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Pikmin

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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Pikmin (2001) is a real-time strategy game where the main character Captain Olimar crash lands on an alien planet filled with strange small creatures called Pikmin. You are able to control and use these creatures to knock down walls, build bridges and attack creatures, you grow Pikmin by taking flora to a device called an onion which then spawns more Pikmin for you to control.

Different coloured Pikmin have different abilities to solve puzzles by using the correct colours to complete specific tasks. Your main objective is to locate and bring back parts of your damaged ship to the base, be careful though Pikmin are fragile and can perish easily, and you need to ensure all Pikmin and yourself are back at the base before nightfall.

The game is presented as a nature program as you discover flora and fauna. This combines with the folktale narrative to create a compelling and well-written story for all ages. There’s considerable tension to getting both ship parts and Pikmin back to the ship, as any left behind is eaten and you need to get all the ship parts before the end of the 30th day whereupon you fail and start again.

Originally released on the Nintendo Gamecube in 2001 it was re-released with new play controls on the Nintendo Wii in 2009. The Wii version of Pikmin offers enhanced controls, some adjusted difficulty with some Pikmin dying less easily. You can also cycle through the different types of Pikmin more easily.

Our examiner, Anthony Haigh, first checked Pikmin 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 3 weeks ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Pikmin. Here are some easier younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action and Strategy game with Adventure, Collecting, Puzzle and Traversal elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 8 hours and 10 hours to complete. The game is played in Days and each day is around 13-18 minutes long you have to complete all the objectives before the end of day 30 before Captain Olimars life support fails.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 3 for occasional very mild violence in a comical or abstract context. The game features very mild violence, which is either directed at cartoon-like human-like characters or fantasy characters. Combat is very simple in nature and does not feature realistic reactions. Enemy creatures are fought by throwing Pikmin at them, which then start slapping the creature until it disappears. Pikmin can also be defeated, which results in coloured ghosts floating upwards as they disappear. The game has a colourful, child-friendly setting which makes any violence less disturbing.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Because of the focus on a limited amount of days to achieve what you need to this is harder than later Pikmin games. Still, with some help younger players can still enjoy this game.

CostsCosts

You can only play this on older systems (GameCube, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay. There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 26/10/2001, updated in 2009

Out Now: GameCube, Wii and Wii U

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Action, Strategy (Adventure, Collecting, Puzzle and Traversal)

Accessibility: 6 features

Components: 3D Third-Person

Developer: Nintendo (@Nintendo)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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