Pikmin 4: Difference between revisions
(Documented the caves footage and the cursor.) |
(Finished analyzing the trailer. Also, some tweaks across the board.) |
||
Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
== Content == | == Content == | ||
=== Pikmin types === | === Pikmin types === | ||
''Pikmin 4'' will include [[Red Pikmin]], [[Yellow Pikmin]], [[Blue Pikmin]], [[White Pikmin]], [[Purple Pikmin]], [[Rock Pikmin]], [[Winged Pikmin]], and the new Ice Pikmin, though it is not known which types will feature in which game modes. | ''Pikmin 4'' will include [[Red Pikmin]], [[Yellow Pikmin]], [[Blue Pikmin]], [[White Pikmin]], [[Purple Pikmin]], [[Rock Pikmin]], [[Winged Pikmin]], and the new Ice Pikmin, though it is not known which types will feature in which game modes. Some of them do not appear in any trailer, but can be seen in the game's key art. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
==== Ice Pikmin ==== | ==== Ice Pikmin ==== | ||
[[File:Ice Pikmin.png|thumb|An Ice Pikmin.]] | [[File:Ice Pikmin.png|thumb|An Ice Pikmin.]] | ||
Ice Pikmin are a new type of [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]]. Their bodies look like they are composed of two chunks of ice, they leave small snow and water vapor particles around them as they move, and they have yellow flowers. They have the ability to freeze [[enemies]] and bodies of [[water]]. | Ice Pikmin are a new type of [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]]. Their bodies look like they are composed of two chunks of ice, they leave small snow and water vapor particles around them as they move, and they have yellow flowers. They have the ability to freeze [[enemies]] and bodies of [[water]]. | ||
Line 64: | Line 63: | ||
No distinct [[area]]s have been confirmed so far, but from what can be seen in the various clips, it's possible to separate the overworld scenes into two different locations: one that takes place in the backyard of a house, and the other that takes place in some garden. Unlike the previous games, the playable space is very large. The following notable features can be seen in each of the two locations: | No distinct [[area]]s have been confirmed so far, but from what can be seen in the various clips, it's possible to separate the overworld scenes into two different locations: one that takes place in the backyard of a house, and the other that takes place in some garden. Unlike the previous games, the playable space is very large. The following notable features can be seen in each of the two locations: | ||
* Backyard: | |||
* As part of the playable terrain: | ** As part of the playable terrain: | ||
** A wooden park bench with metal legs and armrests, though the top of the armrests have a wood slab attached. | *** A wooden park bench with metal legs and armrests, though the top of the armrests have a wood slab attached. | ||
** Various walls made of piled-up bricks. | *** Various walls made of piled-up bricks. | ||
** Various colored planks of wood poking up from the ground, arranged together to form walls. | *** Various colored planks of wood poking up from the ground, arranged together to form walls. | ||
** Brick walls. | *** Brick walls. | ||
** Blue fences, some of them with algae and colored fish drawings. | *** Blue fences, some of them with algae and colored fish drawings. | ||
** A gray stepladder with a beige toolbox on top. | *** A gray stepladder with a beige toolbox on top. | ||
** Vases with potted plants. | *** Vases with potted plants. | ||
** A slab of wood with a water tap coming out of it. | *** A slab of wood with a water tap coming out of it. | ||
** A bucket full of dirt. | *** A bucket full of dirt. | ||
** Azure tubes or a hose along the floor. | *** Azure tubes or a hose along the floor. | ||
** Tin cans. | *** Tin cans. | ||
** Pool tiles, alternating in a chess pattern between white and blue. | *** Pool tiles, alternating in a chess pattern between white and blue. | ||
** An upturned yellow bucket. | *** An upturned yellow bucket. | ||
* As part of the background: | ** As part of the background: | ||
** A large iron gate. | *** A large iron gate. | ||
** Surrounding the large gate are decorated stone walls with brick tops. | *** Surrounding the large gate are decorated stone walls with brick tops. | ||
** Stairs leading from the gate to the playable area. | *** Stairs leading from the gate to the playable area. | ||
** A very large house, with a pink roof and a front porch awning. | *** A very large house, with a pink roof and a front porch awning. | ||
** Large car tires, in red, yellow, and blue colors. | *** Large car tires, in red, yellow, and blue colors. | ||
** Shelves with vases and potted plants on them. | *** Shelves with vases and potted plants on them. | ||
** A cyan playground slide styled like an elephant. | *** A cyan playground slide styled like an elephant. | ||
** Playground castles. | *** Playground castles. | ||
** A wheelbarrow wheel. | *** A wheelbarrow wheel. | ||
* Garden: | |||
** Tipped broken vases with rooted plants coming out. | |||
** Plantations with a sign indicating what plant it is, although with no text. | |||
<gallery> | |||
Pikmin 4 house area.jpg|The backyard area. | |||
Pikmin 4 new ship.jpg|The garden area. | |||
</gallery> | |||
==== Caves ==== | ==== Caves ==== | ||
Line 99: | Line 102: | ||
Three distinct types of cave floors can be seen in the trailer: one that looks like a standard dirt cave, another that's themed around metal and seems to take place inside of a shed, and one with a muddy floor and brick walls. Notable content that can be seen includes: | Three distinct types of cave floors can be seen in the trailer: one that looks like a standard dirt cave, another that's themed around metal and seems to take place inside of a shed, and one with a muddy floor and brick walls. Notable content that can be seen includes: | ||
* Dirt cave: | |||
* Muddy floors. | ** Muddy floors. | ||
* Dirt walls. | ** Dirt walls. | ||
* Tiny fungi. | ** Tiny fungi. | ||
* Dead leaves scattered about. | ** Dead leaves scattered about. | ||
* A metal drain, screwed onto the floor. In the [[cutscene]], this opens up, shoots a gust of air upward, and allows the leader, Oatchi, and the Pikmin to ride up. While they are traveling up, the pod flies around and follows them. | ** A metal drain, screwed onto the floor. In the [[cutscene]], this opens up, shoots a gust of air upward, and allows the leader, Oatchi, and the Pikmin to ride up. While they are traveling up, the pod flies around and follows them. | ||
* Shed: | |||
** Metal rings and dirt on the floor. | |||
** An LED {{w|dot matrix}} display, showing a number. All trailer footage just shows the number "01". | |||
** In the cave's background, what is either the sunlight shining from the slits on the door of the shed, or some {{w|fluorescent lamps}} that are on. | |||
** Support beams in the background, possibly made of wood. | |||
* Brick cave: | |||
** Muddy floor. | |||
** Brick walls. | |||
** Green mold. | |||
<gallery> | |||
Pikmin 4 oatchi sniffing 2.jpg|Dirt cave. | |||
Pikmin 4 arachnorb.jpg|Shed. | |||
Pikmin 4 Empress Bulblax Behind.png|Brick cave. | |||
</gallery> | |||
=== Treasures === | === Treasures === | ||
{{ | {{image}} | ||
[[Treasure]]s appear to be the main collectible item in ''Pikmin 4''. Treasures have sparkle effects around them. When collected, a simple notification appears on-screen saying "New treasure collected!", with the icon of the corresponding treasure appearing above it. In this game, when a treasure is being carried, it rotates as the Pikmin change direction in their path. | [[Treasure]]s appear to be the main collectible item in ''Pikmin 4''. Treasures have sparkle effects around them. When collected, a simple notification appears on-screen saying "New treasure collected!", with the icon of the corresponding treasure appearing above it. In this game, when a treasure is being carried, it rotates as the Pikmin change direction in their path. | ||
Line 131: | Line 138: | ||
=== Characters === | === Characters === | ||
[[File:Pikmin 4 oatchi cutscene english.jpg|thumb|Various leaders discussing Oatchi | [[File:Pikmin 4 oatchi cutscene english.jpg|thumb|Various leaders discussing Oatchi.]] | ||
''Pikmin 4'' features several new characters. The two known names are Collin and Shepherd. Four of these characters share similar red outfits and are seen conversing with one another. This seems consistent to how the amount of characters corresponds to the game's numbered entry (i.e. {{p2}} having two leaders or {{p3}} having three leaders). | |||
''Pikmin 4'' features several new characters. The two known names are Collin and Shepherd. Four of these characters share similar red outfits and are seen conversing with one another. This seems consistent to how the amount of characters corresponds to the game's numbered entry ( | |||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
Line 143: | Line 149: | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Pikmin 4 | Pikmin 4 oatchi in puddle.jpg|Close-up of the character's front. | ||
Pikmin 4 new leader.jpg|Close-up of the character's back. | Pikmin 4 new leader.jpg|Close-up of the character's back. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Line 149: | Line 155: | ||
==== Collin ==== | ==== Collin ==== | ||
Collin has a square head with a pointy nose, large green eyes, and large rosy cheeks. Their mouth is similar to that of [[the President]]. They have close-cut gray hair with a spiraling tuft at the top. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. Their name is a reference to {{w|Collie}}s. | Collin has a square head with a pointy nose, large green eyes, and large rosy cheeks. Their mouth is similar to that of [[the President]]. They have close-cut gray hair with a spiraling tuft at the top. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. Their name is a reference to {{w|Collie}}s. | ||
<gallery> | |||
Pikmin 4 unknown character 2.jpg|Collin talking about the castaway. | |||
</gallery> | |||
==== Shepherd ==== | ==== Shepherd ==== | ||
Shepherd has a pear-shaped head, long ears, dark skin, and blonde hair styled in a bun with a long curl on the side. They also wear a red bandana and have white grease paint under their eyes. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. Their name alludes to {{w|German Shepherd}}s. | Shepherd has a pear-shaped head, long ears, dark skin, and blonde hair styled in a bun with a long curl on the side. They also wear a red bandana and have white grease paint under their eyes. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. Their name alludes to {{w|German Shepherd}}s. | ||
<gallery> | |||
Pikmin 4 oatchi cutscene english.jpg|Shepherd talking about Oatchi. | |||
</gallery> | |||
==== Unknown bald character ==== | ==== Unknown bald character ==== | ||
A currently unnamed character can be seen conversing with the others. They appear to be bald and have a pear-shaped head, a long nose, and appear to wear glasses. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. | A currently unnamed character can be seen conversing with the others. They appear to be bald and have a pear-shaped head, a long nose, and appear to wear glasses. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. | ||
<gallery> | |||
Pikmin 4 oatchi cutscene english.jpg|The unknown character, top-left, admiring Oatchi. | |||
</gallery> | |||
==== Oatchi ==== | ==== Oatchi ==== | ||
[[File:Pikmin 4 oatchi screenshot.jpg|thumb|Oatchi.]] | [[File:Pikmin 4 oatchi screenshot.jpg|thumb|Oatchi.]] | ||
Oatchi is a new dog-like character that assists the leaders. It's yellow, has some brown spots on its back, a thin tail that ends in a white tuft, two legs in total, two floppy ears, a red collar, blue eyes, and no nose. Despite its alien look, it's described as a dog in the official website, and barks like one in the trailer. It may belong to the [[grub-dog family]] based on its characteristics. It's also possible it is of the same species as Olimar's pet [[Bulbie]], of which many members of the grub-dog family are named after due to their similarities. | Oatchi is a new dog-like character that assists the leaders. It's yellow, has some brown spots on its back, a thin tail that ends in a white tuft, two legs in total, two floppy ears, a red collar, blue eyes, and no nose. Despite its alien look, it's described as a dog in the official website, and barks like one in the trailer. It may belong to the [[grub-dog family]] based on its characteristics. It's also possible it is of the same species as Olimar's pet [[Bulbie]], of which many members of the grub-dog family are named after due to their similarities. | ||
Line 196: | Line 213: | ||
=== Enemies === | === Enemies === | ||
Various new and returning enemies have been shown in trailers: | Various new and returning enemies have been shown in trailers: | ||
* [[Bulborb]] | * [[Bulborb]] | ||
Line 226: | Line 242: | ||
==== Unknown arachnorb-like enemy ==== | ==== Unknown arachnorb-like enemy ==== | ||
{{image}} | |||
An unknown [[Arachnorb family|arachnorb]]-like enemy can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. Its head is black and resembles a disco ball, with several circular lights dotted throughout. Its legs appear to be covered by tightly-wrapped strands of a dark unknown material, which dangle from the upper segments of its legs. The bottom half of two of its legs are bare, exposing an ivory bony endoskeleton of some kind underneath. Several holes can be seen on the interior of its bottommost joints. | An unknown [[Arachnorb family|arachnorb]]-like enemy can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. Its head is black and resembles a disco ball, with several circular lights dotted throughout. Its legs appear to be covered by tightly-wrapped strands of a dark unknown material, which dangle from the upper segments of its legs. The bottom half of two of its legs are bare, exposing an ivory bony endoskeleton of some kind underneath. Several holes can be seen on the interior of its bottommost joints. | ||
Line 244: | Line 261: | ||
=== Obstacles === | === Obstacles === | ||
Many [[obstacles]] and [[hazards]] return in this game, along with some new ones: | Many [[obstacles]] and [[hazards]] return in this game, along with some new ones: | ||
* [[Water]] | * [[Water]] | ||
Line 282: | Line 298: | ||
==== Unknown jar obstacle ==== | ==== Unknown jar obstacle ==== | ||
{{image}} | |||
Jars that can be smashed by having Oatchi [[charge]] at them can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. They seem to be made of ceramic, and have cracks on their sides, near the base. | Jars that can be smashed by having Oatchi [[charge]] at them can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. They seem to be made of ceramic, and have cracks on their sides, near the base. | ||
Line 307: | Line 324: | ||
** The main pod that items are retrieved to resembles a [[SPERO]]. | ** The main pod that items are retrieved to resembles a [[SPERO]]. | ||
*** It has a white color with red and blue accents. | *** It has a white color with red and blue accents. | ||
*** This pod has the ability to fly | *** This pod has the ability to fly and warp through space. | ||
*** It has some [[Koppaite text]] on it, reading {{kt|H|T|C|U}} (HTCU or HTOU). | *** It has some [[Koppaite text]] on it, reading {{kt|H|T|C|U}} (HTCU or HTOU). | ||
*** This pod is where the unnamed main leader and Oatchi travel. They are expelled and sucked in by the beam below the pod. | |||
** There is a massive ship in the landing site. | ** There is a massive ship in the landing site. | ||
*** It follows the color scheme of the pod. | *** It follows the color scheme of the pod. | ||
*** It also has Koppaite text on it, reading {{kt|H|T|C|U|G|N}} (HTCUGN or HTOUGN). | *** It also has Koppaite text on it, reading {{kt|H|T|C|U|G|N}} (HTCUGN or HTOUGN). | ||
** After the end of the main 2023 trailer footage, there is a teaser that takes place during the night. In it, an otherwise regular Bulborb's eyes suddenly become glowing red. Piles of colorful crystals resembling {{w|konpeitō}} can also be seen scattered around the area. | *** There is a component at the top that can only be seen on the second-to-last scene of the trailer. In the first scene in which it appears, this component is missing. | ||
** After the end of the main 2023 trailer footage, there is a teaser that takes place during the night. | |||
*** In it, an otherwise regular Bulborb's eyes suddenly become glowing red. | |||
*** Piles of colorful crystals resembling {{w|konpeitō}} can also be seen scattered around the area. | |||
*** A small cone-shaped structure can be seen with a hole on its side. | |||
** Some cyan-colored pebbles can be found in piles. Two also come out of a destroyed dirt wall. | ** Some cyan-colored pebbles can be found in piles. Two also come out of a destroyed dirt wall. | ||
** Some pink pebbles surround the Red Onion and the pod. | ** Some pink pebbles surround the Red Onion and the pod. | ||
** Other circles are present without an Onion or a pod. A ring of these pebbles also surrounds the pod's location in caves. As such, these appear to indicate landing sites. | ** Other circles are present without an Onion or a pod. A ring of these pebbles also surrounds the pod's location in caves. As such, these appear to indicate landing sites. | ||
** Black tubes with cyan lids can be seen coming out from the ground. They emanate some light. | ** Black tubes with cyan lids can be seen coming out from the ground. They emanate some light, and their purpose is unknown. | ||
* Changed content: | * Changed content: | ||
** [[Onion]]s now look more like a fruit with a speckled texture similar to apples. Their petals are smaller and point downwards like the original design. The base of the Onion is now yellow and plastic-like in appearance, and its legs are now green instead of yellow. Like in ''Pikmin 3'', Onions fuse together upon meeting a new type of Pikmin; however, the Onion now becomes segmented like a gourd, with each segment bearing the color of a Pikmin type. | ** [[Onion]]s now look more like a fruit with a speckled texture similar to apples. Their petals are smaller and point downwards like the original design. The base of the Onion is now yellow and plastic-like in appearance, and its legs are now green instead of yellow. Like in ''Pikmin 3'', Onions fuse together upon meeting a new type of Pikmin; however, the Onion now becomes segmented like a gourd, with each segment bearing the color of a Pikmin type. | ||
** Pikmin sound different, as does the plucking sound. | ** Pikmin sound different, as does the plucking sound. | ||
** The [[cursor]] changed appearance and behavior. | ** The [[cursor]] changed appearance and behavior. | ||
*** It is now followed by an indicator, which consists of an icon with an optional number below it. The icon is that of the Pikmin type in standby, or Oatchi, and the number is the number of Pikmin in the group of that type. Regardless of how the cursor itself is displayed, the icon and number are always facing the screen part of the game [[HUD]]. | *** It is now followed by an indicator, which consists of an icon with an optional number below it. The icon is that of the Pikmin type in standby, or Oatchi, and the number is the number of Pikmin in the group of that type. Regardless of how the cursor itself is displayed, the icon and number are always facing the screen as part of the game [[HUD]]. | ||
*** When pointing at the floor, the cursor is flush with the floor in the game world's geometry. In this state it looks like a ring with a dot in the center, and the standby indicator appears above it. | *** When pointing at the floor, the cursor is flush with the floor in the game world's geometry. In this state it looks like a ring with a dot in the center, and the standby indicator appears above it. | ||
*** When pointing at an enemy, the cursor locks on to its center automatically and faces the game screen as part of the HUD. In this state it looks like a ring split into four equal arcs, and the standby indicator appears below it. | *** When pointing at an enemy, the cursor locks on to its center automatically and faces the game screen as part of the HUD. In this state it looks like a ring split into four equal arcs, and the standby indicator appears below it. |
Revision as of 18:27, February 10, 2023
Pikmin 4 | |
---|---|
North American game cover. | |
Japanese name | ピクミン 4? |
Console | Nintendo Switch |
Developer | TBA |
Publisher | Nintendo |
Genre | TBA |
Players | 1-2 players |
Release date | |
Japan | July 21st, 2023 |
North America | July 21st, 2023 |
Europe | July 21st, 2023 |
Australia | July 21st, 2023 |
South Korea | July 21st, 2023 |
This article or section is about an upcoming or recently released game. |
Pikmin 4 is the upcoming fourth mainline installment in the Pikmin series, planned for release in July 21st, 2023 for the Nintendo Switch. Many details of the game are currently unknown, but it is known that it introduces Ice Pikmin, a companion character called Oatchi, and some kind of night gameplay to the series.
Gameplay
So far, the gameplay seems to be the same as in the previous main titles of the franchise, though with some subtle changes. The cursor looks less like something to point towards an exact spot with, and more like a simple indicator of the general direction the aim is. This can be in part due to the lower camera angle. On top of standard Pikmin management and ordering, the player also has Oatchi with them, which they can command in different ways than the Pikmin.
In the game's reveal trailer, Pikmin series creator Shigeru Miyamoto said after the trailer that the Nintendo Switch's controls have made controlling the game simpler, allowing the player to focus more on strategic planning (or "段取り?" as the developers refer to it).[1]
Other gameplay details can be noted from the trailers:
- The camera rotates horizontally as the player moves left and right on the screen.
Content
Pikmin types
Pikmin 4 will include Red Pikmin, Yellow Pikmin, Blue Pikmin, White Pikmin, Purple Pikmin, Rock Pikmin, Winged Pikmin, and the new Ice Pikmin, though it is not known which types will feature in which game modes. Some of them do not appear in any trailer, but can be seen in the game's key art.
The Red Pikmin introduction cutscene.
Ice Pikmin
Ice Pikmin are a new type of Pikmin. Their bodies look like they are composed of two chunks of ice, they leave small snow and water vapor particles around them as they move, and they have yellow flowers. They have the ability to freeze enemies and bodies of water.
They freeze enemies by filling up a circular gauge around the enemy's health wheel via attacks or being consumed. While attacks only increment the gauge slightly, when an Ice Pikmin is swallowed the gauge increases by a lot – around 40% when fighting a Bulborb. Once the gauge is full, the enemy freezes entirely, can no longer act, and gains an ice-coated look. Defeating a frozen enemy will make it shatter into chunks of ice without leaving a corpse, but it will drop nectar, similar to how ultra-bitter spray works. The Red Bulborb in the clip can be seen shaking after a few seconds, also similarly to how petrified enemies start shaking before breaking free, but it could also be due to it being nearly dead, or simply just an animation that plays for frozen enemies.
Ice Pikmin can be thrown into bodies of water to freeze them. The place they are thrown onto makes the cursor take on the lock-on shape, indicating these Pikmin need to be thrown at a specific spot. When around 18 are thrown, the entire body of water instantly turns to ice after a second. This transformation instantly makes the water flash white and then quickly return to normal gradually as a puff of water vapor appears near the Pikmin. Any enemies in the water at that moment receive the same animation, sound, effects, and status as enemies frozen with Ice Pikmin attacks. With the water frozen, the Ice Pikmin that were thrown in get stuck with their upper bodies poking out of the ice's surface. Afterwards, leaders and Pikmin can safely walk on top of the ice.
Given their introduction cutscene takes place in an underground location with a simple layout and low walls, much like what can be seen in the footage of caves of the same trailer, it's possible these Pikmin are found inside a cave. In their introduction cutscene, they spin around and slide on their lower bodies, meaning they are at least slightly slippery.
Areas
No distinct areas have been confirmed so far, but from what can be seen in the various clips, it's possible to separate the overworld scenes into two different locations: one that takes place in the backyard of a house, and the other that takes place in some garden. Unlike the previous games, the playable space is very large. The following notable features can be seen in each of the two locations:
- Backyard:
- As part of the playable terrain:
- A wooden park bench with metal legs and armrests, though the top of the armrests have a wood slab attached.
- Various walls made of piled-up bricks.
- Various colored planks of wood poking up from the ground, arranged together to form walls.
- Brick walls.
- Blue fences, some of them with algae and colored fish drawings.
- A gray stepladder with a beige toolbox on top.
- Vases with potted plants.
- A slab of wood with a water tap coming out of it.
- A bucket full of dirt.
- Azure tubes or a hose along the floor.
- Tin cans.
- Pool tiles, alternating in a chess pattern between white and blue.
- An upturned yellow bucket.
- As part of the background:
- A large iron gate.
- Surrounding the large gate are decorated stone walls with brick tops.
- Stairs leading from the gate to the playable area.
- A very large house, with a pink roof and a front porch awning.
- Large car tires, in red, yellow, and blue colors.
- Shelves with vases and potted plants on them.
- A cyan playground slide styled like an elephant.
- Playground castles.
- A wheelbarrow wheel.
- As part of the playable terrain:
- Garden:
- Tipped broken vases with rooted plants coming out.
- Plantations with a sign indicating what plant it is, although with no text.
Caves
Caves are shown to return in Pikmin 4. Their layout is simplistic, but it is not currently known if they are randomly generated like in Pikmin 2.
Three distinct types of cave floors can be seen in the trailer: one that looks like a standard dirt cave, another that's themed around metal and seems to take place inside of a shed, and one with a muddy floor and brick walls. Notable content that can be seen includes:
- Dirt cave:
- Muddy floors.
- Dirt walls.
- Tiny fungi.
- Dead leaves scattered about.
- A metal drain, screwed onto the floor. In the cutscene, this opens up, shoots a gust of air upward, and allows the leader, Oatchi, and the Pikmin to ride up. While they are traveling up, the pod flies around and follows them.
- Shed:
- Metal rings and dirt on the floor.
- An LED dot matrix display, showing a number. All trailer footage just shows the number "01".
- In the cave's background, what is either the sunlight shining from the slits on the door of the shed, or some fluorescent lamps that are on.
- Support beams in the background, possibly made of wood.
- Brick cave:
- Muddy floor.
- Brick walls.
- Green mold.
Treasures
This article or section is in need of more images. |
Treasures appear to be the main collectible item in Pikmin 4. Treasures have sparkle effects around them. When collected, a simple notification appears on-screen saying "New treasure collected!", with the icon of the corresponding treasure appearing above it. In this game, when a treasure is being carried, it rotates as the Pikmin change direction in their path.
Treasures seen in prerelease footage include a pair of binoculars, a strawberry, a pumpkin, a toy boat, a golden analog clock, a castanet, and an unknown thimble-shaped saturated red object.
Characters
Pikmin 4 features several new characters. The two known names are Collin and Shepherd. Four of these characters share similar red outfits and are seen conversing with one another. This seems consistent to how the amount of characters corresponds to the game's numbered entry (i.e. Pikmin 2 having two leaders or Pikmin 3 having three leaders).
Unknown main leader
One leader can be seen in almost all footage, more than any other character, suggesting they are the main leader of the game. They are the only one seen being controlled in gameplay, which could imply they are the only playable character, unlike previous entries which allow swapping between multiple characters.
This leader has a full head of unkempt red hair, one long eyelash atop each eye, rosy cheeks, a small spherical nose, a small circular open mouth, a yellow antenna light, as well as a full red spacesuit with white gloves and boots. They have pointy ears, suggesting that they may be a Hocotatian.
Collin
Collin has a square head with a pointy nose, large green eyes, and large rosy cheeks. Their mouth is similar to that of the President. They have close-cut gray hair with a spiraling tuft at the top. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. Their name is a reference to Collies.
Shepherd
Shepherd has a pear-shaped head, long ears, dark skin, and blonde hair styled in a bun with a long curl on the side. They also wear a red bandana and have white grease paint under their eyes. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group. Their name alludes to German Shepherds.
Unknown bald character
A currently unnamed character can be seen conversing with the others. They appear to be bald and have a pear-shaped head, a long nose, and appear to wear glasses. They have the same spacesuit and pointy ears as the main leader, suggesting they are part of the same group.
Oatchi
Oatchi is a new dog-like character that assists the leaders. It's yellow, has some brown spots on its back, a thin tail that ends in a white tuft, two legs in total, two floppy ears, a red collar, blue eyes, and no nose. Despite its alien look, it's described as a dog in the official website, and barks like one in the trailer. It may belong to the grub-dog family based on its characteristics. It's also possible it is of the same species as Olimar's pet Bulbie, of which many members of the grub-dog family are named after due to their similarities.
The player can order Oatchi to perform something like a charge. An icon appears on-screen near the leader with Oatchi's face, and a circular gauge around it that fills with time. A large arrow pointing to the direction of the charge also appears, much like the one used in Pikmin 3's charge. When the gauge is full, the icon and arrow flash, and when the charge starts, Oatchi barks, runs in the direction of the order as the leader points their finger there with a hop. In the trailer, this charge is used to destroy some jars that block the way. After the charge, the gauge turns gray and starts decreasing instead, presumably indicating a cooldown before the charge can be used again.
Oatchi can also be ordered carry corpses, after which it will bark, grab onto the object, and apply the carrying strength of 10 Pikmin, similar to Purple Pikmin. The way it carries objects resembles a Breadbug.
The player can order their leader and Pikmin to all hop on Oatchi's back, after which the player can move Oatchi around. While the leader jumps on Oatchi's back, the Pikmin grab onto its hips. When directed towards a body of water in this state, Oatchi hops in, and starts swimming around, keeping the leader and Pikmin afloat. When brought out of the water, the same hop happens. Both hops seem to increase the same gauge seen when ordering a charge.
Oatchi has the ability to sniff out certain scents. One cutscene shows Shepherd congratulating Oatchi on finding a castaway. The trailer then shows Oatchi sniffing the ground left and right with the leader and some Pikmin on its back, only to suddenly prop up and show a thought bubble with the icon of a helmeted person's head silhouette. Finally, the video cuts to elsewhere where the crew find the castaway on the floor.
It is currently not known how Oatchi is controlled, but at times the cursor can be seen with Oatchi's icon on it instead of a typical Pikmin type icon, indicating the player may be able to select Oatchi as a standby type like how they select Pikmin types.
- Pikmin 4 riding oachie near pond.jpg
The group jumping on Oatchi to get ready to board.
Unknown castaway
In the 2023 trailer, Oatchi leads the player's group to an unconscious character that they then refer to as a "castaway". It is not possible to get a clear look at them, other than the fact their spacesuit is monochrome and their antenna light is cyan. The position is very similar to when leaders lie down or the multiple times Olimar and Louie can be carried in Pikmin 3.
Enemies
Various new and returning enemies have been shown in trailers:
- Bulborb
- Dwarf Bulborb
- Empress Bulblax
- Bulborb Larva
- Fiery Blowhog
- Wogpole
- Yellow Wollywog
- White Spectralids
- Yellow Spectralids
- Joustmite
- Female Sheargrub
- Pikmin 4 Joustmites Buried.png
Two Joustmites, buried.
An unknown snavian-like enemy resembling an infant Burrowing Snagret can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. They hop around on their one leg, and look around and chirp when idling.
Unknown arachnorb-like enemy
This article or section is in need of more images. |
An unknown arachnorb-like enemy can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. Its head is black and resembles a disco ball, with several circular lights dotted throughout. Its legs appear to be covered by tightly-wrapped strands of a dark unknown material, which dangle from the upper segments of its legs. The bottom half of two of its legs are bare, exposing an ivory bony endoskeleton of some kind underneath. Several holes can be seen on the interior of its bottommost joints.
At the start it appears to be hanging from the ceiling, with the spots on its head glowing a cyan color. After being attacked by several Yellow Pikmin, it drops down onto the floor with a thud that shoves away Pikmin, the leader, and Oatchi. Right afterwards it spins on its head as its legs come down. When attacking, the lights on its body turn yellow and it stomps around, crushing Pikmin with its large feet. Many Pikmin can be seen underneath it when the lights are yellow, unable to do much other than jump in place with some pink smoke coming out of their heads. This status effect is similar in appearance to poison, or the dust that the Vehemoth Phosbat sprays which causes the Pikmin to panic, but it is unknown if this is the result of the arachnorb enemy itself or another hazard.
Unknown Mockiwi-like enemy
An unknown Mockiwi-like enemy with a trumpet-shaped beak can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. The top of its head and back of its body are a dim yellow color, while the bottom of the head and the stomach are white. They have small wings on each side of their body, and two small paws with white legs and red toes. Their sclerae are black, their irises are white, and their pupils are black. Their most prominent feature is the trumpet-shaped magenta beak.
- Pikmin 4 Trumpet Bird Enemy.png
The creature looking around.
Obstacles
Many obstacles and hazards return in this game, along with some new ones:
- Water
- Dirt wall
- Electric gate
- Bridge (seemingly made of fragments)
- Paper bag – Some seem to have golden handles, a golden seal, and some golden logo on them. Others are blue and have the word "puppies" written on them.
Unknown root obstacle
Large mounds of dirt with roots on them can be seen in the 2023 trailer. These mounds represent potted plants whose pots fell over and broke, tipping the plant sideways. The plant is just a generic plant ending with a large green leaf, not unlike the leaf seen atop a Pikmin's head. The plant's roots are all around the dirt mound. Pikmin grab onto the plant's stem and start pulling sideways. The dirt pile and plant stretch out more and more until eventually the dirt collapses, the roots are freed, and the Pikmin are knocked onto the floor, slightly throwing the plant with them. The small chunks of dirt the obstacle breaks into simply disappear into the floor as they fall, while the plant smoothly vanishes shortly after being uprooted.
Unknown climbable wall obstacle
Walls that can be made climbable through unknown means can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. These walls have a base made of dirt, like a pile of dirt leaning on the wall making a small ramp. Atop the wall is also another base of dirt. Before the wall becomes climbable, there are a series of cubes made of some unknown material, possibly dirt, placed on the wall in a grid pattern. These, along with the bases above and below start glowing, and after a bit transform into the final climbable wall, with a puff of smoke. The wall then resembles a climbing wall, with small pebbles protruding. Both leaders and Pikmin can use these walls. Leaders can move up the wall, but seem to also be able to move sideways diagonally.
Unknown dirt bridge
An unfinished dirt bridge can be seen at multiple points in the 2023 trailer.
- Pikmin 4 dirt bridge.png
The bridge made of dirt.
Unknown jar obstacle
This article or section is in need of more images. |
Jars that can be smashed by having Oatchi charge at them can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer. They seem to be made of ceramic, and have cracks on their sides, near the base.
Unknown wall obstacle
A wall obstacle made of a crystalline material can be seen at one point in the 2023 trailer.
- Pikmin 4 Unknown Obstacle.png
The unknown wall obstacle.
Plants and fungi
This section is a stub. You can help Pikipedia by expanding it. |
The areas seen in trailer footage appear to be filled with a high density of plants, most of which are decorative. Various sizes of Pellet Posies and a Burgeoning Spiderwort are present. Other recognizable plants include:
Others
Some other content can be spotted from the footage. In addition, some of the established content in the franchise suffered changes in Pikmin 4.
- New content:
- The main pod that items are retrieved to resembles a SPERO.
- It has a white color with red and blue accents.
- This pod has the ability to fly and warp through space.
- It has some Koppaite text on it, reading (HTCU or HTOU).
- This pod is where the unnamed main leader and Oatchi travel. They are expelled and sucked in by the beam below the pod.
- There is a massive ship in the landing site.
- It follows the color scheme of the pod.
- It also has Koppaite text on it, reading (HTCUGN or HTOUGN).
- There is a component at the top that can only be seen on the second-to-last scene of the trailer. In the first scene in which it appears, this component is missing.
- After the end of the main 2023 trailer footage, there is a teaser that takes place during the night.
- In it, an otherwise regular Bulborb's eyes suddenly become glowing red.
- Piles of colorful crystals resembling konpeitō can also be seen scattered around the area.
- A small cone-shaped structure can be seen with a hole on its side.
- Some cyan-colored pebbles can be found in piles. Two also come out of a destroyed dirt wall.
- Some pink pebbles surround the Red Onion and the pod.
- Other circles are present without an Onion or a pod. A ring of these pebbles also surrounds the pod's location in caves. As such, these appear to indicate landing sites.
- Black tubes with cyan lids can be seen coming out from the ground. They emanate some light, and their purpose is unknown.
- The main pod that items are retrieved to resembles a SPERO.
- Changed content:
- Onions now look more like a fruit with a speckled texture similar to apples. Their petals are smaller and point downwards like the original design. The base of the Onion is now yellow and plastic-like in appearance, and its legs are now green instead of yellow. Like in Pikmin 3, Onions fuse together upon meeting a new type of Pikmin; however, the Onion now becomes segmented like a gourd, with each segment bearing the color of a Pikmin type.
- Pikmin sound different, as does the plucking sound.
- The cursor changed appearance and behavior.
- It is now followed by an indicator, which consists of an icon with an optional number below it. The icon is that of the Pikmin type in standby, or Oatchi, and the number is the number of Pikmin in the group of that type. Regardless of how the cursor itself is displayed, the icon and number are always facing the screen as part of the game HUD.
- When pointing at the floor, the cursor is flush with the floor in the game world's geometry. In this state it looks like a ring with a dot in the center, and the standby indicator appears above it.
- When pointing at an enemy, the cursor locks on to its center automatically and faces the game screen as part of the HUD. In this state it looks like a ring split into four equal arcs, and the standby indicator appears below it.
- When fighting the Bulborb, and when fighting the first stage of the arachnorb-like enemy, the cursor faces the game screen as part of the HUD and takes on a unique shape, whilst locked-on to the creatures. It looks like a thick ring split into four equal arcs, with a thinner inner ring close to it that is also segmented in the same way. The intervals between each arc pair each have a triangle facing the center of the cursor. Finally, the center point of the cursor resembles a plus sign with a hole in the middle.
- The text boxes that pop up when a character is speaking have a different design to the previous games, most notably adding the character's name above their portrait and having the text align left rather than center.
- Pikmin that get knocked down in combat have a chance of decreasing one level of maturity, like in Pikmin.
Plucking a Red Pikmin near the Red Onion.
Other information
- Game size: 12 GB.
- Supported play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld.
- Supported controllers: currently unknown.
- Supported languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese.[2].
History
Pre-announcement
Before Pikmin 4's official announcement in 2022, various pieces of information about the game were shared by Pikmin series creator Shigeru Miyamoto. This information was sparse and sometimes contradictory, and the lack of official statements by Nintendo made it difficult to work out what was actually happening with Pikmin 4. It is possible that some of these statements were referring to Hey! Pikmin.
The first of these mentions was on November 6th, 2014, when Miyamoto was being interviewed on the recently-released Pikmin Short Movies, during which he said “Continually launching campaigns after the release of software will lay the groundwork for the next iteration of "Pikmin" in the future. And needless to say, we want it to be one of the motivations for potential consumers to purchase Wii U. We are making a variety of different efforts.”, indicating the possibility of another Pikmin game on the Wii U.[3] Not long after, Miyamoto also mentioned wanting to make more Pikmin games in an interview with Smosh Games.[4]
On September 7th, 2015, Eurogamer unveiled that, in an exclusive interview, Miyamoto had confirmed the development of Pikmin 4, and claimed that “it's actually very close to completion. Pikmin teams are always working on the next one.”[5] In the same article, Eurogamer also revealed a separate statement from a Nintendo representative, which said “We can confirm that Pikmin 4 is in development but that is all we can confirm at present.” It is not known if the "Pikmin 4" mentioned in that quote is the actual name for the game that Nintendo used, whether it's a placeholder name or not, or if it's just the result of the quote's English translation.[note 1]
In interviews in 2015 and 2016, Miyamoto mentioned wanting to make more Pikmin and Star Fox games.[6] When asked about characters he wanted to develop further at an Apple Store event, he said “Yeah, I always wanted Fox McCloud to be a bit more popular than he is. But I think one more would be Pikmin. So I think these two, I'll need to put some more energy into.”[7]
On July 7th, 2016, Gamerant interviewed Miyamoto and asked him about the status of the game's development and why there hadn't been any news in the past few months. To this, he replied “Yes, you are right, and we’re working on [Pikmin 4]. So, you know, when we’re in development we have to create a list of priorities and it has been hard to kind of fit that into that list, but we’re hopefully starting to see that on the list now.”[8]
A second Eurogamer interview with Miyamoto about Pikmin 4 was conducted at E3 2017, during which he stated “I've been told not to share anything about this from PR, but I can tell you it is progressing.”[9] This was the last time Pikmin 4 was mentioned before its official announcement.
Pre-release
Pikmin 4 was officially announced in a Nintendo Direct presentation on September 13th, 2022.[10] This announcement was in a section presented by Shigeru Miyamoto, which also promoted Pikmin Bloom and the upcoming Mario movie. A short trailer was shown, featuring a few scenes in a garden-like area and announcing a release window of 2023. Miyamoto provided some more basic details of the game after the trailer, and also showed off a new Pikmin T-shirt design based on the game's logo, which was made available to buy shortly afterwards.
On February 8th, 2023, a Nintendo Direct presentation announced the release date for the game and a new trailer, which provided a lot of information regarding the game.[11] The trailer comprises of several short gameplay snippets of a group of four new characters (including the unidentified leader in the screenshot released with the reveal trailer) exploring a large area. The trailer showcases some new and returning enemies and environmental obstacles, and seemingly the return of the cave mechanic from Pikmin 2. A new type of Pikmin was revealed, Ice Pikmin, demonstrating the ability to freeze enemies when eaten and a small body of water when enough are thrown into it. The trailer also reveals Oatchi, a dog-like creature shown assisting the group in a variety of ways, including finding others referred to as "castaways", breaking down certain obstacles, dragging a Bulborb corpse, and swimming a leader with a group of Pikmin across water. Collecting treasure also returns as a gameplay element, though the treasures' purpose in this game was not revealed. The trailer ends with a suspenseful nighttime scene of an idle Bulborb suddenly taking on glowing red eyes and walking away as if possessed, hinting at a strange occurrence on the planet.
Gallery
- Pikmin4 Direct Logo.png
Pikmin 4's logo.
- P4 Reveal Garden 3 Logo.jpg
The third shot with the logo.
- Pikmin 4 Logo White Flowers.png
The logo before the 4 turns gold.
Intro cutscene.
Videos
- Announcement trailer
- September 13, 2022 Nintendo Direct (Contains one screenshot not present in the announcement trailer at 30:40.)
- February 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct
Names in other languages
Pikmin 4
Language | Name | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Japanese | ピクミン4? Pikumin 4 |
Pikmin 4 |
Chinese (traditional) |
皮克敏4 | Pikmin 4 |
Dutch | Pikmin 4 | - |
French | Pikmin 4 | - |
German | Pikmin 4 | - |
Italian | Pikmin 4 | - |
Korean | 피크민 4 Pikeumin 4 |
Pikmin 4 |
Portuguese | Pikmin 4 | - |
Spanish | Pikmin 4 | - |
Ice Pikmin
Language | Name | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Japanese | 氷ピクミン? Kōri Pikumin |
Ice Pikmin |
Chinese (traditional) |
冰凍皮克敏 | |
Dutch | IJs-Pikmin | Ice Pikmin |
French | Pikmin glace | Ice Pikmin |
German | Eis-Pikmin | Ice Pikmin |
Italian | Pikmin gelato | Ice Pikmin |
Korean | 얼음피크민 | Ice Pikmin |
Portuguese | Pikmin gelo | Ice Pikmin |
Spanish | Pikmin gélido | Ice Pikmin |
- Collin
Language | Name | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Japanese | コリー? Corī |
Collie |
- Shepherd
Language | Name | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Japanese | シェパード? Shepādo |
Shepherd |
Oatchi
Language | Name | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Japanese | オッチン? Otchin |
|
Chinese (traditional) |
歐慶 | From Japanese name. |
Dutch | Otsjin | From Japanese name. |
French | Otchin | From Japanese name. |
German | Otschin | From Japanese name. |
Italian | Occin | From Japanese name. |
Korean | 와치 Oachi |
|
Portuguese | Otchin | From Japanese name. |
Spanish | Ochin | From Japanese name. |
See also
Notes
- ^ Of note is the fact that the URL for the Eurogamer interview's page starts with "2014-07-20". Since the URLs of all news article pages on eurogamer.net begin with the article's publication date, this could possibly mean that the article was meant to be revealed shortly after the interview, but was held until September of 2015. The article for the second Eurogamer interview states that this interview took place in July 2015.
References
- ^ YouTube video of Miyamoto talking a bit about the game's new features (at 0:30:28), published on September 13th, 2022, retrieved on September 13th, 2022
- ^ Pikmin 4 for Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Official Site, published on February 8th, 2023, retrieved on February 9th, 2023
- ^ Miyamoto Hints That Pikmin 4 Could Be In Development on My Nintendo News, published on November 6th, 2014
- ^ YouTube video of the interview with Smosh Games in which Shigeru Miyamoto talks about developing Pikmin games (at 04:35), published on January 6th, 2015
- ^ Pikmin 4 in development and "very close to completion" on Eurogamer, published on September 7th, 2015
- ^ YouTube video of an interview of Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka by YOGSCAST Kim (at 11:55), published on September 8th, 2015
- ^ Miyamoto Confirms Star Fox and Pikmin Will Continue on Gamer Splash!, published on December 11th, 2016
- ^ Miyamoto Updates Fans On Status of Pikmin 4 on Gamerant, published on July 6th, 2016
- ^ Miyamoto: Pikmin 4 still "progressing" on Eurogamer, published on June 14th, 2017, retrieved on June 14th, 2017
- ^ YouTube video of the Nintendo Direct on September 13th, 2022, published on September 13th, 2022, retrieved on September 14th, 2022
- ^ YouTube video of the Nintendo Direct on February 8th, 2023, published on February 8th, 2023, retrieved on February 8th, 2023
Games | |
---|---|
Main games | Pikmin • Pikmin 2 • Pikmin 3 • Pikmin 4 |
Spin-off games | Hey! Pikmin • Pikmin Bloom |
Re-releases | New Play Control! Pikmin • New Play Control! Pikmin 2 Pikmin 3 Deluxe • Pikmin 1 (Nintendo Switch) • Pikmin 2 (Nintendo Switch) |
Web games | Pikmin.com SpaceForce • Pikmin Treasure Hunt • Pikmin Finder |
Super Smash Bros. series | Brawl • for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U • Ultimate |
Others | Pikmin Adventure (Nintendo Land) • Stage Debut |