E3: Pikmin 2 Single-Player Impressions
5/16/2003 at 10:19 AM
More of the same, but better.
The single player version of the game controls much like the first Pikmin, just with an option to swap between the two captains on the fly. The second captain can either be told to follow the active captain, or he can be left with a group of Pikmin in a separate location and be active while the other captain is off on the opposite side of the screen. Other than this, the second captain did not seem to have any major use, but there was only one level open for the demo. Perhaps he will be needed to solve specific puzzles in future levels.
Much like in the two player mode and the original game, there are obstacles that must be overcome to advance through the levels and each type of Pikmin seem to have specific strengths and weaknesses. The new colors did not make an appearance in the demo, but the will most likely be similar to the pre-existing types. The captain assists the Pikmin by using either a petrifying spray on enemies or a pheromone spray which strengthens the Pikmin.
The demo level progressed by finding a hole in the ground which lead to subterranean levels. A probe is sent with the captains to allow for the returning of treasure to the main ship. Once an item is returned to the ship, the treasure value is displayed. Other items that may be found include berries that refill the captains’ sprays.
As a huge fan of the original Pikmin, I couldn’t wait to get hands on with the new game, and I was not disappointed. The game plays much like the first with complex puzzles to complete before advancement, and the control scheme was very easy to use. With new terrain objects to interact with and new puzzles to solve, the game feels like an improved version of an old friend. I can’t wait for this one to come out so I can go on a whole new adventure with Olimar and friends.
