Hey! Pikmin

Hey! Pikmin
Developer(s)	Arzest
Publisher(s)	Nintendo
Director(s)	Tomohide Hayashi
Producer(s)	Naoto Ohshima Takashi Tezuka
Designer(s)	Kenta Usui
Programmer(s)	Yuki Hatakeyama
Artist(s)	Masamichi Harada Noboru Shirasu
Composer(s)	Masato Kouda Kento Hasegawa
Series	Pikmin
Platform(s)	Nintendo 3DS
Release	JP: July 13, 2017 NA: July 28, 2017 EU: July 28, 2017 AU: July 29, 2017
Genre(s)	Action
Mode(s)	Single-player

Hey! Pikmin is an action game in the Pikmin series developed by Arzest and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld video game console. It is the first game in the series on a handheld console and is the fourth game in the Pikmin series. It was released worldwide in July 2017.

Gameplay

Hey! Pikmin consists of main character Captain Olimar leading a group of Pikmin through 2D levels while collecting items that contain "sparklium", the main source of fuel for Olimar's ship. Unlike other games of the Pikmin series, players do not choose what Pikmin to bring into levels. Instead, players enter a level and use whatever Pikmin they find while exploring. Olimar is able to swim and use a jetpack to reach new areas. Winged Pikmin are able to carry Olimar while flying. Olimar is incapable of attacking on his own, instead relying on the Pikmin for defense. As players continue to collect more sparklium, Olimar is able to upgrade his space suit's capabilities such as the amount of fuel the jetpack has or the amount of hits it can take.

After clearing a level, all recruited Pikmin are taken to the Pikmin Park, an area where Pikmin can be sent to look for more objects with sparklium. By finding colored pellets, the amount of Pikmin in the park can be increased. After clearing a section of the Pikmin Park, more sections open up for the Pikmin to explore. The game is compatible with every Amiibo released before the game's launch, which provide a variety of in-game bonuses. A Pikmin-themed Amiibo was also released at launch.

Reception

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
Metacritic	69/100

Review scores

Publication	Score
Game Informer	6/10
GameSpot	6/10
IGN	6.8/10
Polygon	7/10

The game received "mixed" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. The game was criticized for its simple puzzles and lack of depth. Game Informer stated: "Puzzles are also extremely simple, and usually boil down to tossing Pikmin around obstacles... Nintendo's low-impact blend of strategy and action flounders between relaxing and boring." Areas praised in the game include the amiibo functions. Allegra Frank of Polygon said "Hey! Pikmin might not be the most exciting Nintendo 3DS game out right now — hats off to Miitopia — but its amiibo functionality is the most charming we’ve seen in a long, long time."