Unseen Evolution: Jaw-dropping Transformation of Original Pikmin Designs

Nintendo recently disclosed in an interview that the original designs of the titular species in the Pikmin series were drastically different. This revelation is part of a larger trend of Nintendo surprising fans with unexpected information. The interview series, Ask the Developer, was launched by Nintendo in 2021 as a successor to the popular series, Iwata Asks, which was hosted by the late Satoru Iwata from 2006 to 2015. New episodes of Ask the Developer are typically released alongside the launch of new first-party hardware and software. The most recent episode, the tenth installment, focuses on the development of Pikmin 4 and also provides insights into earlier entries in the Pikmin franchise. Notable figures such as Yuji Kando, Shigefumi Hino, Junji Morii, Masamichi Abe, and Shigeru Miyamoto make appearances in this volume.

Early in the interview, Miyamoto provides insight into the development of the GameCube original. This involved the game's concept deriving from the desire to utilize the GameCube's capability to render numerous characters on-screen simultaneously. The initial concept for Pikmin entailed AI-controlled creatures equipped with customizable chips that determined their role in gameplay. Importantly, the Pikmin featured a significantly different design from what fans are accustomed to, and only two variants were showcased in contrast to the eight types observed in Pikmin 4.

The redesigned characters have shorter, stubbier appearances with no visible limbs. They have mitten-like hands and Toad-like feet. The only noticeable difference between the male and female variants is the blue or pink puffballs on their heads. This distinction was made because the original concept for Pikmin was a top-down game, similar to some Zelda games, rather than featuring the more traditional camera angles seen in the final version. Hino likened the design to Yoshi, but it was ultimately changed because it lacked personality. After some rough sketches, the final design was unanimously chosen.

In the age of social media, it is exciting for fans to see game developers sharing concept artwork and scrapped ideas behind their products. Many companies are now more transparent and intimate with their fans. However, Nintendo is an exception to this trend, as they prefer to save their announcements and insights for special occasions. Unfortunately, Nintendo has also experienced issues with leaks in recent years. Nevertheless, fans are always eager to learn more about their favorite games, regardless of how the information is revealed.

Pikmin 4 will release on Nintendo Switch on July 21.

Source: Nintendo