Exploring the Uncharted: Pikmin 4 Reinvents Adventure in a Thrilling New Way

Highlights

To further captivate enthusiasts, Pikmin 5 should venture beyond the existing formula of the series and present gamers with an expansive open-world sandbox experience, akin to the acclaimed title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

By incorporating a vast and immersive world akin to the acclaimed "Breath of the Wild," a Pikmin game could present fresh avenues for exploration, enriched storytelling, and more profound narratives. With the potential for considerable impact, Pikmin 4 possesses the opportunity to establish the franchise as a ubiquitous name. Marking the inaugural release of a new flagship installment on an already thriving Nintendo console, this game's initial sales figures underscore the growing interest. As newcomers worldwide venture into the Pikmin franchise, it is optimistic that Nintendo harbors intentions for further distinctive additions beyond the culmination of Pikmin 4's journey.

Pikmin 5 will likely follow Pikmin 4 eventually, but that game should not adhere to the current series' template. To truly elevate the franchise, Nintendo should remove the restrictions and present players with a vast world to explore alongside their Pikmin. In a similar vein to how The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda experience, an expansive open-world sandbox Pikmin game could inject new vitality into the series. An endeavor like this holds immense potential, and the successor to the Switch may serve as the optimal platform for its realization.

Pikmin Should Be Inspired by Breath of the Wild

The Pikmin series has offered players an exhilarating experience of exploring vibrant worlds. However, these environments have been somewhat constrained, feeling more like meticulously crafted video game levels rather than vast, expansive worlds. Additionally, the puzzles ingeniously designed within these levels further accentuate their relatively diminutive scale. While this approach has not hindered the success of the series, Nintendo possesses immense potential to push the boundaries and unlock even greater possibilities within this captivating concept.

The start of every Pikmin game involves players crash-landing on a mysterious planet. They then explore this planet, familiarize themselves with Pikmin, and spend the rest of the game attempting to repair their ship. This challenges players to solve puzzles, unravel the mysteries of the world, and do whatever it takes to survive. While the Pikmin series has utilized this approach since its creation, it bears a striking resemblance to the structure of contemporary Legend of Zelda games.

Both Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom share a similar narrative device, in which Link awakens after a catastrophic event in a world that is unfamiliar to him. Each installment brings significant changes, and it is the player's responsibility to uncover what has occurred in Hyrule. They embark on a journey to explore the world, tackle various puzzles, and fight for their own preservation. This grand scale has played a pivotal role in establishing Zelda as one of the most prominent franchises, prompting Nintendo to perhaps implement this formula in one of its most underrated series.

The Pikmin series could greatly benefit from a vast open world like Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Players would embark on a journey after crash-landing on a new planet, navigating through a sprawling sandbox environment and striving to survive. The landscape would be adorned with towering structures, while Pikmin villages would act as central quests hubs. Moreover, the world would teem with numerous hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. This innovative approach would not only offer Pikmin fans a fresh experience but also enable Nintendo to expand this distinctive franchise by introducing countless new narratives.

While it would require substantial effort, a Pikmin game inspired by Zelda: Breath of the Wild's principles could be truly remarkable. It would deviate from anything previously seen in the series and serve as an ideal means to fully unleash its potential. Retaining the core real-time strategy elements, this game would inject a novel twist that redefines the essence of being a Pikmin game. Although it may be too late to release such a game on the Switch, newer hardware could finally grant fans the Pikmin gaming experience they never realized they needed.

Pikmin 4 is available now on Switch.