Pikmin 4 Review: The Definitive Nintendo Switch Adventure and New Benchmark for the Series
Pikmin 4, launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in July 2023, is not just the latest entry in Nintendo’s inventive real-time strategy series—it’s being celebrated as the franchise’s best.
Developed by Nintendo EPD, Pikmin 4 refines the core gameplay that fans love while introducing clever new mechanics, making it a standout title on the eShop and a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers. Since making its debut in 2001, the Pikmin series has won over a devoted audience with its mix of strategy, exploration, and charming Pikmin creatures.
Pikmin 4 builds on this legacy by expertly blending established elements with fresh features that enhance rather than interrupt the gameplay experience.
As one of Nintendo’s more under-the-radar franchises, Pikmin has always been praised for its polish—and Pikmin 4 sets a new bar for the series. The game begins with the familiar face of Olimar in distress—stranded after a crash landing.
A rescue squad is quickly dispatched, only to find misfortune of their own and become stranded themselves.
As the player, you’re sent in to save everyone, marking the start of an expansive, communal adventure.
The world is populated by the iconic Pikmin, each color having unique abilities: red Pikmin are strong and quick, yellow can jump higher and resist electricity, while blue Pikmin can traverse water.
Complementing these are newcomers like the Ice Pikmin, which can freeze water and immobilize foes, adding strategic depth to the series. A major innovation in Pikmin 4 is the emphasis on "dandori"—the principle of maximizing efficiency by organizing and executing tasks strategically.
The game rewards players for optimizing routes, assigning Pikmin efficiently, and creating shortcuts across the map.
Unlike prior entries, Pikmin 4 introduces a growing community of rescued castaways and team members.
These additional characters don’t just unlock side stories; they provide training, new tools, and cooperative gameplay elements that deepen the experience. Players also meet Oatchi, a loyal canine companion unique to Pikmin 4.
Oatchi can help carry Pikmin, attack enemies, traverse terrain players cannot, and even function independently when split from the main character.
His upgradeable abilities and teamwork with the player underpin some of the game’s most satisfying moments, whether it’s a perfectly timed group attack or a tense rescue mission. Each in-game day gives players the freedom to explore, collect treasures, battle creatures, and amass sparklium—the resource needed for progression and ship repairs.
The loop is broken up by demanding "dandori battles," intense time-based challenges that encourage precise planning.
Boss battles and unique night missions, featuring tower-defense scenarios with Glow Pikmin, keep the gameplay variety fresh and rewarding. While Pikmin 4 does not support full co-op multiplayer like some previous entries, a second player can assist by targeting enemies.
The decision to focus on solo organization ties back to the game’s central theme of dandori, emphasizing efficient task management as the core challenge. Visually, Pikmin 4 leverages the power of the Nintendo Switch to deliver some of the franchise’s most detailed and vibrant environments yet.
The lush landscapes—above ground and underground, day or night—are designed to immerse and delight with every session. Pikmin 4 has received widespread acclaim, including a resounding score of 9.5 out of 10 from multiple industry outlets.
As a franchise known for its creativity and charm, this latest installment stands as a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to quality and innovative design.
Whether you’re a returning fan or just discovering the world of Pikmin through the free demo on the eShop, Pikmin 4 is both an invitation and a celebration.
With all previous mainline entries now available on the Nintendo Switch, there’s never been a better time to join the Pikmin adventure.
Developed by Nintendo EPD, Pikmin 4 refines the core gameplay that fans love while introducing clever new mechanics, making it a standout title on the eShop and a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers. Since making its debut in 2001, the Pikmin series has won over a devoted audience with its mix of strategy, exploration, and charming Pikmin creatures.
Pikmin 4 builds on this legacy by expertly blending established elements with fresh features that enhance rather than interrupt the gameplay experience.
As one of Nintendo’s more under-the-radar franchises, Pikmin has always been praised for its polish—and Pikmin 4 sets a new bar for the series. The game begins with the familiar face of Olimar in distress—stranded after a crash landing.
A rescue squad is quickly dispatched, only to find misfortune of their own and become stranded themselves.
As the player, you’re sent in to save everyone, marking the start of an expansive, communal adventure.
The world is populated by the iconic Pikmin, each color having unique abilities: red Pikmin are strong and quick, yellow can jump higher and resist electricity, while blue Pikmin can traverse water.
Complementing these are newcomers like the Ice Pikmin, which can freeze water and immobilize foes, adding strategic depth to the series. A major innovation in Pikmin 4 is the emphasis on "dandori"—the principle of maximizing efficiency by organizing and executing tasks strategically.
The game rewards players for optimizing routes, assigning Pikmin efficiently, and creating shortcuts across the map.
Unlike prior entries, Pikmin 4 introduces a growing community of rescued castaways and team members.
These additional characters don’t just unlock side stories; they provide training, new tools, and cooperative gameplay elements that deepen the experience. Players also meet Oatchi, a loyal canine companion unique to Pikmin 4.
Oatchi can help carry Pikmin, attack enemies, traverse terrain players cannot, and even function independently when split from the main character.
His upgradeable abilities and teamwork with the player underpin some of the game’s most satisfying moments, whether it’s a perfectly timed group attack or a tense rescue mission. Each in-game day gives players the freedom to explore, collect treasures, battle creatures, and amass sparklium—the resource needed for progression and ship repairs.
The loop is broken up by demanding "dandori battles," intense time-based challenges that encourage precise planning.
Boss battles and unique night missions, featuring tower-defense scenarios with Glow Pikmin, keep the gameplay variety fresh and rewarding. While Pikmin 4 does not support full co-op multiplayer like some previous entries, a second player can assist by targeting enemies.
The decision to focus on solo organization ties back to the game’s central theme of dandori, emphasizing efficient task management as the core challenge. Visually, Pikmin 4 leverages the power of the Nintendo Switch to deliver some of the franchise’s most detailed and vibrant environments yet.
The lush landscapes—above ground and underground, day or night—are designed to immerse and delight with every session. Pikmin 4 has received widespread acclaim, including a resounding score of 9.5 out of 10 from multiple industry outlets.
As a franchise known for its creativity and charm, this latest installment stands as a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to quality and innovative design.
Whether you’re a returning fan or just discovering the world of Pikmin through the free demo on the eShop, Pikmin 4 is both an invitation and a celebration.
With all previous mainline entries now available on the Nintendo Switch, there’s never been a better time to join the Pikmin adventure.
