Highlights
Pikmin 4 is a highly anticipated release, hailed as one of the finest additions to the beloved franchise. However, despite its numerous strengths, the co-op mode leaves something to be desired, feeling like a missed opportunity.In Pikmin 4, the Dandori Battle Mode offers an engaging multiplayer experience reminiscent of classic real-time strategy games. Here, players can either compete against each other or join forces to capture valuable treasures.
The co-op mode in Pikmin 4 falls short, offering limited gameplay options for the second player, which feels like a departure from the successful co-op formula seen in Pikmin 3 Deluxe.
Pikmin 4 Had a Ton of Co-Op Potential
Since Pikmin 2, the Pikmin series has explored various co-op and versus game modes. However, Pikmin 4 takes a different approach to its co-op campaign, which is rather peculiar. Instead of offering engaging hours of puzzle-solving fun with friends, the co-op experience is rather lackluster. It almost feels as though the studio overlooked the importance of co-op gameplay, which is a missed opportunity.
While Pikmin 4's main focus is on the single-player puzzle-solving adventures of the Rescue Corps, it also offers various thrilling multiplayer modes. One of the most exciting options is the Dandori Battle Mode, where two players can face off against each other or join forces to defeat an AI opponent. The objective is to race against each other, gathering as many treasures as possible before the opponent does. This multiplayer mode follows the style of other real-time strategy games and can provide endless entertainment, especially when played with a great group of people.
The co-op campaign in Pikmin 4 is lacking in activities, with one player controlling a custom Pikmin character and the other controlling a cursor. They can throw pebbles and items, but it can quickly become boring for the second player. Pikmin 3 Deluxe, on the other hand, introduced a full co-op campaign where both players could control characters and Pikmin, working together to solve puzzles. The local split-screen feature was well-executed, and it seemed like a promising addition that could have been further developed in future games. Unfortunately, Nintendo decided to completely abandon this concept for unknown reasons.
Pikmin 4 missed an opportunity to shine with a co-op campaign, which could have greatly enhanced the overall experience. While the single-player story is enjoyable, everything is even better when played with friends. Imagine exploring the mysterious world, solving all kinds of puzzles, building and commanding your own Pikmin armies, all while working together to save Captain Olimar. This addition would have made Pikmin 4 even more outstanding, and it is hoped that it will be added through post-launch updates in the future.
Pikmin 4 should have improved upon the strengths of previous Pikmin games. Nintendo made a regrettable decision by removing the exciting co-op campaign mode from Pikmin 3 Deluxe, and unfortunately, there is no way to reverse it. However, the studio should focus on expanding the multiplayer mode as time goes on. There is immense potential for a mode like this, and it is high time for Nintendo to fulfill that potential. Even if the second player has to control Oatchi, it would still be far better than the lackluster co-op campaign currently present in Pikmin 4.
Pikmin 4 is available now on Switch
