Outside of seeing the characters show up in Super Smash Bros, Pikmin sort of vanished after Pikmin 3 (2013). I truly miss this Nintendo series, and I wish they worked with it more.
Today, that changed as they released a new mobile app called Pikmin Bloom. Don’t get too excited though, because as of right now, I personally think it will need some future updates. There’s not a lot of flowers in the garden.
This was released worldwide today via the developers that brought us Pokemon Go—Niantic. The game will be available on Android and iOS as it’s releasing slowly starting in Australia and Singapore first and for other countries, “shortly.” I only hope that means in a 24 hour window... but keep your fingers crossed on that.
In Pikmin Bloom, you find seedlings when you walk around in your neighborhood, very similar to Pokemon in Pokemon Go. You pick them up and they eventually grow into the classic plant-like creatures you’ve seen in the Pikmin games. As of now, it doesn’t look like you have to run away from massive plant monsters and freaky frog look-alikes that are trying to eat them (or you). The goal is to simply collect them and spread flowers in your walk-path. The paths you produce become visible to all players in the area, and with enough efforts, you can create a whole garden! This seems to be the only point and goal of the game. In my personal opinion, it’s lacking.
The benefit of getting players outdoors is probably the main goal, but without much motivation like you saw in Pokemon Go. I think this app will come and go. Regionally, the Vyrus crew is from NY, so timing wise, this is a bit off. We miss out on a good walking season here soon which will discourage us from spending much time here with Pikmin Bloom. On the other hand, this is about the best time for Australia!
All in all, the game seems a bit like an attempt at the next big AR, but until updates come along this might be a “come and go.” Let me know in the comments if you plan to pick this one up to start making a garden in your neighborhood!
Comments
as the author on this one I don’t want to get deep here, but I will try it out but probably not much beyond that sadly!