Pikmin 2 Review: Grown into its own era

It’s not every day that a fresh new franchise can be given a sequel pretty much immediately, but for Pikmin 2, it's everything that a sequel could ask for. Released in 2004, just shy of 3 years after the release of the first game, Pikmin 2 is proof that even the smallest changes can go a long way.

For example, there’s now more of a story to behold. Coming off of Pikmin 1’s best ending, Pikmin 2 shows the immediate aftermath of Olimar’s triumphant return to Hocotate, his home planet, where he was met with some devastating news from his boss. One of his employees, Louie, had his entire shipment of rare carrots stolen and the company was forced to pay it back, now 10,100 pokos (Hocotatian currency) in debt. Fortunately, Olimar brought home treasure for his son, but a computer recorded that this treasure was worth 100 pokos. Hoping for more, the president sends Olimar back to the planet he just escaped from with Louie as his partner, retrieving treasure to pay off this massive debt.

Gameplay-wise, it’s the same with some added tweaks that make it better in many ways. For example, there’s no day limit, so you’re allowed to explore for as much as you want. Another new feature is that Olimar can swap with Louie as a second captain for the Pikmin, giving you more things to accomplish in a shorter time frame. New Pikmin growth time has been reduced, the AI has gotten better, and the game is not as brutal as before.

Even the Pikmin themselves have gotten upgrades. These tiny plant-like creatures help out once more and they're better than ever. All of them can now carry bomb rocks, the red Pikmin is now stronger, and the yellow Pikmin is now resistant to electricity. Joining these 3 types are the new Purple and White Pikmin. These two new types expand on what you can do as a captain and can help solve unique issues. The purple Pikmin has the strength of 10 normal Pikmin, and their sheer girth can stun enemies when thrown. The White Pikmin can dig underground to reveal hidden objects, are faster than the others, and can deal poison damage when eaten.

Moving to the game’s levels, they are a bit of a letdown in some areas. 3 out of the 4 overworld levels, they're recycled levels from Pikmin 1 (with one area being 2 old levels spliced together.) However, the seasonal aspects of the 4 overworld levels are a nice touch (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall in that order). It's not the overground that gives this game its extra charm, but it is in fact the underground levels.

The underground levels are the biggest addition to the game, where you can go inside caves and explore for even more treasure and bonuses, sometimes even upgrading the captains themselves with elemental resistances and stronger hits. With these rewards comes risks, because you need to watch for traps, enemies, falling rocks, and unintentionally throwing your Pikmin over the edge of some levels. All this trial and error is what gives these games their flair.

Bonus content is also a major upgrade this time around as well. Not only is there a 1v1 battle mode called “Bingo Battle” that pits you and your friend against each other, but there is also a 2-player mission mode that you can unlock in the story that grants you missions. Perfect these all and you may get a little backstage look at what REALLY happened during Louie’s delivery.

Overall, Pikmin 2 is a step above the rest with every single aspect. With a new story, new dynamics, new Pikmin, and new modes, this is a prime example of how to do a sequel right. If you can grab this game for cheap, it’s highly recommended if you're looking for a golden experience. 

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9/10