Cognition Dissemination: What’s Up with Pikmin for 3DS?
The most recent 3DS-focused Nintendo Direct installment was bereft of many surprises, an occurrence in itself unsurprising given the system’s position in late 2016. But the announcement still being discussed the most is the new (and tentatively named) Pikmin game, a 2D-platforming take on the series. An installment in a franchise that hadn’t previously been active on the system is one of the last things Nintendo’s fanbase expected from this Direct, as it will be coming late in the console’s lifetime (as in, over six years after its launch). While I’m not against the company pursuing such a project, in contrast to those vehemently upset it’s not on NX, I have some concerns.
It’s difficult to tell precisely how its concepts will work within a 2D space after seeing its short preview, but it’s also tough to envision it being ideal. The thrill of Pikmin has involved discovering realistic-looking objects and places, and dealing with obstacles that impede the path of protagonist Olimar and his faithful cohorts in 3D spaces. This new format brings unique challenges for the development team working within these side-scrolling limitations, and I hope they’ll concoct some intriguing environmental puzzles. Those displayed in the preview were likely early puzzles and levels, which is why they resembled some simpler puzzles from the Minis-driven Mario vs. Donkey Kong games.
In fact, this being a rebranded Mario vs. DK title was one of my first thoughts upon seeing it in action. Though in fairness, having a player character like Olimar directly involved with the action will drastically alter the dynamic, meaning that’s not a good direct comparison. Some of the best Mario vs. DK titles contain ingenious puzzles down the line, and I have faith this game will inherit that.
That faith also means I’m more optimistic than most when it comes to how this could turn out, a side I’m not used to being on, so bear with me. Upon the game being unveiled, I saw plenty who immediately got the feeling it would be Pikmin’s equivalent to Chibi Robo Zip Lash!!, which wasn’t too off base. That title’s use of the Chibi Robo concept was considered subpar, partly attributed to the franchise’s traditionally 3D concepts not transferring to 2D all that well. That both were and are for a system with no shortage of 2D platformers doesn’t help that impression.
The fear is that this PIkmin title could be treated as an afterthought like Zip Lash, though it’s too early to jump to conclusions. Whether Nintendo, or the external developer they could be working with, is putting their all into this remains to be seen; there’s logical fear that they aren’t, due to the franchise’s sales history and 3DS software sales expectations for a 2017 title. There’s a perception that Nintendo is simply going through the motions with software in development for 3DS and Wii U, as both are in their twilight years. Games like Metroid Prime: Federation Force sure as hell don’t help that, but marketing will determine whether they can make the audience more receptive towards this one.
There’s another big question that needs to be asked here: Is this the Pikmin title Shigeru Miyamoto teased last year? After hearing his description, it sounded like the company was working on a console sequel; and given how NX was still far off at the time, I surmised in the previously-linked post that it would be one final hurrah for Wii U. But if it was coming to that system, they would have announced it by now. The only upcoming Wii U-exclusive Nintendo has in store is Paper Mario: Color Splash, a game facing its own perception issues due to its resemblance to the divisive Sticker Star. If NX is still due for a release early next year, last week’s Direct was their last opportunity to announce it and convince fans that Wii U isn’t currently hovering over the grave.
Part of me wants to believe Nintendo is giving us a red herring, to make us think this Pikmin game is what Miyamoto hinted towards. But this also very well could be what he was taking about. If it is, there’s a silver lining here: It means he felt it was important enough to mention early, strongly implying that Nintendo is indeed giving this their all.
The above points mean Nintendo will have to be careful with how they market this, to provide the perception (there’s that word again) that this isn’t a title simply being made as a filler game for the end of the 3DS life. That this could be marketed alongside NX will make this a larger challenge. But I have faith that they’ll carefully communicate to their fans how this isn’t an ill-considered project, and they’d better not prove me wrong.
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Geoff
News Editor | Geoff is some nerd who writes for a blog and thinks he's knowledgeable. He write a lot about video games, but is capable of writing about other subjects, too. Twitter
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I had read that a traditional Pikmin for the NX was also coming along, so this was just meant to be a bonus game for the handheld. If that’s true, then no one should be bitchin’ about this until it releases.
I hope it turns out well, but you know some people have to be mad about something.