Pikmin 3 Deluxe

the final level & boss in this game is just absolutely bonkers, it felt like I was battling a JRPG final boss with how long it took.

also I don't really agree with _mbrown_'s review, the game does a great job of upping the tension multiple times throughout the game. I'd argue that pikmin 2 isn't nearly as stressful (even though I like that game) because the caves have no time limit.

Great game but felt kinda small and short compared to Pikmin 2 :(

looks like they deleted 4 off the site

bingo battle is THE BEST multiplayer mode OF ALL TIME

i sorta feel bad that i haven't played this one but tbf it's on the fucking wii u

Really appreciate how chill and easy this game is after the often very stressful first two games

I respect this game for daring to be short and concise around the time video games started being filled with bloat, but this game is massively unfulfilling for me. The removal of c-stick swarming and the shift towards larger, more linear level designs completely removes what makes the strategy of Pikmin so unique and engaging in the first place. The soft time limit with the fruit juice is a novel addition, but the piss easy way of gathering fruit makes it a compete non-issue after the first three or so days.

The narrative tries to reach for the same mild existential themes that are present in Pikmin 2, but doesn't do nearly enough to hammer them home with it's writing or atmosphere, which makes the ending monologues read like complete drivel. I'd also say that Olimar's treatment of Louie in this trivialises the minor character arc he has at the end of 2, though in all fairness that's likely my own headcanon speaking.

On a positive, this still continues to be Nintendo's best looking game over a decade later. It's crazy gorgeous on the Wii U