Back in 2023, the Duck only played two games that were actually released in that year.  Fortunately, they were both very good games, meaning I’m not going to have to compromise when it comes to my game of the year.  My two options between which I needed to deliberate was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Pikmin 4.  And yes, if the title is any indication, I actually chose the latter.  And why is that, you may be asking?  Well, I’m still a bit…resentful over the fact that Tears of the Kingdom, ahem…borrowed a huge portion of its map from Breath of the Wild.  Pikmin 4, on the other hand?  Totally new sequel with totally original locations.  It’s also a darn good game in its own right.

Pikmin 4 isn’t perfect.  Most of it is rather easy, and I hate the dandori battles.  And some of the timed dandori challenges.  But the rest of the game, however, is quite the treat for longtime Pikmin fans such as myself and a great first game for newcomers, as well.  There is plenty of content, including the usual Pikmin gameplay we’ve come to expect, set amongst some very beautiful stages, including my personal favorite, a seaside level where the tide goes down halfway through.  There is also another mode you can complete with a strict time limit, reminiscent of the first game, plus tower defense gameplay in the nighttime stages.  AND the caves from the second game have returned, as well!  Plus several new types of Pikmin have joined our team, along with a helpful doggy companion named Oatchi. 

Honestly, I’m not sure what else to say that I haven’t already addressed in my full review.  Pikmin 4 is most definitely bigger and, in many ways, better than its predecessors.  It’s probably the second best of the series (the original will always be my favorite due to nostalgic reasons), and it’s just a great game to play if you’re looking for something cute and relaxing and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from honing your multitasking skills.  Controlling an adorable army of tiny Pikmin still hasn’t gotten old even after 20 years!

Image from official Nintendo eShop