Upcoming title Pikmin 4 formed the centerpiece of the June 21 Nintendo Direct livestream event. Although the game is only a month away from release, there was still plenty of new information to be revealed about this adorable exploration adventure. The Nintendo Direct revealed new gameplay elements including a base camp system, combat in the form of timed Dandori Battles, and nighttime expeditions for the first time in the history of the Pikmin franchise.
Players take on the role of the newest recruit in the Rescue Corps, who has crash-landed on a mysterious planet. You will have to team up with canine companion Oatchi as well as a variety of colorful Pikmin to repair your spaceship and rescue castaways from previous expeditions. However, you aren’t alone – mysterious leaf-covered enemies want to take the castaways for their own nefarious purposes!
You’ll have to take them on in Dandori Battles, where your team of Pikmin and Oatchi will have to collect more items thank your opponents in a timed period. The key to winning these battles will be giving strategic commands to Oatchi and your Pikmin in order to collect items with the greatest efficiency. The name of these fights comes from the Japanese concept of Dandori, which means planning or arranging. If you’re successful in rescuing the castaway, they will help you unlock new activities at your Base Camp, including training Oatchi’s abilities and crafting new items to aid in exploration.
Calling all recruits! Traverse a big world from a pint-sized perspective and embark on Night Expeditions with the debuting Glow Pikmin when #Pikmin4 releases for Nintendo Switch on July 21.
Pre-order today: https://t.co/5zPf1NQx08 pic.twitter.com/aOQQ1yzGuN
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 21, 2023
Plus, for the first time ever in a Pikmin game, you will be able to explore the world around you at night. However, be careful – at night, creatures grow frenzied and will pursue and attack you! You will be able to tell that a creature has become frenzied by its glowing eyes. Collect brand-new Glow Pikmin, which only appear at night, and add them to your team to successfully drive the monsters away!
Surprisingly, this exciting Pikmin 4 news was not the only Pikmin-related content announced during the June 21 Nintendo Direct. HD versions of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 are being released for the Nintendo Switch. These games will be digital-only and can be purchased via the Nintendo eShop. They will be released later today, June 21, making them perfect to tide fans over until Pikmin 4 drops on July 21, 2023. Plus, a free demo of Pikmin 4 will also be available beginning June 28 for fans who want to give it a try before purchasing.
Are you ready to take on the dangers of nighttime in Pikmin 4? Will you be picking up the re-releases of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 for the Nintendo Switch? Comment below and let us know!
