Nintendo’s Pikmin franchise has always been well-received by the gaming media and has a passionate fanbase, but it has never quite reached mainstream success. However, with the release of Pikmin 4, Nintendo aims to change that. The latest addition to the series introduces a new furry companion named Oatchi, who adds a delightful and charming twist to the classic Pikmin gameplay.

Oatchi is a cute doggo who can bound around environments quickly, with Pikmin clinging on for dear life. Oatchi is not only adorable but also plays a crucial role in the game by sniffing out nearby treasures and castaways, carrying Pikmin across bodies of water, jumping onto high ledges, rushing through dirt walls and enemies, and eventually powering up to provide the pulling power of a whole army of Pikmin.

In addition to Oatchi, Pikmin 4 features light RPG elements that allow players to upgrade Oatchi’s abilities and customize their Rescue Corps ranger with fancy tech and gizmos. This time around, players take on the role of a member of a rescue team and are introduced to a character creation suite before diving into a base camp filled with NPCs, from whom they can purchase upgrades between stories. This subtle shift in protagonist and gameplay aims to attract new players and bring Pikmin into the realm of contemporary adventure experiences.

Despite taking some risks, Pikmin 4 successfully adds new elements that enhance the overall experience. The game feels bigger, busier, and noisier than ever before, with the constant flow of new items and gear keeping things fresh. The return of dungeons, which were absent in Pikmin 3, adds a challenging aspect to the gameplay and provides focused puzzling and exciting boss battles. Visually, Pikmin 4 is a treat, with stunning locales both above and below ground. The environments are beautifully designed, with clever use of depth-of-field effects and scale.

What truly shines in Pikmin 4 is the lively and characterful Pikmin themselves. From the classic reds, blues, and yellows to the new Ice and Glow varieties, these little creatures come to life, singing, dancing, and reacting to various scenarios in entertaining ways. Oatchi also adds to the charm, responding to whistles and bounding around in a lovingly detailed fashion. The joy of exploring the game’s wonderfully detailed environments with these adorable companions cannot be overstated.

Pikmin 4 offers a blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and strategic gameplay. It presents players with environmental conundrums to solve, from reaching submerged goodies to navigating enemy-infested areas. The game encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of its world, with each corner offering a new and engaging challenge.

One noticeable change in Pikmin 4 is the absence of a stressful time mechanic. Unlike Pikmin 1, where days passed in short intervals, Pikmin 4 allows players to take their time and eliminates the fear of failure. Underground areas slow down the clock even further, providing a more relaxed experience. While this may be a divisive aspect for some fans, it aims to make the game more accessible to newcomers.

Pikmin 4 also introduces a rewind mechanic that allows players to reverse mistakes and rescue fallen Pikmin. This design choice adds flexibility to the gameplay and further caters to different player preferences. It’s worth noting that the rewind mechanic can be ignored if players prefer a more challenging experience.

Overall, Pikmin 4 is a delightful addition to the franchise, offering a charming and visually stunning adventure with new gameplay elements and a lovable companion. It strikes a balance between catering to dedicated fans and attracting a wider audience, making it a must-play for Nintendo Switch owners.