Review Roundup For Pikmin 4

Leave it to Nintendo to deliver another critically acclaimed entry in a long-running franchise. First, it was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in May, and now, the company has apparently released another standout with Pikmin 4. It’s the first new mainline addition to the real-time strategy series in a decade.

On GameSpot sister site Metacritic, Pikmin 4 currently sits with an 88 metascore based on 65 reviews. Critics are giving the Switch exclusive high marks and mentioning how well the game guides new players into the franchise. For those unfamiliar, you pluck up basically an army of different sorts of plant-like creatures called Pikmin. You then utilize them to navigate your environment and collect objects.

GameSpot’s Pikmin 4 review noted that the strategy title is at its best when leaning into more relaxing aspects. Steve Watts wrote: “Pikmin 4 is a game, sure, but it’s also a sort of low-impact activity that gives you the same satisfaction of checking off a list of small, relatively simple tasks. That makes it pleasant to play, but that quality also makes it feel discordant when it briefly adds elements that provide a mild but noticeable degree of pressure–elements that make it more traditionally ‘game-like.'” Watts added that he completed the campaign in about 30 hours, though how long it’ll take to beat Pikmin 4 will vary by your playstyle.

For other viewpoints on Pikmin 4, check out below:

Eurogamer – 5/5 stars

“Pikmin 4 fills itself and your time with a rich array of things to do, things to find, goals to chase and places to explore. It may start slow, but when it all comes together, it really does sing.” — Tom Phillips [Full review]

GamesRadar – 4.5/5 stars

“It all combines to create the most approachable Pikmin entry ever. It’s not removing the challenge entirely though, as there are plenty of moments that force you to make quick decisions or make small Pikmin sacrifices in the name of the greater good–or greater Dandori.” — Sam Loveridge [Full review]

Game Informer – 9/10

“When it comes to iterating on the standard Pikmin gameplay established by the first release, Pikmin 4 is the smoothest, best-controlling, best-looking version, and all the additions are worthwhile and fun to play.” — Kyle Hilliard [Full review]

NPR – Unscored

“All in all, Pikmin 4 feels like a game determined to play all of the hits, but its new offerings make it worthwhile for seasoned crew members and new explorers alike.” — Tre Watson [Full review]

VGC – 4/5 stars

“Pikmin 4 is a smart and content-packed refinement of one of Nintendo’s most underrated series, but long-time fans may be put off by how long its generous campaign takes to get going.” — Andy Robinson [Full review]