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Pikmin ReviewHow Do You Play Pikmin?
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Pikmin (2001) is a real-time strategy game where the main character Captain Olimar crash lands on an alien planet filled with strange small creatures called Pikmin. You are able to control and use these creatures to knock down walls, build bridges and attack creatures, you grow Pikmin by taking flora to a device called an onion which then spawns more Pikmin for you to control.
Our examiner, Anthony Haigh, first checked Pikmin 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.
Our examiner, Anthony Haigh, first checked Pikmin 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.
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Play Overview
Pikmin is a real-time strategy game where the main character Captain Olimar crash lands on an alien planet filled with strange small creatures called Pikmin. You are able to control and use these creatures to knock down walls, build bridges and attack creatures, you grow Pikmin by taking flora to a device called an onion which then spawns more Pikmin for you to control.
Different coloured Pikmin have different abilities to solve puzzles by using the correct colours to complete specific tasks. Your main objective is to locate and bring back parts of your damaged ship to the base, be careful though Pikmin are fragile and can perish easily, and you need to ensure all Pikmin and yourself are back at the base before nightfall.
The game is presented as a nature program as you discover flora and fauna. This combines with the folktale narrative to create a compelling and well-written story for all ages. There’s considerable tension to getting both ship parts and Pikmin back to the ship, as any left behind is eaten and you need to get all the ship parts before the end of the 30th day whereupon you fail and start again.
Originally released on the Nintendo Gamecube in 2001 it was re-released with new play controls on the Nintendo Wii in 2009. The Wii version of Pikmin offers enhanced controls, some adjusted difficulty with some Pikmin dying less easily. You can also cycle through the different types of Pikmin more easily.
Different coloured Pikmin have different abilities to solve puzzles by using the correct colours to complete specific tasks. Your main objective is to locate and bring back parts of your damaged ship to the base, be careful though Pikmin are fragile and can perish easily, and you need to ensure all Pikmin and yourself are back at the base before nightfall.
The game is presented as a nature program as you discover flora and fauna. This combines with the folktale narrative to create a compelling and well-written story for all ages. There’s considerable tension to getting both ship parts and Pikmin back to the ship, as any left behind is eaten and you need to get all the ship parts before the end of the 30th day whereupon you fail and start again.
Originally released on the Nintendo Gamecube in 2001 it was re-released with new play controls on the Nintendo Wii in 2009. The Wii version of Pikmin offers enhanced controls, some adjusted difficulty with some Pikmin dying less easily. You can also cycle through the different types of Pikmin more easily.
- 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
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Play StyleDuration
Play Time: This game will take between 8 hours and 10 hours to complete. The game is played in Days and each day is around 13-18 minutes long you have to complete all the objectives before the end of day 30 before Captain Olimars life support fails.
Age Ratings
Content Rating
In the US, ESRB state: Players command tiny plant-like creatures (Pikmin) to perform tasks, complete objectives, and attack insect-like creatures and bosses. Enemy creatures stomp, chomp, and spew fire at the players' Pikmin; Pikmin can attack enemy creatures by slapping them with their antennae, resulting in whacking sounds and occasional screen-shaking effects. Boss battles depict more protracted combat, as Pikmin swarm and attack larger creatures that collapse in a death animation.
Skill Level
10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Because of the focus on a limited amount of days to achieve what you need to this is harder than later Pikmin games. Still, with some help younger players can still enjoy this game.
Costs
You can only play this on older systems (GameCube, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay. There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
Game Details
Release Date: 26/10/2001, updated in 2009
Out Now: GameCube, Wii and Wii U
Content Rating: PEGI 3
Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Action, Strategy (Adventure, Collecting, Puzzle and Traversal)
Accessibility: 6 features
Components: 3D Third-Person
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