Pikmin2, GI's GOTM

[Gadfly2317]

It was a pleasant surprise to see Game Informer select Pikmin 2 as August's Game-of-the-Month, with a strong score of 8.75. Since they had virtually no criticisms of the game, I'm assuming it wasn't a 9 or higher because of its "niche" appeal (in their breakdown of scores, they do consider "appeal" as a score factor.)

Key features I'm interested in are the extended length of the game, the end to the time-limit, an increase in the battle-action, more enemies, and of course new pikmin with new abilities. Random generated underground areas are also nice.

This game will have high replayability due to the multi-player modes, both co-op and combat/competition. According to the review, the multi-player battle mode feels like a very different game, much more frantic and high-paced action, more akin to a PC RTS. I believe the article said the multiplayer battles take place in randomly generated environments, but I could be confusing another game.

This is my #1 most anticapted game of 2004, even more than Halo or Metroid Prime: Echoes. August 30 needs to hurry up and get here!

[no.1gamer]

It was a pleasant surprise to see Game Informer select Pikmin 2 as August's Game-of-the-Month, with a strong score of 8.75. Since they had virtually no criticisms of the game, I'm assuming it wasn't a 9 or higher because of its "niche" appeal (in their breakdown of scores, they do consider "appeal" as a score factor.)

Key features I'm interested in are the extended length of the game, the end to the time-limit, an increase in the battle-action, more enemies, and of course new pikmin with new abilities. Random generated underground areas are also nice.

This game will have high replayability due to the multi-player modes, both co-op and combat/competition. According to the review, the multi-player battle mode feels like a very different game, much more frantic and high-paced action, more akin to a PC RTS. I believe the article said the multiplayer battles take place in randomly generated environments, but I could be confusing another game.

This is my #1 most anticapted game of 2004, even more than Halo or Metroid Prime: Echoes. August 30 needs to hurry up and get here!

Wow, I got so caught up in Tales of Symphonia I forgot about Pikmin 2. I'll be picking it up sometime. But it looks like ToS will be using up most of my gaming time in the near future.

I really am looking forward to the multiplayer aspect though. I play a lot of RTS games online with my PC, so multiplayer Pikmin should be right up my alley. I played through Pikmin twice and really enjoyed the game. It sounds like all the complaints I had about the original Pikmin have been changed in Pikmin 2.

I can't wait to hear your impressions of Pikmin 2 Gadfly. I guess until the end of August you'll still be downloading videos from the internet and reading previews though!!!

:)

[Glockstar]

Pikmin 2 getting GI's GOTM (scored at 8.75 btw) is cool - and fine by me - and all...

... but what bugs me is that... the game isn't due to be on shelves for another month and a half! (August 30 - right?!?) The review just seems kinda premature to me.

GI says:

The concept may be just as extraordinary as its predecessor's, but with a hefty dosage of multiplayer and a quest that isn't as nerve-racking, P2 is deserving of mainstream recognition and is easily the most noteworthy and praiseworthy GC product this summer.

It sounds like GI agrees with what Mac said, in that the multiplayer is going to be a big turn on for P1 players. But, I really like the way GI put this one thing...

...don't worry, you won't have to use your GBA.

:p

YAY! Is Nintendo finally getting it?!? Almost doesn't matter - because I think they're finally getting it! YAY!

Lastly, here's a little factoid that some of you may find interesting... GameInformer scored (the original) Pikmin at 9.25.

[no.1gamer]

Pikmin 2 getting GI's GOTM (scored at 8.75 btw) is cool - and fine by me - and all...

... but what bugs me is that... the game isn't due to be on shelves for another month and a half! (August 30 - right?!?) The review just seems kinda premature to me.

Yea, remember when Game Informer reviewed Ninja Gaiden and then it turned out to be delayed and the version they played wasn't even the final version of the game?

...don't worry, you won't have to use your GBA.

:p

YAY! Is Nintendo finally getting it?!? Almost doesn't matter - because I think they're finally getting it! YAY!

I can't agree with you more...

:)

[Glockstar]

Well, not to take anything away from P2 winning GI's GOTM award or anything, but I just don't get that early review stuff. And to be perfectly honest with you, I question it.

I understand that GameInformer is a printed mag and that they've got real deadlines to worry about and deal with, but still... they've got another whole issue set to come out between now and Pikmin 2's actual release! So why the rushed/premature review?!?

[Gadfly2317]

Well, not to take anything away from P2 winning GI's GOTM award or anything, but I just don't get that early review stuff. And to be perfectly honest with you, I question it.

I understand that GameInformer is a printed mag and that they've got real deadlines to worry about and deal with, but still... they've got another whole issue set to come out between now and Pikmin 2's actual release! So why the rushed/premature review?!?

I do see your point. It's usually nice to simmer with anticipation and to see reviews posted at websites the day before release.

I guess the thing is, though, that this was the August issue of GI, and they were reviewing all the August releases they had their hands on. Pikmin is done. I don't know why Nintendo is waiting so long to release it. Also, August is only a week and a half away. . .Pikmin is so close to the end of August though its practically september.

Still, if they've got the game in complete form to review, and its an august game, I see no problem with them doing the review now. Probably they were as excited to play the game and write about it as I am! :D

[Glockstar]

EGM has awarded P2 a Silver Medal with an 8.83 average score (8.5, 9.0, and 9.0) in their latest issue (#183, October 2004).

And now IGN has weighed in... with a 9.3!

Pikmin 2 delivers. It's a sequel that retains the same fundamental play mechanics and mission rules that made the first a hit, but also one that improves upon just about every aspect of the original formula. The control mechanics are slightly more fine-tuned. There are two new Pikmin types, which create a wealth of new play options. There is an additional main character, which makes dividing Pikmin into different squads all the easier. There are more environmental-based puzzles and challenges. The single-player game is dramatically more difficult and longer -- roughly 30 hours. The 30-day system that hindered the original title has been thrown out of the window, and as a result gamers can set their pace. There are new challenge and versus modes, both of which are highly entertaining. There's even a collection system that rivals that in Super Smash Bros. Melee. To top it all off, the game features phenomenal presentation through and through, a fact reinforced by crisp, detailed CG sequences that are uncommon in Nintendo-developed titles. Here's hoping this is the beginning of a trend.

Most important of all, though, Pikmin 2 is fun. Despite some minor issues with character AI and the process of dividing Pikmin into groups, the game is extremely enjoyable from beginning to end.

Top notch. Highly recommended.

http://cube.ign.com/articles/540/540864p1.html

[Gadfly2317]

The final week of waiting for this title is pure torture. This is THE gamecube title to own in 2004.

[Darwin]

Yeah, I just read the review on IGN. Pikmin 2 sounds very promising. And I will probably be getting this as well.

Because of the power outage in my place, I played my GBA all week. I got into the Mario Golf Advance and now I just bought last year's Toadstool Tour for the GC. Very nice game. That'll be 3 games for the GC that I bought this year: Twin Snakes, Mario Golf, and now Pikmin 2. That'll meet my annual 3-game quota that I met last year: F-zero, Animal Crossings, and Wind Waker.

GC does have a few good exclusive titles. There's just not enough, though.

[Darwin]

I actually bought 4 GC games last year. Forgot about Viewtiful Joe.

Anyway, I remember renting the first Pikmin. I never bought it because I was playing too many other games at the time. But I do remember the game's innovative use of both analogue sticks simultaneously. Very few games utilize this in their controls schemes (besides racing games).

[Glockstar]

I actually bought 4 GC games last year. Forgot about Viewtiful Joe.

Anyway, I remember renting the first Pikmin. I never bought it because I was playing too many other games at the time. But I do remember the game's innovative use of both analogue sticks simultaneously. Very few games utilize this in their controls schemes (besides racing games).

Eh, you were right the first the time - it's 3. Though you may have bought 4 GC games last year, only 3 were 2003 releases. AC came out in 2002.

But you are right, in that not too many games use both thumbsticks for the primary controls. And even less are good, or use them well.

Nightcaster 2, for example, used both very innovatively: The left was used typically (for movement), but the right was used for "throwing" magic. (If you've ever played Robotron 2064 or Geometry Wars then you get the idea here.) Except in Nightcaster 2, the enemies moved so damned fast, and because the magic-throwing character had virtually no defenses, the gameplay pretty much involved just running for your life. And, mostly, unsuccessfully, I might add; should you ever decided to try N2 you should expect to die... about every 15-20 seconds. It's a bad game. (Good looking tho'. :p )

Going back to the 'not very many games use the dual a-sticks simultaneously' thing... there's a game coming out soon that should have incorporated this mechanic for sure but for some dumb reason it does not. It would've been perfect for Neo Contra - the upcoming 3D version in the classic series! But noooo... Konami's keeping with using the X button to fire; boooo! The L and R shoulder buttons are used in conjuction with the X button - by holding them down - to "lock your direction of fire and/or plant your feet in place" so that you can rotate around without moving. Welp, scratch another PS2 game offa the list. With TNBC getting pushed back to 2005, and HSG4 being a big letdown - with its failure to evolve - that leaves me with just the very questionable Cowboy Bebop. Otherwise, I got nothing new this year for my PS2! :o

[Darwin]

I also liked the use of the right analogue stick to lean the driver in Furious Karting. It could be used in real time to help corner, acclerate/brake, or perform stunts.

[Glockstar]

I also liked the use of the right analogue stick to lean the driver in Furious Karting. It could be used in real time to help corner, acclerate/brake, or perform stunts.

YEAH!

[no.1gamer]

I just played the demo of Pikmin 2 at a store!!! I just played the tutorial level and it played exactly like the 1st one. It was hopelessly easy because it was for beginners. It seems cool, but I wish I had more time with it!!! They only had it available for 1 player which sucks because I want to check out the multiplayer.

:)

[Darwin]

So far, it's pretty good. Although the game does seem to progress a bit slow (with all the little instructions the ship gives you and all the little mini-cutscenes). It seems to be very much like the first one, and if you did not like the first one you ain't gonna like the second one.

I do like the dual-commanders in the game. However, so far it's just there to help you get some of the routine work done a bit faster. So far, I haven't HAD to use both commanders simultaneously. I'm hoping there will be areas where you need to use both at the same time (kinda like what we saw with the two squads in Full Spectrum Warrier ... well, the same basic idea).

The game has potential, but I'll need to see just how far the game makers have taken it. I am hoping to see more interesting level designs and more innovative puzzles for the pikmin. So far, everything has been layed out easy and the game is really holding my hand for everything.

[Gadfly2317]

What Darwin said. . . that's pretty much where I'm at. I'd have played a lot more, but I had to watch the Repug convention last night.

I can't wait to get further in this game. The initial training stages are nice, I'm sure, for anyone new to the game. I haven't really minded them. . .it's a nice brush up. I can't wait for the challenging levels and big-assed enemies. Also, I hope to try out the multi-player modes by the end of the week.

One thing I didn't know from the reviews that's new is the way you throw pikmin. You don't pick it up, hold it, and throw it. It is WAY faster. . . you just hit the B button and you launch a pikmin. It really does ratchet up the action.

Anyway, I'm not going to say much now, I just want to get back and play it some more. I love this game. It's weird, I hardly ever get that enthusiastic about a game anymore.

[no.1gamer]

What Darwin said. . . that's pretty much where I'm at. I'd have played a lot more, but I had to watch the Repug convention last night.

I can't wait to get further in this game. The initial training stages are nice, I'm sure, for anyone new to the game. I haven't really minded them. . .it's a nice brush up. I can't wait for the challenging levels and big-assed enemies. Also, I hope to try out the multi-player modes by the end of the week.

One thing I didn't know from the reviews that's new is the way you throw pikmin. You don't pick it up, hold it, and throw it. It is WAY faster. . . you just hit the B button and you launch a pikmin. It really does ratchet up the action.

Anyway, I'm not going to say much now, I just want to get back and play it some more. I love this game. It's weird, I hardly ever get that enthusiastic about a game anymore.

You'll definately have to report back with us after you try out the multiplayer! DETAILS!!! We want details!!!

:D

And don't worry if your wife kicks your @$$ on multiplayer! We won't make fun of you!

;)

[Gadfly2317]

Pikmin 2 has surpassed my expectations.

The single player mode is MUCH longer and more involved than the orignal. Really, the first Pikmin, as good (and original) as it was, seems like a rough draft for Pikmin 2. The levels are a lot larger, the action more intense, more enemies, more strategy AND more action, and a lot more to explore (and more time to do it without the artificial time limit.)

A big change was having two guys (Olimar and Louie) that you can switch between to control your hordes of pikmin. In the early levels this seemed more gimmicky than useful. I was already used to getting around with just Olimar in the first Pikmin, so I didn't immediately get the hang of using two guys, but later on its indespensible, and becomes second nature. It greatly enhances the action and the strategy.

Graphically, while much the same, there are so many extra touches (too many to list(). . . and musically too. A lot of the musical themes are re-used, but the further I've gotten in the game there are more and more new musical pieces in the different underground areas. Some of them are reminiscent of the brilliant and simple melodies in the sadly obsucre Cubivore. I wonder if some of the pieces are by the same composer.

A gameplay addition that is really cool are the power-up potions assigned to the D-pad (up and down), a spray that makes your Pikmin suprer-hyper and dangerous, and another spray you can use on enemies to temporarily turn them to stone. You have to harvest different berries for this, and they are scarce, so use the potions wisely. On the L/R of the D-pad, when you grab a pikmin, you can use it to cycle between colors.

The first couple of underground areas were ok, but I thought it was not the best part of the game. That is, until I got to later underground areas. They get very elaborate and imaginative, and pretty damn hard. Very tricky to figure out how to get items, and since you can't generate new pikmin, you really have to be careful to get through all the levels of the underground areas without losing all your Pikmin (the longest underground area I've been through was seven levels deep.)

There's no time limit, but you are collecting items to pay off your shipping company's debt. Instead of 30 "days" you have to collect 10,000 dollars worth of crap (like batteries, Carmex containers, badmitton birdie, etc) to pay off the debt. The stuff you "collect" is a lot more interesting than most "collecting " games where it's just shine-sprites or pre-cursor orbs. I'm past 6000 dollars, but the first 2000 dollars are pretty easy to get. I thought the game was going to go by too quick, but the later stuff is really hard to get to. To give you an idea how much longer this game is than the previous one, I'm past 20 days and less than half done, and TIME STOPS when you are in underground areas, so I've already played far longer than the first game took to complete. One of the underground areas so far took me nearly an hour (killing every enemy and finding every hidden item.)

MULTIPLAYER:

Wish I could have spent more time with this, but then, the game's been out less than a week and I've been deep in the single player. I've messed around with it by myself just to see what's there. It is awesome. There are over 8 battle maps with different goals. Just messing around with it by myself, with my "opponent" just standing there, it was challenging, because you are competing to complete goals the fastest. I have a friend who's played Pikmin, and we will be getting together soon to compete.

The main problems with the two-player mode is that its not like a FPS, where they are all the same, so any of your gaming buddies can sit down and compete and know the controls. Pikmin is really unique, and if you've played it a lot like I have, you will destroy anyone you know. So online would have been ideal, and it would have been nice to play against computer AI (probably a lot harder to program AI for this than for a FPS, where all enemies are just trying to shoot you and dodge your bullets.)

Other little touches are the Pictopedia, which has notes on all enemies and plant life, as well as a zoom in that lets you feed carrots to the creatures in the living "photo gallery." Also an item gallery. Both galleries are a lot cooler than I am able to explain. Olimar's "notes" almost remind me of a light, cartoony version of Charles Darwin's observations when he visited the Galapagos. Pikmin is heavily influenced by Darwinism.

A game like this is the whole reason to own a gamecube. This is one of the few truly unique masterpieces of this generation of games. It's not just quirky and unique, but big budget and polished to perfection. There's no good excuse to miss out.

[SunsetFox]

Though I have only recently discovered this wonderful game, I have to say you really sum it up well! Heehee, I know these posts are going on a year old now, but I'm asumming you've beaten it by now, so I'm just wondering how you beat the 14th sublevel of Dream Den. The hole where you find Louie and that absurdly impervious spider thing. That's a reallt tough bug! Makes me a little worried about the rest of the enemies. I wonder if they plan to keep making Pikmin games. I like Pikmin better than Sonic the hedgehog now. Sonics just been too easy for me to do lately.