Unleashing the Epic Flaw in Pikmin 4's Dandori Battles

Highlights

Pikmin 4 introduces exciting new features like customizable protagonists, the adorable Oatchi, and an RPG-like progression system.

In Pikmin 4, the addition of the Dandori Battle mode introduces a enjoyable multiplayer aspect. However, Nintendo has made an odd decision regarding the user interface by implementing a split-screen view for displaying battles. Although this choice does not impact the level of fun, it can prove bothersome for solo players who wish to concentrate solely on their own gameplay and scoring.

Pikmin 4 adheres to the series' familiar structure while Nintendo introduces several exciting new features to enhance the real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay. These additions include a fully customizable protagonist, the adorable Oatchi, and a fresh RPG-style progression system. With a wealth of new content to explore, one notable highlight is the thrilling Dandori Battle mode.

Although the Pikmin series primarily focuses on single-player RTS gameplay, Nintendo has incorporated multiplayer elements since Pikmin 2. In Pikmin 4, players can engage in thrilling Dandori Battles, which provide enjoyable multiplayer experiences. However, it is worth mentioning that Nintendo made some unconventional choices with the user interface (UI). Although these choices do not significantly impact the game mode's enjoyment, it would have been beneficial for Nintendo to explore alternative UI designs.

Nintendo Made a Weird UI Choice With Dandori Battles

Dandori Battles in Pikmin 4 are special caves where players face off against an AI opponent. The objective is to gather more treasures and defeat more enemies than the opponent, and the player with the highest score wins. These caves appear throughout the story, each with a specific difficulty level, and completing them successfully rewards players with a castaway. However, once the cave is completed, it closes, and none of the collected items return with the players.

While Dandori Battles have a minor role in the story, they can also be played independently whenever players need a break from the main game. This separate mode can be selected from the main menu and allows players to play against a CPU or with a second player. Players can even team up with each other to challenge a CPU opponent. Although it may not be the most advanced multiplayer mode available, it can be incredibly enjoyable when played with the right people.

The Dandori Battles in Pikmin 4 offer a refreshing change of pace from the core gameplay loop. However, Nintendo's display choice for these battles is somewhat peculiar. Instead of solely focusing on the player, the battles are shown using a split-screen view. This means that while players are busy collecting treasures, they also have to keep an eye on their opponent. Even when playing alone, players are forced to observe the battles this way, and that can be frustrating.

While the split-screen view doesn't take away from the enjoyment of Pikmin 4's Dandori Battles, it can sometimes be visually challenging. It's understandable that split-screen mode is appropriate when playing with others, but it arguably shouldn't be the case when playing against AI opponents. Players don't need to see the AI's every move in real-time. The game should primarily focus on the player and their score, leaving the AI movements mostly unknown.

Nintendo should have found a more effective way to showcase what the AI was doing. They could have incorporated a designated icon to indicate the AI's location or added a small live feed in the corner of the user interface. Another option could have been to allow players to seamlessly switch between the two perspectives. Opting for split-screen viewing for these battles seems like a questionable decision that could have been easily avoided.

While Pikmin 4's Dandori Battles offer an exhilarating multiplayer experience, they are not without flaws. It would have been preferable for players to have the choice of whether or not to observe the AI, rather than having it imposed on them.

Pikmin 4 is available now on Switch.