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Play Overview
Pikmin 3 (2013) is part of a series of puzzle games where you direct hordes of titular plant-like creatures to navigate garden locations. Different coloured Pikmins have different abilities so the challenge is to get enough of the right ones to destroy obstacles, avoid hazards and fight fauna.
Pikmin games focus on exploring an Earth-like planet and getting back to the spaceship before sunset. Unlike other strategy games where you directly control your troops, Pikmin have their own intelligence and are worked with rather than commanded.
It starts quite simply but soon develops into a considerably nuanced real-time strategy game. Because of its plant and creature aesthetic, it's a great game to introduce this concept to younger players.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe adds new cooperative prologue and epilogue stories starring Pikmin and Pikmin 2 heroes Olimar and Louie! The ease of play has been enhanced for younger players with a lock-on targeting system, enemy balancing changes, multiple difficulty modes and optional hints.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Pikmin 3 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 3 months ago.
Pikmin games focus on exploring an Earth-like planet and getting back to the spaceship before sunset. Unlike other strategy games where you directly control your troops, Pikmin have their own intelligence and are worked with rather than commanded.
It starts quite simply but soon develops into a considerably nuanced real-time strategy game. Because of its plant and creature aesthetic, it's a great game to introduce this concept to younger players.
- Pikmin (2001) on Gamecube and Wii
- Pikmin 2 (2004) on Gamecube and Wii
- Pikmin 3 (2013) on Wii U
- Hey! Pikmin (2017) on Nintendo 3DS in 2017
- Pikmin 3 Deluxe (2020) on Nintendo Switch
- Pikmin Bloom (2021) on iOS and Android
- Pikmin 4 (2023) on Switch
Pikmin 3 Deluxe adds new cooperative prologue and epilogue stories starring Pikmin and Pikmin 2 heroes Olimar and Louie! The ease of play has been enhanced for younger players with a lock-on targeting system, enemy balancing changes, multiple difficulty modes and optional hints.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Pikmin 3 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 3 months ago.
There are lots of games similar to Pikmin 3. Here are some we picked for you:
Play Style
This is an Action and Strategy game with Collecting, Fighting, Puzzle and Simulation elements. You can play with 1 to 2 players in the same room, but you can’t play it online. On Wii U, the Mission mode can be played via split-screen co-op, where you work together to collect treasure and battle enemies. Players will want to communicate and assign different tasks like they do to succeed in games like Overcooked 2.
On the Switch, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, the main story can also be played cooperatively.
On the Switch, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, the main story can also be played cooperatively.
You can play this game in the following styles:
This has been enjoyed by families in the following styles:
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
- Understand ecology
- Play the best motion controlled games
- New Yorker's top games
- Play together with one Joy-Con
- Grow things and make friends
This game has helped players develop their Disposition as part of the following pathways:
This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:
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MAKING AND DESIGNING
Age Ratings
In the US, ESRB state: Players sometimes encounter insect-like aliens that attack (e.g., spew fire, electrocute, chomp/stomp/chew the players' Pikmin). Pikmin can attack creatures by slamming or latching on and whacking them with their buds (e.g., flower-like antenna). Occasional boss fights require more prolonged battles with larger creatures.
Skill Level
8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. One family told us that, "Pikmin 3 is good for my 6-year-old son and nephew. They both really enjoy it together on the Switch. They just needed a bit of reading." You're given twice or three times the fruit you require to finish the game, and you can always go back to another stage and make Pikmin if you're really reckless.
Our Game Pathways reveal how 6-year-olds play this game:
- 6-year-old: Loving Small Creatures
Costs
Pikmin 3 usually costs £49.99.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
Pikmin 3 offers purchasable level packs:
These packs provide 2 additional player characters, Captain Olimar and Louie. Olimar will be available automatically at the beginning of the stage, while one enemy has Louie. By defeating the enemy and carrying back Louie to a SPERO, the player can gain access to him.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe includes all the Wii U DLC for free, so you can play against another player in Bingo Battle or complete unique challenges alone or cooperatively in Mission Mode.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
Pikmin 3 offers purchasable level packs:
- Collect Treasure! six new missions.
- Battle Enemies! six missions.
- ChristmasPikmin four levels.
These packs provide 2 additional player characters, Captain Olimar and Louie. Olimar will be available automatically at the beginning of the stage, while one enemy has Louie. By defeating the enemy and carrying back Louie to a SPERO, the player can gain access to him.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe includes all the Wii U DLC for free, so you can play against another player in Bingo Battle or complete unique challenges alone or cooperatively in Mission Mode.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 26/10/2013, updated in 2020
Out Now: Switch and Wii U
Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds
Players: 1-2
Genres: Action, Strategy (Collecting, Fighting, Puzzle and Simulation)
Accessibility: 3 features
Components: 3D First-Person and Day and Night
Developer: Monolith Soft (@MonolithSoft)
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Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
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