Pikmin 4

 Switch
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 613 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 526 out of 613
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 613
  3. Negative: 39 out of 613
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  1. BootySniffer
    Jul 29, 2023
    10
    I have never played a Pikmin game before, but after playing this one I am hooked and want to go back and play the originals. It’s just an amazing game.
  2. swagmin29
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    by far the best pikmin game ive played, ive seen people rip at the coop mechanics and how it isnt like traditional coop where you would be able to control another captain, however i personally enjoy this type of 2 player gameplay even more :D both being the pebble pitcher and player 1 are both engaging and fun :D
  3. Kafei
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    Pikmin 4 has been my favorite game to release in the past few years. It’s such a breath of fresh air and I’m addicted to the Night Expeditions.
  4. ntb3
    Jul 31, 2023
    10
    this game is a master piece. as soon as i booted it up i was transferred 1 million dollars directly into my bank acoutn
  5. chiwykun
    Jul 31, 2023
    10
    The 10 year wait was sure worth it, I have been a Pikmin fan since I have memory and this game most definetly meets the standarts, the characters are charming and funny, the new pikmin types are creative alongside the enemies, the story is quite interesting and the graphics are one of the best in the Nintendo Switch System. It has a lot of content, yet it never feels like it is overdoingThe 10 year wait was sure worth it, I have been a Pikmin fan since I have memory and this game most definetly meets the standarts, the characters are charming and funny, the new pikmin types are creative alongside the enemies, the story is quite interesting and the graphics are one of the best in the Nintendo Switch System. It has a lot of content, yet it never feels like it is overdoing itself nor does it ever get overwhealming, the ammount of caves may seem too much at first, but the creativity of each cave and boss fight makes it worth it, and the best part, if you dont want to go through all of the caves, you dont need to! there is only a few caves to be completed for you to complete the game, so if you dont like 100% games, you still can enjoy it! The new night mode is a good twist to the gameplay, where you finally get to go to the world of PNF-404 at night, where you have to fend off multiple monsters in order to win, only a few are needed to play in order to complete the game, so if you dont like the game mode, you are not forced to play it either! Overall a good time for both hardcore fans and casual players! 100% would recommend.… Expand
  6. Shoobalooba
    Aug 2, 2023
    10
    yea ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎yea ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎… Expand
  7. Meepy
    Aug 6, 2023
    10
    This game is so good I had to get up from my sofa, walk ten paces backwards, take off my cowboy hat and spin around three times.
  8. stevetogekiss
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    Playing Pikmin 4 made me feel a type of joy that I cannot describe. Before this game I would have trouble deciding which was my favorite game but Pikmin 4 made this very clear. The content it has is quality and quantity, the variety it brings from the caves to Oatchi and other things later on just make for a game that I cannot recommend enough.
  9. PIKMIN4444
    Aug 10, 2023
    10
    **** amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  10. CD47
    Aug 10, 2023
    10
    Longest game in the series, best final boss of the series, and of course,



    dog(s)
  11. Pikjoyer82
    Aug 10, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best game ever! The graphics are amazing and I love moss, best game ever in history… Expand
  12. HappyCube
    Aug 10, 2023
    10
    An absolutely lovely game that has smothered my life. I would highly recommend it even if you have never played a Pikmin game before.
  13. Turok2008
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    One of the greatest games of all time, brings some of the best aspects from previous Pikmin games back and improves them. 10/10
  14. Fiddlebert_
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    An absolute masterpiece, perfectly balances cave exploration and surface discovery.
  15. starrcrossed42
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    The best entry in the series yet. One of the best games on the Switch by far. You are missing out if you don’t buy this game. It’s truly just a joy to play. Couldn’t recommend it enough!
  16. Betagoblin
    Aug 14, 2023
    10
    As a fan of the series that has played every game in the franchise before Pikmin 4, I can say that Pikmin 4 has gone above and beyond the expectations I had for the game. It has both quantity and quality of gameplay and I found myself greatly enjoying every second I played. To anyone on the fence about buying this game, do it. I promise you will not regret your purchase.
  17. dragonchickener
    Aug 15, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing mesh of the previous games with caves and all returns Pikmin types (except bulbmin) with new and returning enemies including variants of older enemies. The missions and upgrades are super useful and the hidden upgrades are nods to previous games which are very enjoyable. The double set of credits also help elongate the game more with an exciting twist and a final boss that wouldn't be expected. All in all it was a blast to play and I hope it gets dlc so I can see my little pikmin more.… Expand
  18. CS2isreal
    Aug 15, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. People always say Pikmin is a childish game, I get it. but I feel like it's meant to be like this. fun for the whole family type thing. my first GameCube game was Pikmin along with Luigi's mansion so maybe I'm biased but give this game a playthrough. buy a physical so if you don't really like it you can sell it. but this game is nearly (if not better) than pikmin 2. so if you've ever played pikmin 2 you'll love this one. but this game does have its downsides. not as many as some people thing but still downsides. I feel like louie's side quest (normally the last one in the game other than sage leaf) was a very last minute "oh we need a bit more content" type quest. I think that the dog (oatchi) is very cute yes but he made the game too easy, I've played Pikmin since I was young and i still found myself riding around on oatchi almost everywhere. and it feels like they wanted that. the whole game, maybe for newer fans? rewind feature is cool but I think it should have been more limited. I only lost about 50 pikmin. The final boss was very cool and better than pikmin 3s final boss (in my opinion) but It's just the same all elements coming together in one big enemy you kill. but what else are they going to do realistically. I didn't really like tears very much so this releasing after was a good move for them. and this game is my favorite switch game no doubt… Expand
  19. orangejack
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    Amazing-looking and blissful fun that always has you wondering what’s next. It’s also a very large game to sink into from the start.
  20. OneLoneClone
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    From amazing visuals to addicting gameplay this is by far one of the best games on the switch.
  21. Core_shock67
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    Truly Greatest game ever created truly a Nintendo masterclass game goated game Nintendo
  22. a1bros
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    This is a 10/10 game no doubt. Gameplay is fun, and there is a lot of tutorial and things to learn at first, lots of features that arent completely necessary but still are fun. Building up your little colony is fun. Overall, the game is just so satisfying that it is hard to stop playing. Just an extremely enjoyable, fun, simple game that anyone could enjoy. One of the best games ofThis is a 10/10 game no doubt. Gameplay is fun, and there is a lot of tutorial and things to learn at first, lots of features that arent completely necessary but still are fun. Building up your little colony is fun. Overall, the game is just so satisfying that it is hard to stop playing. Just an extremely enjoyable, fun, simple game that anyone could enjoy. One of the best games of the decade. Definitely one of the most unique game series of all time, and this game delivered.… Expand
  23. thiccboy99
    Sep 3, 2023
    10
    this game is good the caves are better than 2 there are all the pikmin expect bulbmin my child where are you but this game is good
  24. Tifolle
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    A BANGER!! I spend very good time on this game, and it was so cool!!! I really enjoy it!! All is perfect in this Pikmin 4! Congratulations Nintendo!
  25. Jamine
    Aug 30, 2023
    10
    I feel like my summer vacation ended with this game. I really enjoyed this game, which was like a culmination of everything I've done so far. I like 2, but this time the system was really good. I am looking forward to the next one
  26. idontknow0
    Aug 31, 2023
    10
    Amazing game! Hadn't played a pikmin game before this, but was really excited to try a pikmin game for the first time, and this game absolutely delivered. It was so fun to play through this game, still going through the post game though and it's been great so far. 100% would recommend 10/10 game
  27. Kenmei
    Aug 1, 2023
    9
    Pikmin 4 is easily the most robust and feature packed Pikmin game that's ever been made. From having the most levels, to having the largest level in PIkmin history, to the new underground mechanic that increased the size of each world, there's a ton of stuff packed into a game for a series that, frankly, usually doesn't feature as many things in it as I had always hoped in the past. It'sPikmin 4 is easily the most robust and feature packed Pikmin game that's ever been made. From having the most levels, to having the largest level in PIkmin history, to the new underground mechanic that increased the size of each world, there's a ton of stuff packed into a game for a series that, frankly, usually doesn't feature as many things in it as I had always hoped in the past. It's easily my favorite Pikmin game that I've played now and, if it weren't for the absolutely atrocious loading times that plague this game, it would have been right there in my top 5 Switch games I've ever played. It feels like they had to sacrifice the loading times to get that rock solid 30 FPS as the game never dips once below that, at least from what I could tell, even when there's a ton of creatures on screen at once. I can't recommend this enough for anyone with a Switch.… Expand
  28. thunderboltway
    Jul 23, 2023
    9
    Pros:
    -Amazing gameplay / musical / graphical / UI / camera / quality-of-life upgrades
    -Series finally hits a sweet spot with collectibles and side quests -Completionist / Perfectionist dream game (replay and rewind abilities) -New casual / action gameplay mode -Tons of new characters -I would die for Otchi - cutest character since Baby Yoda -3 New Pikmin types mix it up a little    Pros:
    -Amazing gameplay / musical / graphical / UI / camera / quality-of-life upgrades
    -Series finally hits a sweet spot with collectibles and side quests
    -Completionist / Perfectionist dream game (replay and rewind abilities)
    -New casual / action gameplay mode
    -Tons of new characters
    -I would die for Otchi - cutest character since Baby Yoda
    -3 New Pikmin types mix it up a little
    -The return of dungeons from Pikmin 2
    -With the addition of assignable commands you will find a button setup that suits you
    -Couch co-op (haven’t played it, but apparently 2P throws rocks)
    -Lots of arena style battles sprinkled in
    -The Beach level is a work of art
    -Retains morbid sense of humor from Pikmin 2

    Cons:
    -Constantly skipping cutscenes and dialogue gets old (+ button is your friend)
    -Splitting up squad into groups is still slightly trickier than it needs to be, especially with Otchi around
    -Your command options change, somewhat confusingly, depending on whether you’re on Otchi or foot
    -Otchi is a little OP, nerfs game a tad
    -New horde mode is fun but thin, a little undercooked - would like to see this given more love in the future

    Wonderful game, best parts of all the Pikmin games in one    … Expand
  29. Hugman
    Jul 23, 2023
    9
    Pikmin 4 encapsulates the best out of the previous mainline titles in what could be one of the best looking game on the Nintendo Switch. The visuals are attractive, the controls are responsive and the world is immersive. This definitely makes up for a charming experience that will please and - most of the time - soothe players of all ages. As all Pikmin games, it still manages to feelPikmin 4 encapsulates the best out of the previous mainline titles in what could be one of the best looking game on the Nintendo Switch. The visuals are attractive, the controls are responsive and the world is immersive. This definitely makes up for a charming experience that will please and - most of the time - soothe players of all ages. As all Pikmin games, it still manages to feel frantic or eerie at points; that essence remains. The game overflows with collectibles and types of different species, and does an excellent job at returning enemies and introducing new ones. No matter how familiar you are with the Pikmin franchise, this 4th installment finds ways to keep you on track until the very end, even though the first hours might feel overwhelming to veteran players.

    World experience:
    The world of Pikmin still coexists with our own in this game, and it seems Mr. Miyamoto and his team wanted to push that narrative further by the new unique over-world regions found in this game. However, at some points some may feel just a bit unoriginal, and I wish we'd have more verticality while exploring. Although, the underworld areas do make up for that sense of world diversity.

    Storytelling:
    The narrative follows the same overall narrative as every other Pikmin game, but this time around you get to meet a lot more people that you could ever imagine coming from this license. All of those individuals have character traits that differentiate them. That coupled with the incredible amount of dialogue they have, and the excellent liveliness feelings of the natural regions give an amazingly built world.
    Pikmin lore fans will also enjoy this entry thanks to some surprising elements that link up directly with older titles. Some questions are answered, and some new mysteries are brought up for how PNF-404 behaves.

    Difficulty:
    For veteran players, the difficulty bar may often feel too low. And there is no reason for Nintendo to not add more difficulity either. This isn't "because it's Pikmin'. Look at Kirby, HAL managed to keep a really good balance there. I'm sure there are many ways to combat this in the Pikmin series.
    Caves make up for a satisfying puzzle experience, but even then there is still room for more advanced trickeries that could mush our brains like I wish it did.
    Your friendly dog companion also makes the game easier, and by a lot. Some times, it is greatly used as a puzzle element through its jumping ability, but the other traits (that you can upgrade!) often feel like you own a portable swiss knife that will get you through every challenge. In some sparse cases the dog also makes the Pikmin useless. Yikes...
    The hardest challenges may come from the few enemies underground that will roll all over your Pikmin and make you return to the surface illico. That is not a bad thing, but I wish I encountered situations that felt as hard as this, with lighter consequences that flatten my family of eighty to death in an instant.

    Gameplay:
    The overworld experience is as pleasing as the other entries.
    Caves are amazing puzzles, that live up to the ones from Pikmin 2.
    Dandori battles can turn really frantic and confusing, but stay very fun. It really is a bummer though that there is no online support for them!!
    Dandori challenges is the most satisfaction I got from the puzzle experiences in this game. Thankfully they challenge you to beat your own records after the first completion.
    Night expeditions feel way too easy sadly. The Glow Pikmin type is way too overpowered, as they essentially resist to anything except being eaten, and they teleport to you when idle. The main reward is the only reason I keep on doing those missions (aside for the 100% completion), but this reward... won't scale with the difficulty...? The secondary reward can also make the caves way easier too, which could feel overwhelming to greater players least when it already feels too easy.
    The gadgets come handy in every game mode they're in. You also don't get all of them that fast (which is good).

    Other few notes:
    - The two-player experience in the main exploration is as useless as Mario Galaxy games. A second player could have controller Oatchi, as you are able to do that on your own.
    - The soundtrack is excellent, and comes with a few notable surprises. Most of it is forgettable but is great for the atmosphere.
    - The high amount of text is very well distributed. The dialogue is only overwhelming at first and treasure/species descriptions are absolute gold. Although at some points the characters feel like they are backseating by reminding you to pluck Pikmins or save the ones in danger
    - The items in your bag are almost useless most of the time. Although I feel like some players will enjoy trying them out and using them to figure out new strategies.    … Expand
  30. Onioncreature
    Aug 16, 2023
    9
    Pikmin 4 is an excellent modernization of the Pikmin formula that succeeds in most ways.

    Visually it's stunning, though this does come with the drawback of long load times. Several quality of life features have been added to make the experience more smooth and user friendly, such as the dog Oatchi (who is a genuine highlight), a more dynamic camera, and auto lock-on. These changes do    Pikmin 4 is an excellent modernization of the Pikmin formula that succeeds in most ways.

    Visually it's stunning, though this does come with the drawback of long load times. Several quality of life features have been added to make the experience more smooth and user friendly, such as the dog Oatchi (who is a genuine highlight), a more dynamic camera, and auto lock-on. These changes do make the game quite a bit easier than previous series titles, but overall their addition is for the most part appreciated. The amount of content is really quite large, and pretty much all of it is enjoyable. The story is basic, but the quality of the writing is quite good and there's plenty of charm. The music is fairly good and is line with soundtracks of the previous games, but it's the sound design that has seen a noticeable boost. In a related area, HD Rumble has been implemented throughout and is very well done.

    In terms of complaints, the tutorial contains too much text, and is a bit overbearing. the constant reminder that you can rewind time when you fail can be annoying, as there's no way to turn it off. I also didn't love some of the limits set on the player, such as starting with a limited amount of Pikmin and only being able to have three types out at a time. There are also a few too many upgrades for my liking, and I found some of them were not really neccessary.

    Pikmin 4 is certainly the best entry point into the series, and in many ways surpasses the other titles. It does have it's issues but all in all it's a triumph.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Switch Game of 2023
4
#4 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 119 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 113 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 119
  3. Negative: 0 out of 119
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 22, 2024
    100
    It's a thrilling ride. You go for one short game and wake up after five hours, only to return to playing immediately because you've figured out how to beat your opponent. The graphics may be simple, but they make up for it with the colour and thoughtfulness of the environments, and one genuinely enjoys exploring every nook and cranny. This is really worth it. [Issue#329]
  2. Starbit
    Nov 10, 2023
    90
    Pikmin 4 marks the return of one of Nintendo's most beloved series, and this return could not have happened in a better way. Thanks to its exquisite audiovisual world, slick gameplay mechanics, an enveloping strategic component, and the adorable relationship between the player and the little alien creatures, Pikmin 4 is nothing short of a jewel on the crown of the Nintendo Switch.
    Read full review
  3. Gamereactor Finland
    Nov 9, 2023
    70
    Too childish, and too little new compared to previous games.
    Read full review
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