One Year After Release, Pikmin 4 Needs the Same Support as Its Predecessors

Highlights

Pikmin 4‘s debut marked a glorious return for the series, featuring dungeons, Oatchi, and efficient gameplay in the Dandori trials.
Fans eagerly anticipate Pikmin 4 DLC, hoping for additional challenge maps and a focus on story content for the game’s future.
Speculation abounds about a potential Pikmin 4 Deluxe release, which could introduce campaign co-op, new difficulties, and more post-launch support.

As a longtime fan of the Pikmin series, I’m genuinely excited about the release of Pikmin 4 and its potential for future expansion. Having spent countless hours exploring planets filled with strange creatures and managing my beloved Pikmin in past games, the prospect of a new narrative and gameplay elements has me eagerly anticipating this latest installment.

On July 21, 2024, Pikmin 4 marks its first anniversary. For nearly a decade, bringing this game to life was thought to be an impossible dream. But in July 2023, it was released to the delight of fans. The return of dungeons, the introduction of Oatchi, and the focus on efficiency in the Dandori trials resonated with players. The unexpected launch of Pikmin 3 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in 2020 was a pleasant surprise, while Pikmin Bloom piqued interest. However, it was Pikmin 4 that felt like the long-awaited and deserved triumph for the beloved Pikmin series.

A year after its release, the excitement for “Pikmin 4” remains high among fans, although some still ponder unanswered questions. Despite the impressive comeback of the series with this installment, the future of “Pikmin” is once again shrouded in uncertainty. In contrast to “Pikmin 3,” which received three rounds of Challenge Mode DLC within half a year and a deluxe version with added content, there’s been no indication of post-launch support for “Pikmin 4.” An increasing number of fans are advocating for new content in the game’s second year.

Pikmin 4 DLC Could Include More Challenge Maps

In comparison to Pikmin 3, Pikmin 4 offers an even greater potential for expansion packs. While most of its content is woven into the main storyline, there are several additional game modes included in the core game that resemble the downloadable content (DLC) found in other Pikmin titles. For instance, Dandori Challenge echoes the Challenge Mode from Pikmin 2 and Mission Mode from Pikmin 3. Therefore, more missions similar to these could be added as DLC for their respective NPCs at the Rescue Command Post hub in Pikmin 4. Similarly, the Dandori Battle and night expedition maps provide further possibilities for new DLC packages.

Trial of the Sage Leaf Provides A Great Pikmin DLC Format

In Pikmin 3’s downloadable content (DLC), new and remixed missions were simply added to the existing Mission Mode. But in Pikmin 4, there is a more unique and engaging way to make post-game play feel more distinctive. The Trial of the Sage Leaf is an exclusive challenge cave located within the Rescue Command Post. This trial consists of ten consecutive challenge maps instead of the usual single map. It represents one of Pikmin 4’s most challenging post-campaign activities and is the only means to unlock White and Purple Pikmin. Additionally, it introduces additional objectives, reintroducing the “defeat all enemies” objective from Pikmin 3 alongside objectives like reaching a goal or securing a specific treasure. This structure may be an effective way to release Pikmin 4’s DLC maps in large quantities.

Story Could Be Pikmin 4 DLC’s Focus

When it comes to games that are suitable for downloadable content (DLC), the same applies to the ongoing campaign of Pikmin 4. Contrary to going all-out open world, Pikmin 4‘s current format is more suited to receive new areas as DLC. These additions could include additional caverns, stranded creatures, and even novel items and enhancements. In contrast to previous Pikmin titles, there’s no pressure of a time limit or sense of urgency in Pikmin 4, beyond the daily timer. This makes venturing into more areas an effortless justification.

As a dedicated gamer who’s been following the Pikmin series, I can’t help but feel excited about the upcoming release of Pikmin 4. With it comes a fresh start for the game timeline, leaving us fans craving justifications for how this connects to the original installments. Though we don’t have all the answers yet, there are still plenty of mysteries that keep us hooked – like the strange Umebozu-like Wraiths and the fate of the planet’s ancient civilization.

A New Campaign Could Be In Pikmin 4’s Future

In Pikmin 4’s DLC, the connection between gameplay and story could be strengthened through a self-contained, shorter narrative mode similar to Olimar’s Shipwreck Tale. This mode could explore various scenarios such as what Louie was up to on the Pikmin planet before being discovered or Moss’ activities prior to joining forces with Olimar. Additionally, there is potential for a sequel storyline where Moss teams up with both Pikmin and the pacified Ancient Sirehound for a personal objective. The narration would include Moss’ internal monologue and possibly other members of her species assuming the role as Pikmin 4’s most formidable roaming adversary, making for an excellent conclusion to the Pikmin 4 adventure.

Pikmin 4 Deluxe Would Give Pikmin 4 All The Support It Needs

One more motive presents itself for why Pikmin 4 has been denied further support on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo may intend to update the game exactly like its immediate predecessor, Pikmin 3. Just as Pikmin 3 Deluxe was an upgraded re-release on the Wii U’s replacement, the rumored Nintendo Switch successor could harbor a parallel title in Pikmin 4 Deluxe. This wouldn’t achieve the same record-setting performance as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but it should still get a significant sales boost from landing in the Switch 2’s launch window.

What Features Pikmin 4 Deluxe Could Add

An enhanced version of Pikmin 4, titled Pikmin 4 Deluxe, might offer substantial new content together with refinements from Pikmin 3 Deluxe. To broaden the cooperative experience, full campaign collaboration could be made possible on the latest console’s hardware. This could include Player 2 taking control of Olimar or a new Rescue Corps member managing their own Rescue Pup. Adding multiple difficulty levels would be an appreciated addition for players seeking a challenge. Additionally, implementing the long-awaited toggle to disable the cursor lock-on would significantly improve gameplay customization. In its second year after launch, Pikmin 4 could introduce further updates and features as post-support content, with Nintendo hopefully already preparing such plans.

2024-07-21 21:06