Pikmin Review

Pikmin 3 Deluxe released at the end of October for the Nintendo Switch. If this sounds game sounds familiar, that is because it is. The original game, Pikmin 3, released in North America back in August of 2013. It is only natural to wonder, is a seven year old game worth playing again? This can be a difficult question, because the answer lies within a struggle between nostalgia, pleasantness, and logic. This is our Pikmin 3 Deluxe review.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe: A Modern Review Of An Older Game

Pikmin 3 is technically a 7 year old game. The Switch port doesn’t even increase the graphic quality of the game. Does this mean it is a poor and lazy port? Not in the slightest. Nintendo has done something that is hard to grasp. They created a game so masterful on the Wii U, that it can appear again on a new console seven years later and no one bats an eye. I am not kidding, the game looks beautiful. This isn’t a jab against the graphical prowess of the Nintendo Switch, but a major complement to Nintendo for creating such a timeless game. Some of my colleagues were unaware that the game was a port. No one ever questioned the game’s age. I genuinely believe that there is no downside to porting Pikmin 3 over to the Switch. All it can do is make old fans happy again, and bring new fans in.

What Is In It For The Old Fans Though?

This is a difficult question as well. The answer lies behind how much you love co-op games, and how much replay value you can get from small quality of life improvements. I for one, am a huge fan of co-op games. Pikmin 3 is a very complicated and fast paced game, so I don’t recommend playing with a toddler or anything. However, this is also a strength towards the co-op functionality of this game. Pikmin 3 was meant to be co-op. I am more convinced than ever after playing through the game again with a qualified partner. Juggling between the three captains is easier and more efficient than ever, and being able to divide and conquer is a blast.

A Co-Op Masterpiece, Or A Tagged On Game Mode?

My partner and I typically divided the tasks based off of needing a certain Pikmin type. She would take blue Pikmin and flying Pikmin, since both can survive water terrain (by swimming or flying over it). I on the other hand would take more offensive breeds of Pikmin, such as the red and rock types. I often took the yellow Pikmin as well, but really it just came down to whether or not we needed electric fences destroyed, or if those pesky electric dog enemies were lurking.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe turned Pikmin 3 into potentially the best couch co-op game of all time. It is a wild and fun journey. Coordinating attack plans felt fun and energetic, and tons of laughs were had after tragic incidents (usually after the initial heat of the moment). Some of these incidents include myself accidentally throwing a Pikmin holding a bomb rock at a boss that currently was surrounded by all of our other Pikmin (this caused them all to blow up, oops). Another example of this includes my partner commanding her Pikmin to push a bowling ball down a hill. I unfortunately was running down that same hill, and 35 of our Pikmin were immediately killed. This may sound a bit too chaotic for some, but I assure you that it is a fun experience.

The Quality Of Life Additions

Pikmin 3 adds many quality of life additions that old fans will love, and new fans will never know were missing. Working Pikmin now require 2 whistle blows to call back, which is great for dividing up tasks, and the whistle size is increased which helps with some of the boss battles. Another helpful addition is increase in controller options. Fans of motion controls and gyro controls can still have their fun, but I really appreciated the competency of the Nintendo Switch pro controller. The game also features a fun little epilogue, which doesn’t add too much, but it is worth a playthrough.

Is Pikmin 3 Worth Playing Again?

This is the real question. While most initial buyers will likely be loyal Pikmin fans that have played Pikmin 3 before, eventually new players will flock to the game on the Nintendo Switch. So is the game worth playing again? I believe so. The game is charming and hasn’t aged a day. Typically we express more humor in our articles, but Pikmin 3 is a humorous and fun game in itself. I recommend revisiting PNF-404 with a friend, and enjoying in on all of the laughs and charm the game has to offer. My only complaints would be that the game is rather short, and the world is ready for Pikmin 4. Maybe soon?

Pikmin 3 Deluxe: 9/10

What did you think of our Pikmin 3 deluxe review? Do you plan on playing the game? Will you bring a friend along? Let us know in the comments.