Unleash Your Inner Pikmin Commander with Customizable Characters in Pikmin 4

Highlights

Presenting an unprecedented feature, players now have the ability to personalize their own protagonist, granting them complete freedom in how they wish to be perceived within the game's immersive world. This addition injects a breath of fresh air into the beloved franchise.

In future Pikmin games, it is essential to prioritize customizability, giving players more authority over their characters and enhancing the overall immersion. Finally, after a decade-long anticipation, Pikmin 4 has arrived, exceeding all expectations. This game builds upon the strengths of its predecessors, delivering an even more enjoyable experience. The timeless treasures, charismatic characters, and lovable Pikmin are all present, making it a triumphant comeback for the franchise. Additionally, Pikmin 4 introduces exciting new elements that we hope to see continue in upcoming releases.

If Pikmin 4 achieves success, it would ideally mean that fans won't have to endure another decade-long wait for the sequel. When the highly-anticipated next installment finally arrives, it should build upon one of Pikmin 4's most outstanding aspects. A groundbreaking addition to the series, players can now actually create their own protagonist. Although the character builder is rudimentary, it grants players an unprecedented level of freedom in how they want to present themselves within this virtual universe. This feature breathes new life into the beloved franchise, and it is crucial for future Pikmin titles to embrace and further develop this innovative concept.

Pikmin Should Go All in On Customizability

In previous iterations of the Pikmin series, players were limited to assuming the role of a specific character while interacting with a consistent group of non-playable characters (NPCs). In Pikmin, Captain Olimar was the main protagonist, while Pikmin 2 introduced Olimar's colleague, Louie. Pikmin 3 diverged even further by replacing Olimar and Louie with Alph, Brittany, and Captain Charlie. Although each character possessed their own unique qualities, players were confined to their predetermined identities and compelled to embark on their respective quests within this enchanting world. While this did not diminish the overall excellence of the series, Pikmin 4 sought to revolutionize this dynamic.

In Pikmin 4, players can now create their own unique character after a tutorial with Captain Olimar. This character creator allows players to customize their character's head shape, appearance, colors, and even give them a name. While the options may be limited, it gives players a greater sense of control over their in-game identity. Once players finish creating their protagonist, their ID badge is registered, and they can start their Pikmin adventure.

The character creator in Pikmin 4 allows players to truly immerse themselves in this vibrant miniature world. They can embark on their personal journey, see the world from their own perspective, and feel a sense of agency in the game. The NPCs even acknowledge players by their chosen name, making them feel like an integral part of the Rescue Corps. This aesthetic addition sets Pikmin 4 apart from its predecessors and enhances the overall gaming experience.

With four games behind it, Pikmin sought to rejuvenate itself and successfully accomplished just that. Gone are the days when players were bound by the exploits of Captain Olimar and his crew; instead, they can venture into the vast expanse of this galaxy as if it were their own. This revitalization makes the game an ideal entry point for new enthusiasts and provides Pikmin veterans with a fresh and exciting experience. This addition flawlessly integrates into the franchise and should undoubtedly become a fundamental aspect moving forward.

Although Captain Olimar can still participate in the storyline, the time has come for customizable characters to take center stage in Pikmin. Future installments should expand upon the character customization feature, offering players a myriad of options to choose from. These options need not be as extensive as those found in RPGs like Skyrim, but a few more choices than what Pikmin 4 currently provides would greatly enhance the gameplay. The fourth installment introduced this concept, and now the series has the opportunity to fully explore and develop it.

Pikmin 4 is available now on Switch