The original Pikmin 3 on the Wii U stressed me the heck out. Not only was each mission on a timer, but you had to figure out how to navigate environmental puzzles and keep your Pikmin alive. They even added two new playable characters into the mix, and you eventually have to control all three of them at the same time. It can be stressful.
And because of all of that terrible stress and anxiety, Pikmin 3 never made it onto my list of completed Wii U games, but now with Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch, its chance has come back around, and it’s much improved.
I’ve been playing a lot of Pikmin 3 Deluxe as I prepare to write a review very soon. Though it was beginning to stress me out at first, after playing a couple of more hours, it’s become apparent that there many changes here that are very welcome.
Here’s a taste: There is a hint system that can tell you where you need to go. There’s a new lock-on system that makes it easier to kill enemies and focus your actions. You can call all your Pikmin back to the base at once, potentially saving their innocent vegetable alien lives.
Most of the levels in Pikmin 3 Deluxe can be hard to navigate too thanks to its, at times, confusing map. Since there’s no legend on the map, it’s hard to tell what each icon signifies. You get used to it after some time, but just being able to press up on the d-pad at any time to get some guidance is an awesome addition.
And I think that’s why these changes were brought into this souped-up version. Pikmin 3 needed to become more accessible so that anyone of any age can try it out and not feel overwhelmed with the variety of Pikmin and switchable characters.
It’s such a gorgeous world with cool creatures, interesting plant life, and hyper-realistic pieces of fruit. I want to take my time looking at everything and seeing what the area has to offer.
It’s been a great time jumping back into this game and seeing how things have changed for the better. “Pikmin 3 and Chill” can now be a thing. Those words would have never been uttered unless it were for Pikmin 3 Deluxe.
For those who have never played a Pikmin before, this is the perfect time to get in there and see what it’s all about. The narrative has never been a huge part of the series, so do not worry about missing out on the plot. It’s not worth going back and replaying the older ones unless Nintendo decides to release a Switch collection finally, but I digress.
Now, let me get back to killing harvesting more Pikmin.
You can look forward to our scored review very soon. Pikmin 3 Deluxe launches on Oct. 30 for the Switch. You can download a demo now from the eShop.
