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Pikmin 4 has been released to great praise, taking the fanbase by storm. Overall, the game adds new content, quality-of-life improvements, and general changes that are sure to make Pikmin fans happy. However, despite the many high-quality adjustments, Pikmin 4 still lacks in other categories, namely the multiplayer aspects. Despite this, including a strong multiplayer mode in Pikmin would make a solid addition to the series as a whole. It seems like Pikmin games could easily lend themselves to a multiplayer formula as well. Here are some great reasons why the future of Pikmin and Pikmin 4 should focus on co-op multiplayer.
For gameplay, the Pikmin series center around strategy and management. Players are given command over a large army of Pikmin, which they can lead in foraging and combat. With only a limited amount of time per day, players must optimize their tasks and schedules. For Pikmin 4 specifically, collecting various treasures and saving castaways are the player’s primary objectives. The fun of the Pikmin series comes from collecting these treasures in the most optimal way possible. In Pikmin 4, this principle of efficiency and organization is known as Dandori. Dandori is a great rule to live by in the world of Pikmin and the biggest key to success.
Pikmin 4 Could Hugely Benefit From True Multiplayer Gameplay
Now, what is the best way to increase both efficiency and introduce new strategies? Introducing an additional player. Two players tackling the main story of Pikmin 4, each taking command of a separate leader and Pikmin squad, is an excellent idea for a fun multiplayer experience. Additionally, communication and strategy would be key for this experience. Players would need to communicate their objectives to meet up for an objective requiring collaboration or avoid overlapping goals.
Plus, players will be able to come up with new techniques while fighting bosses and enemies that would be impossible with a single player. Nintendo could even create special boss encounters that would require two players’ simultaneous efforts to take down.
Cooperative Play May Have Some Problems
Sadly, there are a few things still getting in the way of a truly cooperative Pikmin game. This includes many logistical things, most importantly map size. With Pikmin’s smaller yet content-packed maps, two roaming groups of Pikmin leaders may throw off the game’s delicate balance. However, even if maps stay the same as single-player Pikmin, exploring these locations with a buddy is a great way to keep these locales fresh.
Overall, rather than focusing on exploration and discovery, this Pikmin multiplayer mode could focus more on Dandori and efficiency. Seeing how fast you and a friend can speedrun a map feels like a great challenge to Pikmin veterans. Plus, it would give more of a reason for players to return to old maps.
Pikmin 4’s Current Multiplayer Mode Has Some Issues
Although Pikmin has included many competitive modes in the past, like the Dandori Battle, a true cooperative mode has evaded the series thus far. Pikmin 4 does have a co-op multiplayer mode. However, it doesn’t amount to much. The second player is only allowed to do simple things, like throwing rocks at enemies. Sadly, this gets stale very fast and feels like a last-minute addition. For this reason, many players have deemed the mode one of Nintendo’s many “little sibling modes.” There are upgrades to the co-op mode. Nevertheless, none of them fully let Player 2 become their own player.
Since Pikmin 4 is a modern game, it isn’t too late for a true co-op game mode. Potentially, Nintendo could include a more traditional co-op experience in the form of an update or DLC. However, something like this doesn’t seem very likely in the long run. Despite this, a multiplayer mode in future Pikmin entries seems like it could very well be a possibility. Pikmin 5 may use multiplayer as a central mechanic and a core element of its gameplay.
Ultimately, Pikmin 4 and the rest of the series are already great single-player experiences. Adding too many extra elements, like another player, could sour the entire experience. Many players enjoy Pikmin due to the zen mode that a good Dandori can bring. Shouting at a buddy on your couch seems like fun but may very well betray the essence of Pikmin itself. With that being said, finding a way to implement authentic cooperative gameplay that captures the heart of Dandori and Pikmin could be one of the best moves that Nintendo can make.
