Pikmin 3

Logo, as seen at the E3 show in 2012.

Pikmin 3 is the third game in the Pikmin series. It was revealed at E3 2012 along with a gameplay presentation and several playable demos on the showcase floor. Major new elements announced include Rock Pikmin and four captains.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Pikmin 3 is largely similar to that of the other two games in the series in that players use the Pikmin to accomplish tasks. New gameplay elements include the Rock Pikmin, used to destroy the armor of enemies and other tough objects; and new hazards such as ice and magma, which require new tactics to overcome. Pikmin have demonstrated new abilities not previously encountered, such as riding down a natural slide to gather materials and collecting bridge pieces to build bridges.

No returning characters have been announced, and four new ones are introduced in the game and were playable in the E3 demo: a pink-haired girl, a bald general, a small green haired boy and a tall green-haired man. These Pikmin leaders leaders are able to throw other leaders in Pikmin 3, allowing for new puzzles.

Controls are similar to those of the New Play Control! titles, with some additions. For example, with the Wii U GamePad, players are able to move the camera around the area freely, making it possible to view obstacles from all sides.

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
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Gallery

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  Pikmin battling an Armored Mawdad

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  Pikmin tearing down a wall

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  Pikmin carrying yellow rocks

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  Captains are able to throw Pikmin as well as other captains

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  Pikmin constructing a bridge

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

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  Blue Pikmin with some new water enemies

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  Pikmin sitting on a vine

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  Challenge Mode