Discover Why Pikmin 4 Falls Short on its Spectacular Setting

Pikmin 4 is nearing its release date, though it seems to have received minimal marketing thus far. With rumors of Nintendo skipping their usual June Direct, the game is in need of some attention from the public eye. Luckily, the advertising for the game seems to be picking up, following the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The latest trailer for Pikmin 4 has just been released, revealing the game's main story and showcasing the customizable avatar of the playable Captain. However, there are still many unknown aspects of the game, such as how the night levels will work and the ratio of surface-to-underground gameplay. Despite this, fans can still enjoy speculating with the available trailers and materials. The only downside to the game's hype is the potential lack of originality in its story, as it is drawing heavily from past Pikmin games. Fans have been waiting for ten years for something new and refreshing.

Pikmin 4 Is Leaning On Past Games Too Much

In Pikmin 4, players take on the role of a rescue corps member who crash lands on the mysterious Pikmin planet, PNF-404. As is tradition in the series, the game starts with a crash landing that justifies the presence of a large crew on a hostile planet. However, the main objective of the rescue team is to find the series protagonist, Captain Olimar, which mirrors the final goal of Pikmin 3's Koppaite squad. Unlike the previous team, Pikmin 4's protagonists are Hocotatians like Olimar and Louie, leaving the planet of Koppai behind.

Despite the introduction of new gameplay elements, Pikmin 4's focus remains constrained, with a return to the Hocotate theme used in the first two games. It is interesting to note that although Olimar should be familiar with the Pikmin planet by now, he is once again indisposed. This contrasts with the potentially distinct planet demonstrated in Hey! Pikmin, highlighting the flexibility of the Pikmin universe.

How Pikmin 4 Can Shake Up Its Setting

Pikmin 4 has the potential to not only deliver fun and strategic gameplay but also expand on the series' setting and storyline. One intriguing aspect that could be explored is the peculiar state of PNF-404, which appears to be devoid of larger creatures despite being in pristine condition. This mystery has long fascinated fans, and the game's opening scenes in what appears to be a backyard or park could offer some answers.

Furthermore, the fact that astronauts have once again crashed on PNF-404 presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the reasons behind these frequent crashes. Pikmin 3 hinted at a potential explanation in its 100% completion ending, which suggested that the various Wraith antagonists may be responsible for capturing ship captains mid-voyage. This ties into the popular fan theory known as the umibozu theory, which would add a compelling overarching narrative to the series. With twenty years under its belt, Pikmin 4 has the potential to surprise fans with some exciting twists and turns.

Pikmin 4 will be released on July 21 for the Nintendo Switch.