A really great addition to the series. Sort of nerfs the challenge a little bit in the main story, combat especially takes a hit, but it seems like the whole design was to streamline the multitasking and speed aspects of Pikmin, to reach that holy state of Dandoori, to use their termonology. That certainly makes this the most niche of the Pikmin games, you are forced to play a certain way to get max enjoyment out of it. But the way Pikmin 4 is designed is the way all Pikmin games reach should be played.

I don't think this tops Pikmin 3 for me, but honestly they are all on the same tier of perfection. Level design is definitely peak in this one. It feels like they applied the DKC:TF/SM3DWorld philosophy to Pikmin with the dungeons, and the environments are absolutely stunning with a new focus on better landmarks to make the maps stand out more.

Just pure bliss. Well done Nintendo. Thanks for making us wait so long.