‘Pikmin’ Comes To The 3DS! But It’s Not What You Think…

Since the original Nintendo DS launched over 10 years ago, Pikmin always seemed like it would be a natural fit for the touch screen, (which was proven on the Wii U with Pikmin 3.) It may have taken a decade to land on handheld platforms, but Olimar and his army of adorable carrots are finally coming to the 3DS. Except… It’s nothing like what any of us would expect.

Trading in its real time strategy game play for what can only be described as an action focused 2D platformer, Pikmin for the Nintendo 3DS looks to turn what we know about the series on its head. Alternating between the fire resistant red Pikman, the high flying yellow Pikmin that laugh off the dangers of electricity, or the blue Pikmin, which are the only type that can survive in water, Olimar will use them to attack, solve puzzles, and fight bosses as he works his way towards the end of each stage.

Not much is known about the game outside of its reveal trailer, such as whether or not the other Pikmin variants like the white, purple, pink or rock Pikmin will make an appearance, but I’m approaching this one cautiously at the moment. What we’ve seen looks good so far, but we only have to look to last year’s Chibi Robo: Zip Lash to find a sequel where an established game was converted to a 2D platformer for the sake of wider appeal, only for it to lose much of what made it special in the process. Let’s hope Olimar and his crew avoid this pitfall.

Thoughts on the new Pikmin? Are you excited about the new direction, or would you prefer the classic style to return? Sound off below and let us know!