Discussion with the Game Architect, Volume 10: Continuation of Pikmin 4's Storyline - Part 3
In a world where Pikmin, Nintendo's beloved creatures, have captivated players for years, the highly anticipated Pikmin 4 is set to launch on July 21. This latest instalment promises an immersive, three-dimensional environment that builds upon the series' evolution and the advancements in gameplay mechanics and environmental design.
Players will find themselves navigating through a more intricate and layered game world, with vegetation and terrain features such as grass, tree trunks, and fungi contributing to a sense of biome diversity and spatial layering. This three-dimensional effect, while not cluttering gameplay areas, enhances the immersive feel of the environment.
One of the game's key features is the strategic use of varied terrain and vegetation to provide depth and physical context to the game world, a feature that has been extended in Pikmin 4. Players can now go under benches and desks, dive into deep water, and have more control over the camera than ever before.
The developers have also paid attention to detail when it comes to the sound design. When the camera is close to the ground, players can hear Pikmin's voices and footsteps loud and clear. Conversely, when the camera is zoomed out and looking down, players will hear faint noises from the world of tiny creatures spreading out below.
To make Pikmin more accessible to a wider audience, the developers have adapted the sound to match the change in perspective. The Pikmin don't have a footstep sound effect when walking in previous games, but it has been added in Pikmin 4. The sound of Pikmin carrying objects has also been adjusted to reflect the number of Pikmin, their types, whether they're on the ground or in the water, and more.
The game's treasures are a mix of new and old items, not limited to a specific time period. These treasures, collected throughout the game, are meant to evoke nostalgia and remind players of their childhood. The Treasure Catalog and Piklopedia are features in Pikmin 4 where players can learn more about the treasures they collect and the creatures they encounter.
The developers hope that Pikmin 4 will be enjoyed in the living room with family and friends, fostering conversations and shared experiences. They also hope that parents and children will have conversations about the treasures found in Pikmin 4, similar to discussions about their own childhood items.
Pikmin are considered by Miyamoto to be Nintendo's most global characters, and efforts have been made to make them more believable by depicting them as very small compared to humans. Pikmin can be found in various places, such as Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.
In addition, the tenth volume of Ask the Developer features an interview with the developers of Pikmin 4 for the Nintendo Switch. The game's launch on July 21 will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in the Pikmin franchise, offering players a new and engaging three-dimensional adventure.
Lastly, Pikmin Bloom is a game that introduces players to the Pikmin franchise and is considered a part of the world where Pikmin live. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Pikmin, as they continue to captivate players across various platforms and mediums.
- Pikmin 4, anticipated by many, will release on July 21, not only on the Nintendo Switch but also reviving nostalgia with a mix of new and old game treasures.
- In Pikmin 4, players can listen to Pikmin's voices and footsteps as the camera gets close to the ground, a feature that adds to the game's immersive environment.
- Some of Nintendo's most cherished characters, Pikmin, have been depicted as small creatures in various places, such as Super Mario's world on the Game Boy Advance and even in real life at Super Nintendo World.
- The developers of Pikmin 4 have extended their focus to support the game's physical context, allowing players to dive into deep water and even navigate under furniture.
- Players can share their experiences and discuss the treasures found in Pikmin 4 with family and friends, mirroring conversations that parents and children might have about their own childhood items.
