NOTE: I originally posted this review in 2.5D issue number 3

This is a re-writing of a review I wrote on GamePro.com in 2002

     In an industry where developers are afraid to innovate, Pikmin is a showcase of what can happen when you try something new. In Pikmin you play as Captain Olimar who is a space traveler that crash lands on a strange planet after his ship collides with a meteor. Olimar has thirty days to recover thirty missing pieces of his ship before his life support system fails him. However he won't have to find said 30 pieces alone, throughout the game he is aided by little plant-like creatures that he discovers and names Pikmin.

     There are three types of Pikmin to be used; the Red Pikmin are impervious to fire, and are the strongest attackers; the Yellow Pikming can be thrown the highest, and have the ability to pick up little bombs; and the Blue Pikmin have gills with which to breath under water. The Pikmin do a great many things throughout the game that range from carrying pieces of Olimar's ship that are spread across each of the game's five areas, to building bridges, and even killing large predators. Knowing which color of Pikmin is right for the job is key to Olimar's survival.

     Controlling your Pikmin is a breeze. You move Olimar with the analog stick and the Pikmin with the C-stick. You also have the ability throw you Pikmin onto predators, or up to unreachable ledges for them to carry down items. Watching the little guys swarm a predator, kill it, and then carry it off victoriously to the Onions (the Pikmin's homes that also act a Pikmin Generators) to be turned into more Pikmin is one of the game's many delights.    

     Despite all the game has going for it, it does have it's few annoyances. Any time I went near water, my little Pikmin always seemed to find a way to drown themselves. They also sometimes stop to do things without you telling them. This can make it hard to keep track of them all. Calling them back to you is a simple one button affair, but there will always be stragglers that get left behind, and eaten at the day's end. Also, the days go by way too fast which ends up making the game go by too fast. If you aren't able to get every part of your ship in a timely fashion, not only will you be behind on days, but you'll be in a world of hurt come day 30.

Bottom Line: Pikmin is a short, but sweet adventure from the mind of Nintendo's most celebrated designer, Shigeru Miyamoto. If you're tired of the same old games, and want to play an "outside the box" game, then give Pikmin a try. You won't be disappointed.