After years of waiting, Nintendo finally announced during September’s Nintendo Direct Livestream that Pikmin 4 is in development and will be released sometime in 2023. Here’s everything we know about the new game so far.
According to Shigeru Miyamoto, Pikmin 4 was supposedly “close to completion” way back in 2015. However, details on the game have been few and far between since then.
What we know so far
We know that the game is currently being developed by Arzest, the studio behind Yoshi’s New Island.
We also know that Pikmin 4 will star Captain Olimar, the lovable spacefarer who crash-landed on Earth and befriended the Pikmin creatures during his adventure. Unfortunately, not much else is known about the plot of Pikmin 4. Still, we’re hoping it will clarify the cliffhanger ending of Pikmin 3.
In terms of gameplay, we expect more of the same real-time strategy action that made previous Pikmin games excellent. Players will control a squad of up to 100 Pikmin as they explore their surroundings, battle foes, and solve puzzles. One new gameplay mechanic confirmed is the ability to directly control vehicles, which should make traversing each stage a bit easier.
Visually, Pikmin 4 will look similar to previous games in the series but with an added layer of polish thanks to the power of the Nintendo Switch. The game will also feature a fully orchestrated score, which fans have been clamouring since the original Pikmin debuted in 2001.
Pikmin 4 is shaping to be one of the most ambitious games in the series yet. With an improved visual style, total orchestral score, and innovative new gameplay mechanics, fans of the franchise have a lot to be excited about. We’ll keep you updated on all the latest news and information regarding Pikmin 4 as it becomes available.
