Developer Inquiry Volume 10, Episode 2: Pikmin 4 Continuation
In the latest instalment of the beloved Pikmin series, Pikmin 4, players are immersed in a new world of careful planning, organization, and efficient execution. The gameplay mechanic of "Dandori" is at the forefront, emphasizing strategy and thoughtful management of Pikmin activities rather than relying on pure reflexes.
Miyamoto, the producer of Pikmin 4, has ensured that the game captures the essence of the Pikmin series and meets the standards of a mainline Pikmin title. The game encourages players to hone their skills, offering various ways to do so, such as developing gear and items, or letting Oatchi, a Rescue Pup who sniffs out lost castaways, learn skills.
Oatchi is slightly different from earth dogs and is a playable character in Pikmin 4. Players can switch between Oatchi and the main character, offering a unique gameplay experience. Oatchi can throw and call Pikmin, and also possesses the power of 10 Pikmin, deepening the strategic nature of the game.
The gameplay in Pikmin 4 is not about competition but about players setting their own goals and overcoming them as they go along. The game is designed to be easier for newcomers to get emotionally invested in the world of Pikmin, with the player themselves becoming the Rescue Corps' new recruit.
Pikmin 4 begins with Captain Olimar crash-landing on an unknown planet and sending out a distress signal, with the Rescue Corps coming to his rescue but also crash-landing. The player embarks on an adventure to rescue the castaways. All Pikmin types seen in past games, including White Pikmin, Purple Pikmin, Rock Pikmin, and Winged Pikmin, return in this game's story.
New additions to the game include Glow Pikmin, resistant to almost all elements, and helpful in caves and night expeditions. They warp back to the player once they've completed their task without needing to be called back. The new Ice Pikmin have the ability to freeze things, including enemies and bodies of water.
Pikmin 4 also introduces a CPU battle mode, replacing the versus mode from previous games, allowing single-player enjoyment. The game has been designed to support a wider range of strategies, with an expanded overall volume of content.
To further enhance the Dandori gameplay, Pikmin 4 implements a variety of supporting features. These include removing the time limit and adding a new character, Oatchi, the space dog, as a partner creature that the player can switch to from the main character. The Rewind Time feature has also been added, allowing players to go back in time a few minutes to try out new strategies.
The game has been carefully crafted by a team of experienced developers, including Kando as the chief director and programming director, responsible for the general game design and level design, base programming, and deciding on the game's direction. Yutaka Hiramuki was a planning director, overseeing the overall level design, creature specifications, and the story, including cutscenes and script. Taku Matoba was a planning director, mainly involved in the UI, the design and placement of in-game objects, and treasures. Mitsuhiro Kida was the sound director, managing the background music and sound effects.
The tenth volume of Ask the Developer features an interview with the developers of PikminTM 4 for the Nintendo SwitchTM system, providing insights into the game's development and design. With its strategic gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful graphics, Pikmin 4 offers a unique and rewarding experience for both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.
- In the interview for the tenth volume of Ask the Developer, it is revealed that Pikmin 4 for the Nintendo Switch was carefully crafted by a team of experienced developers, including Miyamoto, who ensured the game captures the essence of the Pikmin series and meets the standards of a mainline Pikmin title.
- The game, Pikmin 4, offers various ways for players to hone their skills, such as developing gear and items, or letting Oatchi, a Rescue Pup who sniffs out lost castaways, learn skills, reflecting Miyamoto's emphasis on strategy and thoughtful management of Pikmin activities.
- Pikmin 4 also features a CPU battle mode, allowing single-player enjoyment and supporting a wider range of strategies, in line with the game's design philosophy of encouraging innovative gameplay experiences.
