Pikmin 4

65%
Game Brain Score Based on 26 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Pikmin 4 Game Cover
Pikmin 4 is a fantastic game with a charming story, enjoyable gameplay, and a wealth of content to explore, despite a shallow co-op mode.
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"Pikmin 4" is a real-time strategy game on Nintendo Switch, where you grow, pluck, and command plant-like creatures called Pikmin. These tiny beings, with unique abilities based on their colors, help you explore a mysterious planet and solve challenges. A new companion, the Space Dog Oatchi, assists in this adventure by smashing obstacles and transporting objects/Pikmin. Play solo or with a friend in local multi-player mode, with options for 2-player co-op and split-screen.

  • Nintendo Switch
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

65%
Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
  • Pikmin 4 features a charming world with beautifully designed levels and a delightful cast of characters, making exploration enjoyable.
  • The addition of Oatchi brings new gameplay mechanics and customization options, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The game offers a wealth of content, including clever puzzles, varied biomes, and engaging Dandori battles that keep players entertained.
  • The game can feel too easy and lacks challenge for seasoned players, which may lead to a sense of repetitiveness over time.
  • The co-op mode is disappointing and does not live up to expectations set by previous entries in the series.
  • Some gameplay elements, like the Dandori challenges and lengthy tutorials, can feel discordant or intrusive, detracting from the overall experience.
  • gameplay19 mentions

    Pikmin 4 offers a refined gameplay experience with excellent controls, imaginative level design, and new mechanics like Oatchi that enhance the core loop. While the game introduces engaging elements such as night expeditions and dandori battles, some features, like co-op mode, fall short. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable and packed with content, though it can feel repetitive at times.

    • “Pikmin 4 adds variety to the series' traditional gameplay by offering options other than the grab-and-throw formula of the past, and brings an extra helping of top-tier levels after the credits roll.”
    • “New gameplay ideas are plentiful in Pikmin 4, many of which work towards expanding the game in interesting new directions.”
    • “Although the core mechanic is not unique anymore, Pikmin 4 proves that it can still be fun and engaging to control your little army through a variety of nicely designed levels thanks to a few tweaks to the series formula.”
    • “Not every new mechanic lands as elegantly as others, with night expeditions and co-op mode being two notable disappointments.”
    • “The multiplayer experience is disappointing; the gameplay loop is not nearly as difficult as it could be.”
    • “While it does try its best to pull your attention away, the core gameplay feels lacking in depth.”
  • story9 mentions

    Pikmin 4 features a charming yet simple story set in a beautifully crafted world, enhanced by the introduction of Oatchi, a customizable companion. The game offers a mix of engaging environmental puzzles, night missions, and inventive overworld exploration, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable experience. While the narrative may be light, the overall content and gameplay variety keep players invested.

    • “Pikmin 4 is a wonderfully weird combination of adorable graphics, a simple story, and an unconsciously creepy undertone.”
    • “Pikmin 4 is a fantastic game with a charming story, enjoyable gameplay, and a wealth of content to explore, despite a shallow co-op mode.”
    • “Guide pint-sized creatures in a grand mission on a strange planet!”
  • graphics3 mentions

    The graphics in Pikmin 4 are praised for their gorgeous visuals and adorable design, enhancing the game's approachable strategy-focused gameplay. The inclusion of smoother graphics and new customization features, along with creatively designed overworlds and dungeons, contributes to a visually engaging experience that balances charm with an underlying creepiness.

    • “Pikmin 4 is a wonderfully weird combination of adorable graphics, a simple story, and an unconsciously creepy undertone.”
    • “It reinforces its predecessor’s strength by including more Pikmin variations, smoother graphics, and night expeditions, which pose a much bigger challenge than fans may be used to.”
    • “Approachable strategy-focused gameplay, packed with puzzling overworlds and creative dungeons, new customization features, useful and adorable Oatchi abilities, and gorgeous visuals.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game is praised for its impressive optimization on the Switch, showcasing stunning visuals and detailed environments while maintaining excellent performance in both docked and handheld modes. Players appreciate the clever level design and engaging gameplay elements, which contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

    • “One of the best-looking games on Switch with some amazingly detailed environments. Clever level design serves up fun puzzles and addictive exploration in spades.”
    • “Excellent performance in both docked and handheld modes.”
    • “Dandori battles are a blast in two-player mode, and night missions help mix things up.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its charm and nostalgic references, complemented by genuinely funny writing. While the gameplay remains satisfying and engaging, the humor adds an enjoyable layer to the overall experience.

    • “Bucketloads of charm with nostalgic nods and some genuinely funny writing.”
    • “The Pikmin gameplay is as satisfying and fun as it’s always been.”
    • “Feels absolutely packed with things to do and challenges to tick off in terms of volume.”
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Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

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