gameplay in interesting ways. It features a map that one can look at any time during gameplay, as well asa camera application, which uses the gamepad’s gyros for looking around the environment. The map itself is a nice convenience to have, so one can simply look down at its screen without disrupting the gameplay. The gamepad can also be used to set automated paths for crew members, which is useful in case one gets lost walking around environments.
6The Controls
Pikmin 3allows fora number of control options. The Koppaites can be moved with regular analog stick and button controls like classicPikmingames. The Wii Remote/Nunchuk Combo is an option as well, where the pointer can be used to direct the creatures.
One control method that made the Wii U Pikmin experience stand out was the ability to play the game solely on the gamepad. This uses the left analog stick to move the Koppaites and Pikmin while dragging and tapping the stylus on the screen aims and throws the Pikmin. This is analogous to pointing and clicking on a computer screen with a mouse and offers satisfying precision. It is also a great option for laying back on the couch.
5The Graphics
Pikmin 3was not only the third entry in the franchise, but it was alsoPikmin’s first HD entry to be released on Nintendo’s first HD console. Complementing Nintendo’s move to HD were updated graphics for the series. Even a decade later, these visuals are still gorgeous.
The colors are vibrant, especially the lush greens of the foliage, and the environments are well-detailed. Light reflects off pools of water beautifully, and the sand on beaches is incredibly detailed. The game boasts some variety in environments as well, including caves andthe icy landscapeof Distant Tundra.
4The Music
Any game can have good gameplay, A great soundtrack, however, can set the proper mood for it.Pikmin 3has a beautiful soundtrack orchestrated by composers Asuka Hayazaki, Atsuko Asahi, and Hajime Wakai. Wakai also composed music for the previous twoPikmingames.
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The soundtrack is a mix of synth and pre-recorded instrument sounds. Each piece reflects a different mood, depending on the situation. The theme for Distant Tundra has an appropriately cool vibe to it. The combat theme is upbeat and energetic, getting one’s heart punching for a battle.
3The Creature Designs
The terrain of planet PNF-404 inPikmin 3ispopulated by diverse creatures. Some of them are similar to earth creatures, like run-of-the-mill insects and spiders, while others are unlike anything one would see on Earth.
Each of these creatures has developed their own methods of surviving in the wilderness. A few creatures, like the crawmad, burrow underground to protect themselves and get the upper hand on any unsuspecting prey. Others, such as the blowhog, torch their enemies with fire. Choosing the right Pikmin for the right job is essential for overcoming foes.
2The Gameplay
Pikmin 3continuesthe franchise’s adventure/strategy formula. Brave explorers must collect and manage Pikmin to break down obstacles, attack foes, and solve puzzles. Some of these can be tricky, but they are solvable, with a little patience. They range from counterbalancing scales to finding tiles to construct bridges.
The micromanaging ofPikmin 3is addictive. Making sure one’s forces are all present and accounted for requires a great deal of attention. It is also easy to get attached to the cute creatures, making every loss hit that much harder.
1The Writing
Pikmin 3is a game about herding and guiding tiny creatures around, but it is also about three planetary explorers being separated and finding each other, as well as tracking down Captain Olimar from the first twoPikminentries.
This story is well written. Between in-game days, one of the crew members will give their reflections on the events that have unfolded. This helps to expand on the characters’ personalities. Journal entries may include longings for their home planet, as well as occasional poetry. With many possible in-game days to play, there is usually something new the characters have to say.
