| Dazed And Confused |
PIKMIN 4
Back and fourth…
★★★★✩
OUT NOW SWITCH
In 2013’s Pikmin 3, Nintendo’s bucolic real-time strategy game found its Goldilocks zone – taking the right blend of ingredients from the short, stressful original and its more expansive but easygoing sequel. Jettisoning the time limit once more, while introducing two new Pikmin species and a canine helper, this fourth entry is another beguiling adventure, boasting the series’ weightiest story and most luxurious production values to date. But while you’re encouraged to plan your daily excursions carefully, the comparative lack of challenge means you never really have to master the intricacies of marshalling your garden-grown minions.
With series protagonist Olimar and the squad sent to retrieve him both MIA, it’s up to a playerdesigned astronaut and their trusty rescue pup Oatchi to save the day. As before, you’ll command the sentient carrot-creatures of the title to carry everyday objects and defeated enemies back to base, generating energy to explore further and spawning new Pikmin respectively. Rescued castaways unlock training exercises for the intrepid Oatchi, who soon becomes invaluable: his charge attack alone can both stun enemies and unload any Pikmin hitching a ride onto their backs.
Timed treasure-looting challenges, battles with rival commanders and night-time tower-defence interludes in which you send the new Glow Pikmin to fend off invading packs all quicken the pulse. Otherwise this is more relaxing stroll than real-time strategy game – aperfectly pleasurable jaunt around some of the most gorgeous pastoral environments on Switch, but one that doesn’t quite hit the tactical sweet spot of its predecessor.
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