 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
New Play Control! Pikmin
- Nintendo Wii
- Price: $29.99
- Genre: Strategy
Common Sense Media says
Update of classic GameCube strategy title; better on Wii.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this game -- designed by Mario and Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto -- contains very minor animated violence as you can instruct your Pikmin creatures to attack an enemy (which basically consists of jumping on it). There is no other controversial content in this game.
What's it about?
When PIKMIN was introduced in 2001, Nintendo GameCube fans either loved it or hated it. Some said the tactical strategy game, which involves manipulating tiny Pikmin creatures into rebuilding a spaceship for Captain Olimar, was too difficult. Others said its 30-day time system resulted in short game play with little replayability. Still, more players praised the game as one of the most unique and addictive Nintendo offerings in a long while.
Well, what's old is new again now that Nintendo has just released this title for the Nintendo Wii, the first in its planned "New Play Control!" series that reintroduces GameCube games to a whole new generation -- with updated wireless, motion-sensing controls and 16:9 widescreen presentation.
Is it any good?
Indeed! The $30 game cleverly (and successfully) fuses strategy with action, brains with brawn. As Captain Olimar, players must use the Wii Remote to round up the 100-or-so inch-high Pikmin, to whom you can assign tasks: exploring the environment, collecting items, defeating nasty insect enemies, propagating to create new Pikmin, or solving puzzles, such as bypassing environmental obstacles and building a spaceship to flee this odd world. Each Pikmin color has its own abilities: blue Pikmin are resistant to water, red Pikmin can withstand fire, and yellow Pikmin are not affected by electricity. Whether or not you played the original on the GameCube, New Play Control! Pikmin is defintely worth the investment for Wii fans craving a challenging space adventure they won't soon forget.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether Nintendo's New Play Control! is a good idea by resurrecting great games from an older console or is it a shameless cash grab? And is it "filler" for the Wii until more (and better) games come out?
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AGE
loved it
the game was cute fun and challenging nothing bad in it its good for anyone
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AGE
The game itself is fine, but I am unimpressed with Nintendo's decision to remake the first Pikmin game with new controls rather than create a new Pikmin game and advance the series. The Wii controls work well and are much better than the GC controls, but are hardly justification to buy this game if you already have the first or second. You are supposed to pay 30$ for this remake!? Speaking of the second, why did Nintendo decide to remake the first rather than the second? The second was better than the first in every regard (except perhaps the story, which is irrelevant) with better graphics, gameplay, more content, and wasn't limited by the 30 day restriction which ruined the replay value of the first. Apparently instead of being creative and coming up with new games, Nintendo is going to continue remaking GC games with Wii controls. Hopefully future installments will be better worth the purchase.
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AGE
Epic win.
Pikmin is the best game I've ever played. You get to herd your Pikmin in order to defeat firece predators.
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AGE
I like it!
This game is awesome! It is about little carrots that help the veteran spaceman, Captain Olimar, get back to planet Hocotate. Action packed. The final boss, Emporer Bulblax, has a droopy eye. Beady Long Legs falls out of the sky without notice. Bombs kill Pikmin. Pikmin get eaten. Pikmin drown. Pikmin burn. Pikmin pretty much die anyway. Even crushed or left behind! Fun game. Must play.
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AGE
Good game, dissapointing remake.
Pikmin is a good game, and the remake is the exact same thing and also good. The problem is Nintendo's trend of remaking all these good games from the Gamecube and slaping "New Play Control" on the front. Mabye it would be wiser to divert this energy into making better new games than trying to suck all they can out of their old hits?
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Kid, 12 years old
March 18, 2011
AGE
I couldnt help but tear up a little...
I mean... if you get the bad ending... ALL WELL.
But when you get the good ending, I gets a little- INTENSELY TOUCHING! (i dont know.)
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
| Release date: | March 11, 2009 |
| Price: | $29.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for Mild Violence |
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