Pikmin 3 - It's Here!

While we were Down Under, Nintendo had a stealth launch of the most anticipated game in the Will household.  Pikmin 3!

[Why was it a "stealth" launch?  Just because I didn't know it was happening.  Why was that?  I hadn't been paying attention.  But "stealth" sounds cool.]

 On Sunday, Lucas informed us that Pikmin 3 had been released, so we went out, bought it, and started playing.

And how is it?

It is Great!

Already we can see the advancements from Pikmin 2, and every single one of them makes the game better. 

• New Pikmin types: the Rock Pikmin come into the game very early and provide a good new option. (We have not seen Flying Pikmin yet.) 
• An easier way to multi-task with multiple leaders - a "Go Here" feature which allows leaders to move without direct player control.  
• An improved method of gaining control of Pikmin - while it's taking me some time to get used to the targeting of the "whistle" it is far more powerful.
• More sophisticated puzzles and maps - made possible by enhancements such as one leader being able to toss another leader in the same way leaders toss Pikmin.

Nintendo - this proves that you know how to do 3D games.  This proves that you can continue to make sequels which are every bit as fun as the originals, while making them more fun and more challenging.  Bravo!  [Now please prove it with a new 3D Mario game. Please!]

The only "negative" I have about this game is its weak use of the Wii-U controller. I know the Wii-U controller concept has potential for some kinds of games, but for this one, it's too often used in a way that just forces the player to look down at the controller for a moment.  Maybe this is good for the eyes or something, but it doesn't enhance the single-player experience, and in fact it detracts when the player has a spectator -- as I always do.  I find myself having to read the words on the controller out loud so Sherry can get the information or hints I'm being shown.  But, while I think this is less than optimal, it's not a big problem.  And perhaps, as we advance in the game, we'll find other ways in which having a controller with more options is better.  It remains to be seen.

Anyway, I am excited to finally have another Pikmin game, and exceptionally happy with the improvements so far.  Well done!