Hey! Pikmin! Review

Written by Gregg Dietz

Before I begin this review, I need to inform you that I was unable to finish this game. However, I felt like I understood everything I needed to know after 4 hours of play time. That being said, this is easily one of the most slow-paced games I have ever played. The idea of the game is that you must utilize various types of Pikmin to solve puzzles and defeat enemies to gather Sparklium, which serves to refuel Captain Olimar’s ship. The major issue with this is that each level requires you to move at Olimar’s walking speed,which isn't exactly speedy.

The controls are pretty simple; you use the D-pad or the analog stick to move Olimar, while you use the stylus to throw Pikmin, whistle for Pikmin and activate Olimar’s Jetpack. I personally wasn’t a fan of this control scheme. It felt somewhat clunky to not be pressing any buttons for any actions. I understand the reason for the control scheme -- accuracy with throwing Pikmin -- but an option would have been nice.

As I stated previously, Olimar moves very slowly, and there were times where I would have a twitch channel on, or watch a show while playing the game at the same time because he was so slow. As for the puzzles, they aren’t exactly brain benders, and sometimes, don't really count as puzzles if it constitutes not having the right number or type of Pikmin.

I know that I have been saying a lot of negative things about the game, so allow me to lay down the positive. The game’s soundtrack fits Pikmin very well and I could imagine it being a part of the original games. The sounds and noises that the Pikmin make are very adorable, and it was slightly disheartening to hear them die. I also really enjoyed the idea of an overworld where you can put Pikmin to work. Each type is immune to different elements and that comes into play when having them clear out each area.

Overall, there really isn’t a whole lot to this game. I imagine that if you are a big Pikmin fan, you will really enjoy this game. Between the control scheme and pacing, I just couldn't find the fun. It should be stated that the developer Arzest is responsible for this, and the last time I reviewed a game of theirs, it was “New Yoshi’s Island.” It did not receive and favorable review, and I am sad to say that this will not either. I give “Hey! Pikmin” a score of 5 outta 10.