Narrative: 4 - Gameplay: 5 - Visuals: 5 - Soundtrack: 5 - Time: 4
Stars: 4.5
If my first experience with Pikmin was marked by a lack of expectations, Pikmin 2 was the opposite. The first game left me with a hunger for more, but also with a pinch of fear that the next entry would disappoint me. I don't know why I had those fears because Nintendo hardly messes it up. But sometimes, when it's a new IP and with such great reception, it can easily go sideways. I'm glad it didn't.
As suspected, Nintendo did tickle with some of the level designs. Doing a simple equation: add two cool Pikmin and some caves, minus the time limit and we have a remarkably different game experience. If the first game was all about surface exploration and time management, the second one was all about boss fights and situation/Pikmin management. For some (and I include myself in this group) many boss fights can be overwhelming and frustrating. On the other hand, Pikmin is essentially a straight shot of stress. In the end, more stress is just more fun.
Stars: 4.5
If my first experience with Pikmin was marked by a lack of expectations, Pikmin 2 was the opposite. The first game left me with a hunger for more, but also with a pinch of fear that the next entry would disappoint me. I don't know why I had those fears because Nintendo hardly messes it up. But sometimes, when it's a new IP and with such great reception, it can easily go sideways. I'm glad it didn't.
As suspected, Nintendo did tickle with some of the level designs. Doing a simple equation: add two cool Pikmin and some caves, minus the time limit and we have a remarkably different game experience. If the first game was all about surface exploration and time management, the second one was all about boss fights and situation/Pikmin management. For some (and I include myself in this group) many boss fights can be overwhelming and frustrating. On the other hand, Pikmin is essentially a straight shot of stress. In the end, more stress is just more fun.