This really is a sequel to Pikmin 2. I really enjoyed this game, but I don't think I loved it the way I loved 1 and 3. It is a bit of an overcorrection for the series, imposing certain limitations and removing difficulty options and true multiplayer for seemingly no reason. The new content is very cool (finally green Pikmin), but the game is shockingly easy 95% of the time, with the other 5% being out of nowhere difficulty spikes or insta-death for your Pikmin. It's best moments are almost all from older games in the series, with the removal of some features that left me confused as to their absence. If nothing else, it is more solid Pikmin goodness to play.

If you're new to the series, this is an excellent and complete experience to start with, but longtime series veterans may struggle to understand why this game seems keeps you on training wheels through most of the game. (It's like Metroid Fusion in that sense)