New Play Control! Pikmin 2

 Wii
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 68 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 68
  3. Negative: 4 out of 68
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  1. EFYevan
    Jun 30, 2012
    10
    I'm not sure why there aren't many critic reviews for this game, but let me tell you - this game is fantastic! This exactly what I was hoping for in a Pikmin sequel!

    Like the last game, Olimer / faithful Pikmin followers spend most of the game wandering around the island looking for objects. This time, instead of spaceship parts, they are looking for items of value to pay off the debt    I'm not sure why there aren't many critic reviews for this game, but let me tell you - this game is fantastic! This exactly what I was hoping for in a Pikmin sequel!

    Like the last game, Olimer / faithful Pikmin followers spend most of the game wandering around the island looking for objects. This time, instead of spaceship parts, they are looking for items of value to pay off the debt Olimer's company incurred while he was stranded. So far, I've seen everything from a battery to bottle caps to parts of an old school Nintendo controller. Like last time, he gets the Pikmin to carry said objects to his ship, where they are cashed in, kind of like a pawn shop. The game play is almost identical to the first game, so controlling the characters is intuitive for those of you who played Pikmin 1 for Wii. You still have a day to get through as much as you can, and risk losing anyone left behind.

    Here are the biggest differences I've noticed so far:
    1) Louie (his assistant) is with him, giving you two main guys the Pikmin will follow. You have the option to keep them together, or control each separately. Initially, this seemed pointless, as you can only control one at a time - whatever guy you don't control will stand wherever you leave him. However, this started becoming useful when I needed to separate Pikmin by skill/color. For example, I could have Louie stand behind with a purple group while I took all the red Pikmin ahead to clear areas with fire. Once that was done, I just had to switch back to Louie, who took the purple group to meet up with me. I remember losing a lot of time in Pikmin 1 when I was trying to multitask, as I had to keep going back and forth (drop group off at wall, direct another group to build a bridge, go back to pick up the first group when the wall was done, etc). So this has been handy.

    2) There are new types of Pikmin, and some of the old ones have increased abilities. I won't give away what they do, in case some of you want to figure it out on your own. But's it been fun playing around with all the new types, and trying to figure out what kinds of tasks best suit their skills. (side note: when following you around, they now have a little musical battle chant they say every 10 seconds or so - kind of like "na na na boo boo!"-ish. For me, it got old quickly!)

    3) There are new bad guys (still mostly bugs) and threats (now also poisonous gas and electricity!) A lot of the old guys are still there, which is nice since you can approach them with the confidence in knowing how to defeat them.

    4) You are exploring new areas of the planet (at least so far, maybe later levels are recognizable from the first game). This has been great, since it takes a while to fully explore each area - especially since you can't get through certain obstacles until you get certain colored Pikmin.

    5) There are now sub-levels in each area. So far, the ones I've explored have all been underground (think Mario going down a pipe and opening up a new land), but this also may be different later. There are lots of underground items to find, and a few other surprises. The great part is that time doesn't continue when you're down there - you can take your time to explore everything without penalty. Your day will be at the same mark when you return above ground as when you left. Each underground level has a "Big boss" waiting for you at the end (also reminiscent of Mario) that you can avoid (if you're sneaky), but need to defeat to get the treasure. One thing to note for this is that your game will be saved as soon as you go down one of these levels (there are several levels in each - you go down level after level until you reach the bottom). This means if you ever decide to "replay from last save," you can't assume it will be the start of the day. I realized this the first time a bad guy destroyed my fleet of Pikmin, and I tried to start the day over to avoid losing so many (something I frequently did in the first game). If anything, this feature gives this a higher replay value, as I know I'll play again to complete everything in fewer days, and/or by losing less Pikmin.

    6) Olimer's notes went high-tech - there are now notes on every bad guy you encounter, plants, and all your treasures. Those of you that liked the little hints Olimer gave you at the end of each day of Pikmin 1 (i.e. which color Pikmin can do certain tasks, etc), will probably really like this. I haven't spent much time on it, but this seems like a good resources for younger players who may get stumped.

    7) There is a two player and a challenge mode!

    All in all, I've really enjoyed this game so far. It's definitely a good value - I probably would have paid more than $20 if asked (especially since the Gamecube version goes for $40 used), but am grateful it was so cheap! If you loved the first game as much as I did, you're going to be happy with the sequel! Bring on Pikmin 3 for the Wii U!    … Expand
  2. Victory
    Dec 15, 2012
    10
    Can't believe this game does not have more attention! It's outstanding use of the Wii-mote almost convinces me of it's value. One of the few games where I don't miss regular controls. Controlling and directing the Pikmin is an absolute joy. The game it self is incredibly fun, you have various types of Pikmin with various strengths and weaknesses and using your brain you have to work outCan't believe this game does not have more attention! It's outstanding use of the Wii-mote almost convinces me of it's value. One of the few games where I don't miss regular controls. Controlling and directing the Pikmin is an absolute joy. The game it self is incredibly fun, you have various types of Pikmin with various strengths and weaknesses and using your brain you have to work out the best attack for each enemy although if I'm honest it usually involves pointing and mashing the A button to fling the Pikmin. It's a very satisfying game with very few flaws in my opinion. The first game had the constraints of a time limit which ended up making the game stressful but Pikmin 2 is an absolute joy to play and with the addition of a secondary leader time is saved backtracking and walking aimlessly between Pikmin and your base camp! You go around collecting treasure to earn money for your boss who stupidly got himself into debt. It sounds juvenile but once the game actually gets going you can forgive it's childish storyline. Can't wait for Pikmin 3.… Expand
  3. Rhymeswititch
    Jan 28, 2013
    10
    I missed out on Gamecube (was a PS2 guy), and never played the Pikmins--boy was I wrong to miss them. This game is absolutely addictive and as pleasent as Prozac. It starts a little slow as you get used to it, but once you do, you fall in love. Also, seeing as I never played the GCN version I can't speak to those controls, but I cannot imagine not being able to point with the WiiI missed out on Gamecube (was a PS2 guy), and never played the Pikmins--boy was I wrong to miss them. This game is absolutely addictive and as pleasent as Prozac. It starts a little slow as you get used to it, but once you do, you fall in love. Also, seeing as I never played the GCN version I can't speak to those controls, but I cannot imagine not being able to point with the Wii remote--feels natural in the game play. It is a great addition to any game collection.… Expand
  4. J-ivanF
    Apr 21, 2013
    8
    After knowing how incredible was Pikmin 2 in GameCube, I can say the Wii port is good, but the controls are really tedious, specially when you're Wiimotes don't work very well, I mean the D-Pad for example, when it doesn't work well, you can use another camera movement instead of what you were wanting. However, the experience that I met in GameCube is the same, a complete strategy gameAfter knowing how incredible was Pikmin 2 in GameCube, I can say the Wii port is good, but the controls are really tedious, specially when you're Wiimotes don't work very well, I mean the D-Pad for example, when it doesn't work well, you can use another camera movement instead of what you were wanting. However, the experience that I met in GameCube is the same, a complete strategy game with cool graphics, hard dungeons and a memorable Piklopedia, you will have a great time reading the enemies characteristics. Sometimes Pikmin can stuck on walls, and then you can lose them (so they die). I should recommend you playing this game on 720p in Wii U, it looks just great.… Expand
  5. luisflopez
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    Pikmin 2 expands on the first game's formula in may ways. My favorite new aspect is definitely the ability to play as 2 different captains: Olimar and his subordinate, an awkward fellow named Louie. Being able to switch between the two captains at any time opens up a lot of possiblities in terms of gameplay and strategy.

    Having two more types of Pikmin feels like a natural evolution for    Pikmin 2 expands on the first game's formula in may ways. My favorite new aspect is definitely the ability to play as 2 different captains: Olimar and his subordinate, an awkward fellow named Louie. Being able to switch between the two captains at any time opens up a lot of possiblities in terms of gameplay and strategy.

    Having two more types of Pikmin feels like a natural evolution for the Pikmin formula. 2 also introduces caves, which are multi-level dungeons that are randomly generated upon each visit. Caves are also unaffected by the timer, meaning that you can spend as much time as you want in them. This gives the devs new opportunities to create puzzles and situations that would have been hard to implement in the overworld areas.

    I think caves are a fantastic idea to expand the main campaign. However, the caves aren't on the same level of quality as the overworld. I also think they went overboard with the amount of caves. Bascially, they take up half of the main campaign, maybe even more. And they can become a little tedious over time. Personally, I think the game would have benefited from having less caves and an extra overworld area instead.

    Pikmin 2's story is much sillier than its predecessor's. This time, Captain Olimar is tasked with collecting treasure to pay off his boss' debts. Collecting ship parts is replaced with collecting all sorts of silly and ridiculously named treasures that resemble real life objects, like a duracell battery or a 7-Up cap. Having 201 treasures to collect instead of only 30 ship parts means collecting each one feels less satisfying, but it also ensures a much longer campaign. I played for over 20 hours and only collected about 85% of them.

    Pikmin 2 also includes levels that are considerably harder than anything from Pikmin 1, which is great in my opinion. However, I really wish there was a feature to restart from the previous save at any point, because messing up in a cave and having to restart the game every time can get annoying. Another addition in Pikmin 2 is the piklopedia, where you can read Olimar's description of each creature in the game. Treasures also get their own gallery with descriptions, and it's really funny how this descriptions are often more about Olimar's midlife crisis than about the objects themselves. The humor in this game is on point.

    Other improvements incude slightly better controls, better Pikmin AI, and a Challenge Mode that is actually fun and makes the game even longer. The art direction is just as good as in the first Pikmin game, and so is the soundtrack, charming as ever. In conclusion, Pikmin 2 is an excellent sequel. It doesn't render the first game obsolete, as Pikmin 1 still has its own personality and its own style of gameplay, but it stands as a great new entry in the Pikmin series.

    Score: 8.7
    -    … Expand
  6. nintendomaster1
    Aug 24, 2015
    10
    Oh man! This is one spectacular, fun, amazing, funny, breathtaking, addictive, fabulous game! I can't get enough of this game. Awesome graphics, funky music, and so many adorable Pikmin. This game has you exploring this crazy world of weird creatures and weird, well, everything! You need to collect treasures with your Pikmin to get money. This game is so great. There is a lot of exploringOh man! This is one spectacular, fun, amazing, funny, breathtaking, addictive, fabulous game! I can't get enough of this game. Awesome graphics, funky music, and so many adorable Pikmin. This game has you exploring this crazy world of weird creatures and weird, well, everything! You need to collect treasures with your Pikmin to get money. This game is so great. There is a lot of exploring to do. This game, I'm going to say it, is a masterpiece!… Expand
  7. Ernest_Figueroa
    Nov 23, 2018
    10
    Mejora en el control por medio de wiimote y esto significo una mejora en la manera de pasarme el juego.
  8. Onioncreature
    Jul 24, 2021
    9
    The sequel to Pikmin expands upon the original in unique ways. The motion aiming added in this version is a must-have, as it streamlines the controls massively. I really appreciate the removal of the ticking clock element, I much prefer Pikmin as a laid back experience which I can complete at my own pace. The process of collecting treasure to pay of your company's massive debt isThe sequel to Pikmin expands upon the original in unique ways. The motion aiming added in this version is a must-have, as it streamlines the controls massively. I really appreciate the removal of the ticking clock element, I much prefer Pikmin as a laid back experience which I can complete at my own pace. The process of collecting treasure to pay of your company's massive debt is incredibly satisfying while also being quite hilarious and charming. The various real world objects you can find, alongside Olimar's name and description of each of them, adds tons of character. The writing in general is perfectly executed, the humor shines through very strongly. I'm somewhat mixed on the addition of caves and the corresponding Pikmin which can only be obtained in them. On the one hand, this addition adds lots of new enemies and gameplay elements. On the other hand, I feel as though the process of completing the caves became somewhat repetitive after not too long, which isn't helped by the reuse of the same environments and enemies in many instances. I also am not particularly fond of how sparse the new White and Purple Pikmin are, I understand the decision, but I disliked the feeling of never having quite enough to be comfortable. This leads into the difficulty, which fortunately is determined by the player for the most part. The amount of treasure needed to finish the game is quite achievable, but if you want more of a challenge you can aim to fully complete each of the caves. The further you get into the game, the more daunting these dungeons become, which works well, as this content is essentially optional for those who aren't up for the task. All in all, Pikmin 2 is an excellent expansion and reinterpretation of the first title, which manages to carve it's own unique identity in the series. 2 stands as perhaps the most unique and bizarre main Pikmin entry and it's well worth experiencing for yourself.… Expand
  9. Jaydanmcgr
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Amazing game. Fun to replay everytime! This game definitely lives up to its predecessor
  10. Toadin64
    Dec 22, 2021
    9
    After playing the GameCube release of the game it is very similar but with the seamless controls of Pikmin New Play Control it is a very pleasant experience and the best way to play Pikmin 2. I’ve played Pikmin mostly on the Wii/Wii U and have played every game with nun-chuck and Wii mote as it is the easiest and it is good to play all the games on one platform. It took forever to arriveAfter playing the GameCube release of the game it is very similar but with the seamless controls of Pikmin New Play Control it is a very pleasant experience and the best way to play Pikmin 2. I’ve played Pikmin mostly on the Wii/Wii U and have played every game with nun-chuck and Wii mote as it is the easiest and it is good to play all the games on one platform. It took forever to arrive in the states though which is quite annoying a whole 3 year gap from new play to the budget release. Why is it the budget release for it had not sold yet? Nor did it sell well in fact on GameCube.… Expand
  11. RonaldJohnson
    Feb 10, 2023
    2
    If it wasn't for Hey! Pikmin this would be my personal least favorite of the Pikmin games. First off sometimes the caves could be super unfair and unforgiving with bomb rock's spawning on top of you and it requires you to go into the caves to 100% the game. only 20% of it is above ground which is much too little for me, and the controls are awful for this version of the game. Time alsoIf it wasn't for Hey! Pikmin this would be my personal least favorite of the Pikmin games. First off sometimes the caves could be super unfair and unforgiving with bomb rock's spawning on top of you and it requires you to go into the caves to 100% the game. only 20% of it is above ground which is much too little for me, and the controls are awful for this version of the game. Time also isn't as much of a problem in this game because You spend most of the game underground and have infinite time to repay debt. a other thing is they didn't even add in co-op which should have been a mechanic in this game but wasn't. overall if you like the fast-paced action of the first game don't play this one.… Expand
  12. Zakured
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Take an already great game and add one of the most optimal ways to play the series. Its first appearance in the Nintendo Gamecube was already great as it was, but bringing it to the Wii with a control set that basically goes together so effortlessly, makes the game an overall better experience than it was on Gamecube. I highly recommend this game for anyone who loves being a completionistTake an already great game and add one of the most optimal ways to play the series. Its first appearance in the Nintendo Gamecube was already great as it was, but bringing it to the Wii with a control set that basically goes together so effortlessly, makes the game an overall better experience than it was on Gamecube. I highly recommend this game for anyone who loves being a completionist and play the most challenging in the franchise.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. NZGamer
    Jun 10, 2025
    80
    Happily, I'll recommend this game to all fans of the franchise, and to those who have yet to discover it. I can only hope plenty more classics of yore make the inter-generational
  2. Cubed3
    Jun 10, 2025
    70
    Pikmin 2 is a great game, ergo Pikmin 2 on Wii with fancy new controls is still a great game. What it isn't though, is a new game. Repackaged and rehashed to make a quick buck, New Play Control: Pikmin 2 is a great game if you never played the original but a criminal rip-off if you did. The improvements are hugely welcome, but I would advise you to approach with caution if you expect anything new, because you aren't going to be getting it.
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  3. Gameplanet
    Jun 10, 2025
    90
    Quotation forthcoming.
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