Pikmin 3

Logo, as seen on the E3 of 2012.

Pikmin 3 is the recently unveiled game that serves as the next entry in the Pikmin series. It was revealed at E3 2012 along with a gameplay presentation and several playable demos on the showcase floor.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Pikmin 3 looks similar to that of the other two games in the series. In lieu of the previous titles, players use the Pikmin accomplish tasks. However, new tasks and new Pikmin are available. Among the new Pikmin are the new Rock Pikmin, used to destroy the armor of enemies, and other tough objects. New hazards such as ice and magma are now encountered and require new tactics to overcome.

Captain Olimar is not yet known to be a playable character, however four new characters are were playable at the E3 demo; a pink-haired girl, a bald general, a small green haired boy and a tall, green-haired man. It is also unknown if there will be any other characters from earlier games.

Unlike the other games, the scenery and the enemies are far more realistic, along with high definition graphics due to the Wii U system. It has been shown that leaders are now able to throw other leaders, allowing for new puzzles. Pikmin have demonstrated new abilities not seen yet; such as riding down a sort of slide to gather materials or collecting bridge pieces to build bridges. With the Wii U GamePad, players are able to strafe the camera and are able to see more sides to obstacles.

Challenge mode has been confirmed to return.

Features

All information is extracted from the official trailer at Nintendo's official webpage unless otherwise stated.

Players can play using Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk-based controls or the Wii U GamePad controller. With new intuitive controls that make it possible to aim at objects directly, players can command their Pikmin in new interesting ways that make use of the GamePad.

The GamePad acts as an overhead map and radar to track Pikmin movements in real time. Players can slide a finger across the touch screen to quickly switch between areas, giving greater flexibility in commanding multiple groups of Pikmin.

The greater processing and high definition capabilities of the Wii U console are put to extensive use, resulting in a more intricately designed world, enhanced ant-like movement of the Pikmin and precisely detailed overhead views for enabling easier strategic use of the Pikmin.

After completing a stage, the replay feature allows players the option to review their results using the GamePad and the television. Fast-forward, rewind or pause while assessing the previous mission to decide on other paths.

In addition to the five original types of Pikmin encountered in previous games, the new Rock Pikmin bring powerful new abilities and are able to crack hard outer shells of enemies and break through solid barriers.

Mission Mode challenges players to earn the most treasure in a given time.

New enemies

• A magma slug that attacks by licking up Pikmin with its blue tongue.
• A flying caterpillar-like creature that are similar to the Wigglers from the Mario series. Its body seems to be made of fruit, and it has a curled, butterfly-like nozzle.
• A transparent squid-like enemy who's ink can suffocate Pikmin.
• Medusal Slurker: A jellyfloat like creature that attacks in the same way.
• Armored Mawdad: A large armored millipede with pincers around its mouth.
• A white Bulborb with black spots that can snatch Pikmin from a distances using its long tongue (similar to an anteater).
• A Dweevil-like creature that picks up crystals to defend itself, which can be destroyed with Rock Pikmin to expose the creature.
• What appear to be Skitter Leaf-like animals with realistic dead-leaf appearances and large mantis looking front limbs. However, unlike the Skitter Leaf, they can cause direct harm to the Pikmin.
• Three legged water strider like bugs that can skate across the surface of water and hold water in a bulb on their back which is used to attack and then must be refilled somehow.
• What appears to be a reimagining of the Iridescent Flint Beetle with three legs instead of two.

History

Pikmin 3 was first announced during E3 2008, where Shigeru Miyamoto said, when asked about the Pikmin series, "We're making Pikmin." Nothing else about the Pikmin game in development was revealed, however. On 24th July 2008, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed in an interview, "[the Nintendo development teams] are all working on new Mario, Zelda and Pikmin projects".

The game was originally planned for the Wii, but this was changed with the announcement of Nintendo's Wii U at E3 2011, where Pikmin 3 was confirmed for the new console. However, no confirmation has been made as to the exclusivity of Pikmin 3 to the Wii U console.

The announcement of the New Play Control! Pikmin games raised questions as to the feasibility of a Pikmin 3; following, in an IGN interview, it was made clear that the re-releases of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 are separate from Pikmin 3: Cammie Dunaway: It's not the Pikmin that Mr. Miyamoto referred to, no. Mr. Miyamoto referred to a new Pikmin, as opposed to the classics that are being re-released on Wii.

Artwork

• WiiU Pikmin3 1 illu01 E3.png
• 

Gallery

• Pikmin3Screen1.jpg

  Pikmin battling an Armored Mawdad

• Pikmin3Screen2.jpg

  Pikmin tearing down a wall

• Pikmin3Screen3.jpg

  Pikmin carrying yellow rocks

• Pikmin3Screen4.jpg

  Captains are able to throw Pikmin as well as other captains

• Pikmin3Screen5.jpg

  Pikmin constructing a bridge

• Pikmin3Screen6.jpg

  A new type of Bulborb with a long tongue that acts similar to an anteater

• Pikmin3Screen7.jpg

  Blue Pikmin with some new water enemies

• Pikmin3Screen8.jpg

  Pikmin sitting on a vine

• Pikmin3Screen9.jpg

  Challenge Mode