The Ultimate Evolution: Pikmin 4 Unveils a Game-Changing Onion

Highlights

Pikmin 4 introduces new Pikmin types and a customizable protagonist, along with exciting changes to the core gameplay loop.

The inclusion of the Onion in Pikmin 4 has resulted in significant improvements, particularly in terms of unlocking Pikmin, which adds a refreshing level of challenge and brings a modern touch to the game.

The introduction of the new Flarlics in Pikmin 4 not only expands the player's party size but also introduces a distinctive progression system, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.

Nintendo continues to innovate with each new installment of the Pikmin franchise, and Pikmin 4 is no exception. This game not only introduces new types of Pikmin and allows players to customize their protagonist for the first time ever, but it also brings exciting changes to the core gameplay. While most of these changes are minor, Pikmin 4 also revolutionizes the functionality of the Onion, which is a crucial element in the Pikmin series. This improvement sets a new standard for future games, making Pikmin 4 even more compelling and enjoyable.

Pikmin 4's Onion is the Best One Yet

Onions have always played a crucial role in the gameplay loop of Pikmin games since the very first installment. These Onions, not to be mistaken for food, act as the nests for the different types of Pikmin. Each type of Pikmin has its own designated nest, and it is the responsibility of the player to locate and unlock them. These nests are often scattered throughout the game world and require solving puzzles to access. As players discover and unlock these Onions, they can gradually build up their armies of Pikmin, which enables them to take on more formidable enemies.

In Pikmin and Pikmin 2, each type of Pikmin had their own unique Onion positioned beside the player's landing site. The colors of the Onions corresponded to the type of Pikmin they would produce, and they were supported by three slender legs that elevated them above the ground. These Onions were found across the game world, and approaching them was sufficient to unlock them. Once unlocked, they would join the other Onions and start generating their respective Pikmin type, provided they were supplied with the appropriate plant.

Pikmin 3 replaced individual Onions with a single large one, requiring players to solve unique puzzles to unlock them. The unlocked Onions would combine at the end of the day, forming a machine-like Onion with various colored swirls representing the Pikmin it could produce. While this simplified Pikmin management, it also diminished some of its distinctiveness.

In Pikmin 4, the concept from Pikmin 3 was greatly expanded upon. There is still only one universal Onion, but unlocking new ones is now achieved by having Pikmin carry them back to the main Onion. Once the new Onion is brought back, it merges with the main Onion, revealing a new color as a small segment. Over time, the plant-like ship transforms into a rainbow Onion that spawns a variety of Pikmin.

Pikmin 4 introduces an innovative addition called Flarlics, which are smaller, colorless Onions scattered throughout the game world. Instead of granting new Pikmin, Flarlics expand the player's party size, motivating them to thoroughly explore every corner of each level. This distinctive progression system sets Pikmin 4 apart from other games.

Notably, Pikmin 4's Onion not only offers great convenience, but the process of unlocking new Pikmin is also more challenging. This adds a fun factor to the game, further enhanced by the unique plant-themed aesthetic of the spaceship. While Nintendo may change this feature for Pikmin 5 in the future, it would be ideal for them to build upon the solid foundation established in Pikmin 4 rather than discarding it for something entirely new.

Pikmin 4 is available now on Switch.