User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 613 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 39 out of 613
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  1. Jul 22, 2023
    10
    I cannot explain how good this game is. From its concept, the its gameplay, to its visuals, everything is amazing. The game is about 20h long and the post game adds over 10h to the experience.

    If you have never played a Pikmin game, i highly recommend you to start with Pikmin 4. It is beginner friendly.
  2. Aug 4, 2023
    7
    Nothing is ever going to beat playing with Wiimote input, but apart from that, the main game is as fun as Pikmin ever was (a lot).
    I wish the parts between exploration were more streamlined, particularly the dialogs and the speed in which you can go through them. Even visiting the shop takes three dialog boxes, each of them you have to watch a few seconds before the game allows you to go
    Nothing is ever going to beat playing with Wiimote input, but apart from that, the main game is as fun as Pikmin ever was (a lot).
    I wish the parts between exploration were more streamlined, particularly the dialogs and the speed in which you can go through them. Even visiting the shop takes three dialog boxes, each of them you have to watch a few seconds before the game allows you to go on. While you wait, you pummel the button to no effect, which is so frustrating, I quickly switched from the next button to the skip button. And while you fortunately can skip pretty much the whole story this way, you still have to sit through so much meaningless, elongated chit-chat, it makes the game feel sluggish and annoying.
    Expand
  3. Aug 7, 2023
    7
    + Core gameplay is phenomenal and shines in post game and side modes
    + Masterful graphics and attention to detail
    + Music is minimal, but still great - The campaign has poor difficulty curve and is way too repetitive - You will feel babied as a player, even by Nintendo standards - No backtracking, you plow one area after another and have no incentive to go back - Not many original
    + Core gameplay is phenomenal and shines in post game and side modes
    + Masterful graphics and attention to detail
    + Music is minimal, but still great
    - The campaign has poor difficulty curve and is way too repetitive
    - You will feel babied as a player, even by Nintendo standards
    - No backtracking, you plow one area after another and have no incentive to go back
    - Not many original bosses or fresh feeling designs in general
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  4. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mesmerizing, exciting and a warm hug for the fans of the series.

    - loved the way they managed to include so many pikmin types, with it being balanced enough for the player to try different combinations and strategies
    - the glow pikmin are so well implemented in the gameplay, and despite them being so powerful, the way to use them and obtain them during the day balance them really well
    - I really liked the design of all the new maps and how they sinergyze with the perspective, making the maps feel sooo huge
    - Olimar's shipwreck tale was AWESOME, so nostalgic and super fun. Big shutout to this mode's music and the remix between old and new songs
    - The white and purple onion feel very exclusive thanks to the way to obtain them, important detail since these two pikmin types have much utility
    - The final cave was very fun to play, I really liked how it was full of boss battles
    - The exploration of the overworld was awesome, it feelt really organic and enjoyable
    - The minimalistic music fits really well the aesthetics of the game
    - The difficulty in both puzzles and fighting enemies was just right, not too easy to feel lazy, not too hard to be frustrating

    It, of course, has its minor flaws

    - I wish the enemies in the overworld would respawn days after
    - I find the purple pikmin a bit too strong, although the variety of enemies that can only be beaten with a certain type of pikmin balance it up a bit
    - I liked the final battle, but don't feel like it was as memorable as the Titan Dweevil and the Plasm Wraith
    - The rock and winged pikmin were missing a bit of utility. The bamboo gates would have been such a good adition specifically now that we can only have three types of pikmin on the field. They were not a lot of enemies that needed rock pikmin to be defeated, and very few crystal walls during the game
    - I missed the gigantic and complex boss battles from pikmin 3, it would have been so cool to have them alongside with the minor boss battles
    - Having an entire final area dedicated to the final boss was a really cool feature that I would have love to have back on pikmin 4

    It's just an entirely beautiful experience, can't wait for pikmin 5
    Expand
  5. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Beautiful, the best of the series, suitable for all ages, lots to do, detailed and intuitive, colorful and detailed maps, in short… Buy it!
  6. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    While it's still too early to say whether or not it's my favorite game in the series, on paper it's the most fleshed out and accessible pikmin has ever been. It feels like the took the best elements from all of the previous pikmin games and combined it into 1 package. The post game is where this entry shines.
  7. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    10 years and IT CAME OUT!1!1! No one out pikmins the hut!1!1 i love pikmen!1!1!1
  8. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    This game has been absolutely wonderful. Please give it a chance if you haven't. I'm not a life long pikmin fan. The first I personally played was pikmin 3 deluxe, so I'm not saying this out of any sense of nostalgia. If you're a fan of unconventional rts and a goofy stories with entertaining characters, you cannot find a better game.
  9. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Absolutely love this game, just started playing this game about 2 days ago and couldn’t stop playing. Hopefully we don’t have to wait another 10 years for Pikmin 5
  10. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    I've been a fan of the Pikmin franchise for a long time, and Pikmin 4 has not disappointed me. It is the best of the series so far, and now my favorite game of all time.
  11. Jul 23, 2023
    10
    Best game ever?? Maybe. Pretty sure. Definitely the best executed Pikmin game.
  12. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    It's a masterpiece. This is the perfect Pikmin experience. Thank you Miyamoto San.
  13. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    The best pikmin game now, even better then 3. Tons of content and everything has been improved and figured out.
  14. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un juego maravilloso para aquellos que decidan introducirse por primera vez en esta saga. No sólo es un un juego divertido y dinámico, sino que además es el Pikmin más extenso con diferencia. El juego opta por un juego quizá más fácil a lo que Pikmin nos tiene acostumbrados, pero eso no merma la experiencia de juego, ya que tendremos distintos desafíos que sorprenderán a más de un veterano. Tanto batallas como desafíos Dandori son uno de los elemtos que más me han gustado y lo que me animó a comprarme este juego. Conseguir la máxima puntuación en algunos desafíos pueden suponer un reto, pero nada que no se pueda ir puliendo tras unos cuantos intentos.
    En definitiva, un gran juego y una compra recomendada a todos aquellos que se quieran introducir en el universo Pikmin.
    Expand
  15. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Pikmin 4 is a refreshing take on the Pikmin formula while still calling back to the previous titles. Pikmin 4 is too good to pass up, I love this game.
  16. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    One of the best pikmin games release so far. Everything seems to be well taught (including the puzzles and stages). Completely in love with this game.
  17. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    An absolutely beautiful game. It takes the aspects that made the previous three great, mushes then together, and builds upon, while ironing out a few minor annoyances from the previous titles. An absolute must play for any Switch owner or Nintendo fan (or anyone looking for a charming and whimsical time).
  18. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    If you enjoyed Pikmin 1 or 2, this game is a love letter to you. Easily the best Pikmin game for beginners too, has the perfect ramping of difficulty to keep veterans engaged and newcomers to learn things piece by piece. I laughed out loud and cried on my first playthrough. Thank you Nintendo, you've delivered something incredible.
  19. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Definitely the best of the whole franchise!! Pikmin 4 takes all the best points of its predecessors and make a giant love letter for old and new players!!
    Loving everything from this game!
  20. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    From beginning to end, Pikmin 4 was a rollercoaster with only ups. It feels like a well planted entry that serves everything that was expected from a fourth entry. Taking everything that its predecessors made right and combining it in one well crafted experience.
  21. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    I can’t think of a single thing this game could have done better. It is the best pikmin entry in every way and has been a blast to play.
  22. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    Title: A Gaming Triumph - Pikmin 4 Reigns Supreme with Exemplary Gameplay!

    Pikmin 4 stands tall as the pinnacle of gaming perfection, setting a new standard for the franchise. With a primary focus on gameplay, this installment truly shines and has outdone its predecessors in every way. The gameplay in Pikmin 4 is a sheer joy to experience. It seamlessly blends strategy, puzzle-solving,
    Title: A Gaming Triumph - Pikmin 4 Reigns Supreme with Exemplary Gameplay!

    Pikmin 4 stands tall as the pinnacle of gaming perfection, setting a new standard for the franchise. With a primary focus on gameplay, this installment truly shines and has outdone its predecessors in every way.

    The gameplay in Pikmin 4 is a sheer joy to experience. It seamlessly blends strategy, puzzle-solving, and real-time action, creating a captivating and immersive adventure. Managing the diverse Pikmin types and utilizing their unique abilities to navigate through challenging environments is a masterful stroke of game design.

    The controls are incredibly responsive and intuitive, allowing players to execute complex strategies with ease. The fluidity of commanding your Pikmin army is unparalleled, making you feel like an adept leader at every turn.

    The puzzles are ingeniously crafted, requiring cunning and creativity to overcome. From cleverly hidden pathways to intricate boss battles, every obstacle feels like a rewarding triumph when conquered with your loyal Pikmin companions.

    The game's world is a visual feast, bursting with vibrant colors and delightful details. Each location exudes its own distinct charm, adding to the overall enchantment of the gameplay experience.

    Moreover, Pikmin 4's replay value is exceptional. The game encourages exploration, experimentation, and strategic planning, enticing players to revisit it time and again to uncover hidden secrets and achieve even greater mastery.

    In summary, Pikmin 4 is the epitome of extraordinary gameplay, making it the crowning jewel in the series. Its seamless blend of strategy and action, coupled with its captivating world and challenging puzzles, sets a new benchmark for the franchise and gaming as a whole. Pikmin 4 deserves a resounding 10/10 rating for its unparalleled gameplay experience, and it undoubtedly secures its place as the finest installment in the beloved Pikmin saga. Embark on this unforgettable journey and witness gaming greatness at its finest!
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  23. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE PIKMIN!!!! I LOVE pikmin!!!!
  24. Jul 25, 2023
    10
    With an accessible but engaging level of difficulty, pikmin 4 beautifully marries concepts from all the previous titles with a slew of new concepts and ideas that further stream line the experience without sacrificing the sense of accomplishment that come with Completing tasks efficiently. It's the perfect entry point for newcomers to the series and is quickly becoming a favorite amongstWith an accessible but engaging level of difficulty, pikmin 4 beautifully marries concepts from all the previous titles with a slew of new concepts and ideas that further stream line the experience without sacrificing the sense of accomplishment that come with Completing tasks efficiently. It's the perfect entry point for newcomers to the series and is quickly becoming a favorite amongst long-time pickman fans. Expand
  25. Jul 23, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. -THIS REVIEW GOES INTO EVERYTHING IN THIS GAME, INCLUDING POST GAME STUFF-

    This is an amazing Pikmin game, it takes a lot of elements from 2 but makes so many good changes to it:

    - Caves are no longer randomly generated (thank god), this was one of the major problems I had with 2 so I'm really happy they removed that.
    - Caves are now in way shorter but there are way more, this helps make caves feel less boring as there is a lot of variety in caves now.
    - This is also what makes the final cave so impactful, having only around 5 sublevel long caves the entire game makes the big 20 sublevel final cave so memorable.
    - Amazing final boss, I was very afraid when I depleted its health bar the first time that I thought it was over in seconds but the extra phases were a lot of fun, especially the final one (glow pikmin's are very useful on this fight).
    - THERE IS AN ENTIRE PIKMIN 1 STYLE MODE WHERE YOU PLAY AS OLIMAR! This really surprised me and it was a lot of fun, really brings back the 15 day time limit in a fun new way.
    - Completing this side mode unlocks some of the hardest challenges in the game, getting platinum on these 10 missions was a lot of fun but very difficult (story 7 still haunts me).
    - Unlocking the White and Purple onions this way was a nice way of making sure these 2 are hard to get.
    - Night missions are a lot of fun, especially the later ones get kind of tough with you having to balance getting more glow pikmin and killing the really strong monsters like smoky progg which isn't as deadly as in Pikmin 1 but to compensate they just throw multiples at you at once.
    - There are also some really fun rewards from beating all the side missions. After you beat the final boss Louie will also give you some missions, beating all these unlocks a pretty useless but funny piece of equipment as well (it was actually useful once when I was trying to get a platinum medal in one of the stories of the Secret Trial of the Sage Leaf.
    - I really liked the balancing of the Pikmin types, I do think generally Purple's are still a bit too strong but I personally don't mind as they are relatively hard to get (especially if you don't do the secret trial of the sage leaf)
    - I was also a big fan of the new progression system. Having to upgrade your abilities, Oatchi's abilities and the size of your Pikmin was really satisfying.

    Even though I love the game I do think there are a couple of things that I dislike:

    - I love that there are a total of 6 levels (the most in the series), none of them come close to looking as stunning or interesting as the levels in Pikmin 3, but they are generally more fun to play in.
    - Pikmin 3 had amazing boss fights which Pikmin 4 didn't have.
    - I personally wasn't the biggest fan of the auto lock on, I personally thought Pikmin 3 Deluxe handled the controls much better, but it wasn't a deal breaker.
    - Oatchi is a bit too powerful sometimes, especially if you upgrade his strenght to 100 (which is really easy to do). This becomes especially powerful once you have the swallow skill unlocked which makes carrying heavy objects a breeze.
    - Can't believe they brought back the doomsday apparatus (isn't actually a big deal in this game because there is a purple onion but still, can't believe they did it)
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  26. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    best game in the last 10 years. honestly deserves top of the year on Metacritic.
  27. Jul 23, 2023
    10
    Super charming and a love letter to old fans. Some accessibility issues that all Nintendo games face but not enough to take away from the amazing experience.
  28. Jul 23, 2023
    10
    Pikmin 4 is a well thought out game. It incoperatorates elemts from many previous games including remaking all the enemies and havin all the old Pikmin back. It may seem to easy at first but it gets more difficult later on. I would recommend it to new commers and veterans of the series.
  29. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    It's a wonderful game in general. Feels good to see so many returning enemies make a reappearance and some new enemies as well. The story is also really great, and the dandori modes are really fun and challenging. I couldn't recommend it enough.
  30. Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Its the correct evolution of the previous games. Really polished and a lot of content!
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 119 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. 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. 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.
  3. 70
    Too childish, and too little new compared to previous games.