dsandler.org/wp

Pikmin 2

Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: May 1, 2004

Why it will rock: The original Pikmin was intuitively designed,
inventive and extremely entertaining. The sequel is on track to be all
of that and more. Pikmin 2, like its predecessor, is a 3D real-time
strategy game of sorts. Once more, you control Captain Olimar, who has
returned to the planet of the Pikmin in order to retrieve valuable
treasures which can help save his bankrupt business. You again control
Olimar and give commands to the allegiant Pikmin creatures, which will
multiple in numbers, defeat enemies, break down environmental structures
and help solve land-based puzzles. The visuals even look similar. But
don’t let that fool you because there are key differences – and for the
better. In Pikmin 2, you can also control Olimar’s new assistant Loojie
and it’s possible to alternate between the two characters at any time.
Thankfully, the sequel doesn’t restrict you to a time limit as the
original did. You’re free to explore and conquer at your leisure, which
is bound to make the experience a lot more enjoyable. And perhaps most
important of all, Pikmin 2 boasts a very impressive two-player
cooperative mode, too.

[From IGN’s most anticipated
GameCube games of 2004.]