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New Play Control! Pikmin Hands-On Impressions

  • By shaunmc, GameSpot
  • Posted Jan 30, 2009 2:16 pm PT

As the Wii continues to fly off of store shelves at a rate that's already put the GameCube to shame, the clever folks at Nintendo have come to realize that they've got an entire back catalogue of great last-generation games that a lot of their new market probably hasn't played. Think of your Aunt...

As the Wii continues to fly off of store shelves at a rate that's already put the GameCube to shame, the clever folks at Nintendo have come to realize that they've got an entire back catalogue of great last-generation games that a lot of their new market probably hasn't played. Think of your Aunt Barb who just got a Wii for Christmas--what are the chances that she played a game like Metroid Prime 2? Slim, we're guessing. And so we have Nintendo's All Play initiative: rereleases of some of the GameCube's finest games with only modest changes here and there, mainly in the form of added motion control. The first on the agenda for Nintendo is Pikmin. We recently spent some time with a preview build of New Play Control Pikmin to see what's new and how well those changes work. To give a well-rounded view, we've got impressions from both Shaun McInnis and Sophia Tong. Shaun played Pikmin extensively when it was first released, and Sophia--much like your Aunt Barb--is brand-new to the world of Captain Olimar.

Shaun McInnis
Let's get this out of the way: Pikmin is a great game, no matter which system you're playing it on. To me, it's the ideal format for a console real-time strategy game. The controls are simple and elegant, and there's not a ton of micromanaging to be done. So we're certainly starting with a great game as a foundation here. And to tell you the truth, the foundation hasn't changed much. There are really only two big alterations. The first is your onscreen cursor, which has been mapped to the Wii Remote and lets you move around by pointing at the screen instead of twisting the C-stick on the GameCube controller. This is a huge part of the game, given that you'll spend a ton of time highlighting groups of Pikmin to recruit into your party and carefully deselecting the ones that you can't afford to lose in battle. It feels precise, but the C-stick worked pretty well on its own, too. So it's a minor change, but a positive one.

The other alteration is to the game's overall timer. As Captain Olimar, you've got 30 days to rescue 30 parts for your ship. There's no rule that says you need to collect one part per day, so it's up to you to stay on a solid pace for completion. You might collect two parts in a single day and then go five days without nabbing a single one. In the original, time was set in stone; if a day passed and you saved your game, that day was done forever. But in the new version of the game, you can return to any previous day and restart from there. So if you were doing great in the first week but totally fell off track during the second week, you can go to the calendar and jump back to Day 7 when you were still on pace. This feels like a much more substantial change than the control alterations, and should make the game a bit more palatable to the Wii's slightly more "casual" audience.


Sophia Tong
I've never played Pikmin on the GameCube before, so it's cool that Nintendo is giving people like me another chance to play this whimsical little game with walking sprouts. Seeing as how I don't have anything to compare to, I liked using the Wii Remote to point and click, but I can't imagine that using the analog stick on the GC was that difficult to begin with. I'm not too crazy about the camera controls, but that's only a minor complaint given that the gameplay still holds up very well. It was fun to watch my Pikmin collection flourish, but that quickly faded when I realized I left a few stragglers at the end of the day--oops! The game requires some strategy, but even if you don't like thinking, Olimar and his marching band of onionheads should keep you amused with their cutesy personalities. There's nothing like sending an army of walking vegetables to do your busywork. I'd encourage those who haven't played the original Pikmin to check it out. However, pros who played this in the past aren't missing much except the new Wii control scheme.

160 Comments

  • Lysix

    Posted Feb 21, 2009 6:30 pm GMT

    werfedc

  • manos

    Posted Feb 9, 2009 11:44 am GMT

    nintendo has gone on record stating that they WILL release pikmin 3. they were even specifically asked about this re-release and stated that they were not talking about this, they were talking about a brand new game. here is the article. http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/915/915864p1.html

  • AzelKosMos

    Posted Feb 9, 2009 5:37 am GMT

    I love Pikmin, and i already own it and the 2nd one so i have no interest in this re release.

  • justincoool

    Posted Feb 8, 2009 4:51 pm GMT

    I had a Gamecube and never played Pikmin. I am getting a Wii soon and can't wait to play this and several other games. PSWii ftw!...lol

  • noamatt128

    Posted Feb 8, 2009 8:38 am GMT

    I guess some people haven't realized that creating a new game actually takes *gasp* time. Especially from a company that has a plethora of people who will childishly demand more no matter how good it is. I never got to play the original, so I will definately enjoy this.

  • theflyingshyguy

    Posted Feb 7, 2009 12:30 pm GMT

    I love Nintendo, but this is a little disapointing. Why can't they just come out with Pikmin 3 already?

  • Premoslide

    Posted Feb 6, 2009 1:47 pm GMT

    For all the people downing nintendo, SHAME ON YOU. They're re-releasing the game so that they can show more people pikmin, so that more people will like, thus making money for nintendo for doing practically NOTHING and then once everyone is fired up about pikmin, even the 40 year olds will want the game, and then nintendo will release pikmin 3 and will make millions of dollars, bringing back the pikmin

  • santiagochile

    Posted Feb 5, 2009 9:17 pm GMT

    Yes, TP was the first cheap port from Nintendo. I found the Gamecube version better just because of the camera controls. The Wii camera sucked. The graphics were NOT improved at all for the Wii version. It was just a port with gimmicky sword waggle and ir aiming for tiny portions of the game.

  • mAD_ADaption

    Posted Feb 5, 2009 4:44 pm GMT

    Wasn't Twilight Princess technically the first game to do this since it was a port from the GC with Wii-specific upgrades?

  • leoleez

    Posted Feb 5, 2009 4:36 pm GMT

    pikmin 3? hope so.

    Also graphics are great, but really if you don't have a good story then the game ends up in the used bin fast.
    The changes to Pikmin seem to be more of a polish. I hope you can use a GC controller to the game itself.

  • omgiwiidmypants

    Posted Feb 5, 2009 4:26 pm GMT

    "What is nintendo going to do in that time to make there system worth buying?"

    One option I can think of is to develop a new console (maybe similar to the one you suggest) with the huge sums of money they are making from the wii and ds and then sit back and watch sony and ms go broke and pull out of the market...

  • ranman1990

    Posted Feb 5, 2009 9:49 am GMT

    What nintendo needs to do is spend some actual money and put something useful to the system like better graphics ( for hardcore gamers). I barely play my wii ne more i have a 360 and it is amazing... If they have motion control with graphics like the 360 they would have a much broader fan base and sell even more systems. People are going to get rid of there Wiis if i would have to guess no less than 2 years. Itll be dead tech . If the ps3 and the 360 are able to be on the market for 10 years till the next systems comes out of there companies . What is nintendo going to do in that time to make there system worth buying?

  • sackboy15

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 1:49 pm GMT

    help

  • sackboy15

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 1:48 pm GMT

    h

  • sackboy15

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 1:48 pm GMT

    pikmin3 better come out in this year

  • uglypinkmoose

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 1:40 pm GMT

    i think this is a cool idea... i always thought pikmin would be great with wii controls... but it better be a cheap ass game... controls are not worth 50 bucks... if thats the case you should just buy the old one used if you havn't played it yet
    i really wanted a pikmin 3... and it looks like after this they are just going to improve pikmin 2... i havn't seen anything official about a pikmin 3 even though people keep saying its coming... if anyone knows where i can see proof let me know... pikmin is in my top 5 fav games list so it would be great if 3 was comming

  • Darth_Nater307

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 8:41 am GMT

    Well, I have both Metroid Primes, Mario Power Tennis, & both Pikmin games (although Pikmin 1 won't work. Stupid used copies)

  • DarkspineSonic0

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 5:12 am GMT

    does this mean they're gonna make games like Wind Waker or Sonic Heroes for the wii?

  • tidyspidey

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 3:29 am GMT

    Adzey - calling people narrow-minded for bypassing the Wii is fine if you don't go on to call a console like the 360 and the original Xbox "Pathetic". You're showing that you are just as narrow-minded as the people you point the finger at.

  • Adzey

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 2:57 am GMT

    I agree that its a bit pointless due to backwards compatibility and such but also it is a good thing because the game is great to begin with, you will get Prime 1 and 2 remade too. Prime 4 will never come out as it is a trilogy so maybe a new metroid game but it wont be fps and if it is it wont be prime. Zelda is in the making as well as Mario and Pikmin 2 and 3, along with Madworld, House Of The Dead, Sin And Punishment 2 and many more you can only really say that Wii is not getting more hardcore if you are a narrowminded a-hole or don't know jack about gaming especially as I can name more good and hardcore games for the wii for release this year than I can 360 or Ps3 so don't be idiots or closed minded and give nintendo another chance to amaze you, after so many years of good service I think they deserve it a hell of a lot more than Xbox does and lets face it the original was pathetic games wise and the 360 is pathetic console wise so don't get all offensive at Nintendo for starting to take gamers into consideration and focusing more on hardcore and changing casual gamers to hardcore gamers with re-releases

  • gamehacking posted Feb 4, 2009 2:49 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    gamehacking

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 2:49 am GMT (hide)

    Nintendo sucks.

  • tidyspidey

    Posted Feb 4, 2009 1:33 am GMT

    I've no problem them adding a new control scheme to an existing game as long as the price of the newer game somehow reflects the originals now bargain-bin status.

    Anyone with an ounce of sense would just plug in their gamecube pad and buy the original, but then there are an awful lot of Wii owners with more money than sense..... I'm not villifying the Wii gamers here as I do love my Wii as much as my PS3 and 360, I'm just pointing out a raw fact - a massive number of Wii buyers are the type of people who won't really look into what they're buying and Nintendo knows this. If they want to go ahead and pay 2009 prices for 2003 gaming, let them be my guest.

  • Orange_Bulborb

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 6:05 pm GMT

    As a matter of a fact, Miyamoto has already informally confirmed the existence of Pikmin 3, a new Zelda, and other goodies
    Personally, I see no problem with rereleasing a classic on a newer system; I believe it will introduce new people to this great game!

  • thermalmotion

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 5:13 pm GMT

    The Wii is alienating me from Nintendo. Enough of the cheap mini games and rehashes. I was hoping for Pikmin 3...

  • sackboy15

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 4:18 pm GMT

    NINTENDO BETTER ANNOUNCE PIKMIN3

  • sackboy15

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 4:16 pm GMT

    i could just buy one at a store why remake it I WANT PIKMIN3

  • fastlane1893

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 3:35 pm GMT

    The problem is that Nintendo figured out that people will buy their stuff even if it isn't new or is just another controller accessory (Wii motion plus anyone... hitting stores soon?). They'll figure it out, though, when there is a big backlash to their gimmicks.

  • ranman1990

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 3:26 pm GMT

    i dont understand why they come out with a new system to put old games on it. To me that doesnt make sense.

    @ fastlane1893 : totally agree lol

  • fastlane1893

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 3:21 pm GMT

    When Nintendo announces a new Zelda and/or Metroid, they will go off my naughty list.

    For now, COD will have to suffice.

  • cadc

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 3:17 pm GMT

    You guys should really chill, if you didn't miss Pikmin back then, Great just don't worry about it...

    if you did miss pikmin, Then Great! you have a second shot at it!

    Just chilax guys, enough drama already...

  • JACO9251

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 2:41 pm GMT

    Ugh, really Nintendo- are you not capable of developing (new) games anymore?

  • bmaon

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 12:35 pm GMT

    weissengel86, I may be wrong, but I understood "2009's awesome hardcore comeback from Nintendo" to refer to the games coming out for Nintendo in 2009, not just Nintendo made games. If that is the case, I agree with that statement. If on the other hand Nintendoood meant just Nintendo made games, then I disagree with Nintendoood.

  • weissengel86

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 11:15 am GMT

    Awesome hardcore comeback? Is that a joke? Its more like unawesome rehash. Hardcore comeback would be coming out with new great games. Prime 4, New zelda, or even something completely new. Notice how final fantasy went from being on nintendos stuff to mainly playstation? We get some but nintendo seems to busy looking around the office finding a game that already came out and saying "why dont we re release it!" and coming up with BS like "this is for those who missed the fun!"

    Why would you even buy a new console if they just took previous games and rahashed them for the new one?

  • spiredcrescent

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 10:32 am GMT

    i do want new games not just rehashes of the old stuff, unless it improved, you know like bionic commando or the new street fighter

  • cuddlesofwar

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 7:35 am GMT

    Just give me the windwaker and stfu already.

  • Nintendoood

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 6:09 am GMT

    I think it's going to be awesome and, as many have said, the controls should be great! Pikmin is fantastic Nintendo brilliance! unfortunately i barely got to play any GC games because that was the one gaming gen which i had a Playstation console (not my choice although the PS2 was great) but now i have a Wii and DS/DS Lite and am still strongly with Nintendo as i believe they are the greatest gaming company of all time. I understand that last year there were barely any hardcore games but lets not forget that the Wii is revolutionary and very fun, even for hardcore gamers. Plus the hardcore games which are on the Wii are totally awesome, not forgetting VC and WiiWare, like: Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3 : Corruption, Legend of Zelda : Twilight Princess, SSBB, Okami, No More Heroes and way more... Pikmin 1 and 2 are just 2 more additions to 2009's awesome hardcore comeback from Nintendo. HERE WE COME!

  • Scooter_6_7

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 6:04 am GMT

    This is great! I've played #2 but not #1 and now I even get to play it on the Wii!

  • 8smokes

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 3:37 am GMT

    At least I'll finally get to play this game!

  • GabrielN

    Posted Feb 3, 2009 1:25 am GMT

    Many people seem to be missing this fact: Nintendo ARE making Pikmin 3. They announced it at E3 last year.

  • xtiansk8

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 9:20 pm GMT

    lawlz fail shaun

  • dmonkey21

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 8:19 pm GMT

    Ok, what is this Shaun guy talking about.... on the GC you never used the c stick to move the cursor... The cursor was always in front of olimar and it moved when you moved olimar with the analog stick... the c stick was used to make your pikmin move around in the vicinity right around olimar, so that you didn't have to throw them to attack something... The GC control scheme works great, and I never had any problems with it, but I too have played the japanese Wii version and it is much better. The controls are so much more refined and accurate, it makes the game much easier to play and in my opinion makes the game much more enjoyable, even to people who played through it on the GC. Geez, next time get someone who has played the new game AND actually remembers the facts about the original...

  • metal_militia89

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 6:30 pm GMT

    Good idea of bringing Pikmin to the Wii, even though I had a GC and never played the game.

    BUT, Nintendo sure has disappointed me in the last few years. I remember around 2001 when I first got the GC, and all bunch of great games came out, like SSBM, Metroid, Windwaker, Star Fox Adventures, Tales of Symphonia, etc. They kept me buying good games for their system. Now on the other hand, only a handful of good games have come out on the Wii, like SSBB, Twilight Princess, Mario Kart, and Mario Galaxy

    Im really sad that Nintendo isn't the big software giant it once was, with all of the Donkey Kong (Rare) and other franchises. That's why my Wii catches dust, until some friends come to play SSBB. Besides that, I turn the damn thing off and take out the Wiimote's batteries. Come on Nintendo, make some NEW games, not remakes, or ports from generations past. Even Animal Crossing City Folk was a huge let down for those like me that had played the original and the DS version.

  • Hayden10Noah

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 5:23 pm GMT

    wow, why waste ure time with that, like pika5 said, just spend less money on a game and a controller

  • hilian_pika5

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 4:02 pm GMT

    Completely redundant, the wii can play GC games, and you can probably find a cheap copy of Pikmin and a controller anywhere!

  • ckat609 posted Feb 2, 2009 3:42 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ckat609

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 3:42 pm GMT (hide)

    who cares

  • cluelesspug

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 3:19 pm GMT

    We need Pikmin 3, not a remade pikmin 1.

  • downloadthefile

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 2:53 pm GMT

    There's nothing wrong with rereleasing the game...It's just that it seems like they should create a new idea...I can't think of the last really new nintendo character...they just redo old ideas...and im fine with it, but i would like some new stuff too.

  • path_of_hope

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 2:52 pm GMT

    sweet, i had a cube, but i never got around to playing pikimin, so this will be sweet! I wish they added some extra content!

  • DepressionMoon

    Posted Feb 2, 2009 2:49 pm GMT

    I say that this is a good chance to give people a chance who have not played the game. They wouldn't have to go out and purchase the game and a gamecube controller just to play it.

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