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{{Short description|2004 video game}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
|title = Pikmin 2
{{Infobox video game
|image = ]
| image = Pikmin 2 Case.jpg
|developer = ]
| caption = North American GameCube ]
|publisher = ]
| developer = ]
|designer = ]
| publisher = ]
|engine =
| series = '']''
|released = ] ], ]<br />] ], ]
| platforms = {{ubl|]|]|]}}
|genre = ]
| released = '''GameCube'''<br />{{Vgrelease|JP|April 29, 2004|NA|August 30, 2004|EU|October 8, 2004|AUS|November 4, 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/news/index.php |title=Nintendo Offers Proof of Aliens|publisher=]|date=November 4, 2004|access-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050204055520/http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/news/index.php |archive-date = February 4, 2005}}</ref>}}'''Wii'''<br />{{Vgrelease|JP|March 12, 2009|EU|April 24, 2009|AUS|May 14, 2009}}{{Vgrelease|NA|June 10, 2012<ref name ="npc us date1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/345187/pikmin-2-for-wii-finally-gets-us-release//|title=Pikmin 2 for Wii finally gets US release|publisher=]|date=April 25, 2012|last=Jackson|first=Mike|access-date=April 29, 2012|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426191839/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/345187/pikmin-2-for-wii-finally-gets-us-release/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name ="npc us date2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30138|title=Pikmin 2 Arriving At $19.99, Other Price Drops Coming Soon|publisher=Nintendo World Report|date=May 14, 2012|access-date=May 14, 2012|last=Goergon|first=Andy|archive-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516183614/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30138|url-status=live}}</ref>}}'''Nintendo Switch'''<br/>{{Vgrelease|WW|June 21, 2023}}
|modes = ], ]
| genre = ], ]
|ratings = ]: Everyone<br />]: Ages 3+
| modes = ], ]
|platforms = ]
| director = ]<br />Masamichi Abe
|media = 1 × ]
| producer = ]<br />]
|requirements =
| designer = Hiroaki Takenaka
|input =
| writer = ]<br />Kazumi Yamaguchi
| composer = Hajime Wakai<br />]
}} }}
'''''Pikmin 2''''' (ピクミン2 in ]) is the sequel to '']'' for the ]. In ''Pikmin 2'', ] returns to the planet with his new assistant, ], to find various treasures to bring back to Hocotate. The game was released on ], ] in ]. {{Nihongo foot|'''''Pikmin 2'''''|ピクミン2|Pikumin Tsū|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2004 ] ] developed and published by ] for the ]. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '']'' and the second game in the '']'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin planet to collect valuable treasure after learning that the company he works for—Hocotate Freight—is on the verge of bankruptcy.


Like its predecessor, ''Pikmin 2'' focuses on exploring an unknown planet's surface from a microscopic perspective, where the player directs the Pikmin to perform various tasks, such as destroying obstacles, defeating enemies, and retrieving objects. It introduces new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to control two different leaders at once and the addition of new Pikmin types.
==Story==
{{spoiler}}
When Captain Olimar returns home from his "vacation" on the Pikmin planet, he finds that his company, Hocotate Freight, is in serious ]. They even had to sell Captain Olimar's ship, the Dolphin, which was the only remaining corporate ] worth anything. Shocked by this sudden turn of events, Captain Olimar drops the ] he brought with him as a souvenir. It rolls in the vicinity of the company's treasure sensor is found to have a value of 100 Pokos, the unit of ] on Hocotate. After commenting that this is more than a year's salary, Olimar's boss sends him on a trip with Louie, a fellow employee, to the Pikmin Planet to scrounge up 10,000 Pokos worth of treasure to get the company back up and running. Olimar returns to the planet of the Pikmin (it is rumored that it is Earth). During their decent, Louie's cockpit bursts open, and the two are separated. The game then centers on finding Louie, exploring the planet, and collecting treasures.
fart


''Pikmin 2'' received critical acclaim, gaining aggregate scores of 89.60% and 90 on ] and ], respectively. Many critics praised the various additions and changes, such as the new Pikmin types, longer length and the removal of the 30-day time limit imposed in the original game. ''Pikmin 2'' was re-released as part of the '']'' series for the ] in 2009 in Japan, Europe and Australia and it received a North American release three years later in 2012. An HD remaster of the game was released for the ] in June 2023. A sequel to the game, '']'', was released in 2013 for the Wii U.
==Gameplay==
Gameplay in Pikmin 2 revolves around using different combinations of Pikmin to retrieve various treasures from the planet's surface. Different obstacles or enemies make the retrieval of each treasure unique. Because of this, the player must carefully consider which colors of Pikmin and how many of those colors will be needed to complete a certain task. This is compounded in difficulty by the fact that no more than 100 Pikmin may be in play at any given time. Typical tasks involved in collecting treasures include defeating enemies, building ]s, destroying walls, or removing other obstacles.


== Gameplay ==
In addition to above-ground areas, ]s can be found throughout the landscape. Caves contain multiple treasures and enemies spread across multiple "sublevels." Each sublevel in a cave contains certain treasures and a fixed array of enemies, but the layout of the sublevel and the placement of the enemies and treasures within the sublevel is random, and changes each time the player enters the cave. A player can exploit this, as the game saves automatically after the completion of each sublevel. If the layout of a sublevel is unfavorable to the player, he or she can simply begin the sublevel again, and it will have a new, presumably more favorable, layout.
''Pikmin 2'' expands on the gameplay introduced in its predecessor, '']''. The player controls both ] and ] from a ] microscopic perspective to retrieve treasures (which consist of human waste such as scrap metal and broken toys) from the surface of an unknown planet (called the "distant planet"). The gameplay focuses on leading and directing a horde of plant-like creatures called Pikmin to accomplish this mission. The Pikmin follow behind Olimar and/or Louie as they move around the field. The player can quickly throw individual Pikmin at enemies and obstacles, where they automatically engage in combat, destroying obstacles, or building bridges. The player can also direct the entire mob (or a subdivision) to swarm and attack enemies en masse. Because the player controls two leaders simultaneously, they can have the leaders separate with their own Pikmin hordes to complete multiple tasks at once. While the player can amass a limitless number of Pikmin, only up to 100 Pikmin are allowed on the field at any time.


]
===Differences from Pikmin===
The player can only explore during the daylight and begins each day at sunrise, and must finish all tasks and collect all stray Pikmin before sunset. Pikmin that are left behind at sunset are lost to ferocious ] predators, a mechanic that was also in ''Pikmin''. Unlike ''Pikmin'', the game lacks a time limit and gives the player an unlimited number of days.
]
There were several major differences between Pikmin and Pikmin 2. The first, and perhaps most important of these, was the elimination of the 30-day time limit which was imposed during the course of the first Pikmin game. In Pikmin 2, a player may continue to seacrh for treasure for as many days as he or she wishes. The game contained 201 collectable treasure pieces, as opposed to the 30 ship parts of the original Pikmin game.


The Pikmin themselves come in five distinct colors, which indicates their strength or immunity to hazards. Red, Blue, and Yellow Pikmin, which originally appeared in ''Pikmin'', are resilient to fire, drowning, and electric hazards, respectively. Two new colors, Purple and White, are unique to ''Pikmin 2''. White Pikmin are swifter than the other types, can resist poisonous gases and poison enemies if devoured, and can locate hidden treasures buried in the soil. Purple Pikmin, while not immune to any hazards, are slower but far stronger than the others and can lift as much as 10 ordinary Pikmin. They are also heavy, and can stun enemies when thrown at them. Because of these characteristics, the player must choose the Pikmin that are best-suited to the task at hand.<ref name ="gspot review"/> The ] on a Pikmin's head, topped with either a leaf, ], or flower, indicates their swiftness and strength, growing upon consumption of ] harvested from various sources. More Pikmin can be born by bringing pellets or enemy carcasses to the "Onion" motherships, where they can be safely stored and extracted. Purple and White Pikmin do not have their own Onions and are stored inside the Hocotate Ship, and are created by throwing existing Pikmin into rare flowers called Candypop Buds. The game also introduces a sixth Pikmin type, Bulbmin, which are resistant to all hazards but are only temporarily usable. Lastly, it introduces sprays that can be collected by harvesting certain plants. The purple spray can be sprayed on enemies, and causes them to temporarily be encased in stone, making them vulnerable to attacks. The red spray gives Pikmin a temporary boost to their speed and attack strength.
Another addition was the ability to use two captains at once, making multitasking easier. In previous Pikmin games, multitasking was difficult as there was only one captain to direct multiple groups of Pikmin. In both Pikmin games, commands cannot be issued from a distance, meaning that a one captain system caused a lot of running between multiple working Pikmin groups. Another gameplay change was the addition of sprays, which could be obtained by collecting various ].


The player is able to explore four distinct locales on the distant planet, which vary in theme, enemies, and treasures found. The player is also accompanied by the Hocotate Ship's ], which gives them hints and input. When a treasure is found, the Pikmin carry it back to the Hocotate Ship, where it will be placed into the ship's cargo hold and its worth calculated. In addition to exploring the surface of each locale, there are caves scattered throughout the landscape, which the player, the Pikmin horde, and the ship's AI can enter. Caves contain multiple treasures and enemies spread across multiple sub-levels. Some enemies, such as the Waterwraith, are found only within caves.{{cn|date=May 2023}} While inside a cave, time does not pass on the surface due to a ] caused by a strong ] field, allowing the player to explore for an indefinite period of time before sunset.<ref name="ign interview">{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/542/542013p1.html |publisher=] |date=24 August 2004 |title=Pikmin 2 Interview |access-date=29 April 2012 |archive-date=16 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216064939/http://cube.ign.com/articles/542/542013p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the Pikmin Onions do not follow the player, meaning that they must bring enough Pikmin beforehand to use within the cave. Caves are also home to larger, stronger enemies that serve as the game's ], which upon defeat award treasures that bestow new abilities to the player characters. Cave layouts are ], but certain floors are not, generally boss floors. Caves are also the only place to find the "Violet" or "Ivory" "Candypop Buds" that make Purple or White Pikmin. The player completes the game after collecting all 201 treasures.
Several other changes were added, such as a two-player mode. Additionally, the format of the challenge mode was changed. Whereas in the first Pikmin game the point of the challenge mode was to grow as many Pikmin as possible in a limited period of time, the challenge mode in the second Pikmin game demands that the player reach the end of a multi-sublevel cave using only a fixed set of Pikmin, both in color and number. Also, the second game features more reward movies than the first, awarding the player both for completion of all of the challenge mode courses and for collection of all available trasures.


===Pikmin 2 e-Reader=== === Additional modes ===
In addition to the main ] game mode, there is a ] competitive mode and an ] challenge mode. In the competitive game mode, Olimar and Louie are each controlled by a player. In a ] style gameplay, the player's objective is to either retrieve four yellow marbles or claim the opponent's marble using Pikmin. A player can launch attacks against the other's Pikmin to hinder the opponent's progress. When a player collects a cherry, an advantage is gained, such as gaining or flowering Pikmin or summoning enemies at the opponent's base.
In Japan, after the release of Pikmin 2, they had also released ] cards that had contained mini games. Some of these mini games involved the player to pluck all the Pikmin in an area in a set amount of steps, or to try to get Pikmin from one point to another. These cards were not released outside of Japan, as the e-Reader was not released in Europe, and had been discontinued in the United States at the time.


The challenge mode is unlocked during the single-player game. One or two players can play this mode cooperatively. Each selectable ] takes place in caves of varying depth, and the objective is to locate a Key treasure, used to open access to the next sub-level, within the specified time limit. The player completes the level upon finding the cave's exit, and is scored based on the treasures collected, the number of Pikmin surviving upon exit, and the time taken to complete the level.
==The Pikmin==
{{main|Pikmin (species)}}
The ], ], and ] Pikmin from the previous game return, along with two new colors of Pikmin, ] and ]. Unlike the originals, they do not have ]s, which typically house Pikmin colors. Instead, they are created when an existing Pikmin is thrown into a "candypop bud", a type of flower found in the field. There are also ], a type of parasitic Pikmin that infects Dwarf ]. Being in the body of a Dwarf Bulborb protects them from ], ], ], and ]ing. They are found only in a few caves throughout the game, and although they may assist the player-controlled captain in the cave in which they are found, they cannot be removed from it.


==Areas== == Plot ==
After the events of ''Pikmin'', ] returns to his home planet Hocotate. He learns from his employer (a ] ]) that his co-worker, Louie, lost a shipment of luxury carrots to a "space rabbit". The company is forced to take out a large loan to ], and immediately sells Olimar's ship. When Olimar drops a ] he brought home as a souvenir, an intelligent company ship appraises it as considerably valuable. The company president orders Olimar and Louie to take the ship to the planet where the treasure was found, and collect more of it to save the company.
The main action of the game takes place in four separate areas. The player chooses which area will be visited in a certain day, and only one area may be visited each day. The areas contain treasures, enemies, and other gameplay elements. Also, caves can be found within each area. Each cave contains a set number of chambers called sublevels. Each sublevel is random in layout, but contains a set number of treasures and a set assortment of enemies. The final sublevel of each cave contains a "boss" creature. The above-ground areas have fixed layouts.


Upon arriving on the Pikmin's planet, Olimar and Louie are initially separated, but reunite after working with the local red Pikmin population. In the process of finding treasure, they encounter White and Purple Pikmin, two new species that Olimar had never encountered before. After finding enough treasure, Olimar takes off for Hocotate, only to realize mid-flight that Louie was accidentally left behind. Though the debt is cleared, upon Olimar's suggestion the president decides that they must return to find treasures and help strengthen the company's finances, and joins Olimar on his return trip to the Pikmin's planet to find Louie. Eventually the pair encounters Louie in the Dream Den atop of a giant elemental creature called the Titan Dweevil that can harness the ability to switch between using fire, water, poison and electricity through treasures. After defeating the creature, Olimar and the president retrieve Louie and the final treasures, and depart the planet, leaving the Pikmin behind.
Special rules apply to exploring caves. When the player is exploring a cave, time does not pass above ground. The main restriction regarding cave exploration is that there is no access to the Pikmins' Onions from underground. This means that the assortment of Pikmin the player enters with must stay with him or her the entire way through the cave. In order to assist the player, he or she is warned of some general dangers upon encountering the cave's above-ground entrance, such as which specific hazards it contains, but not their quantities. The player is not informed of which particular enemies a cave contains.


In a special ], it is revealed that Louie ate the entire shipment of Pikpik brand carrots he was delivering and falsified his report to the president to avoid trouble, causing the events of the game.
The Valley of Repose is the first area that is visited in the game. It is winter in this area, and most of it is covered in ]. Players learn most of the basics here, as well as find the red and purple Pikmin. There are three caves in this area, two of which aren't accessible until later in the game:
* Emergence Cave
* Subterranean Complex
* Frontier Cavern


== Development ==
The Awakening Wood is the second area in the game, and is opened up when an item that appears to be the northern hemisphere of a globe is found. It is spring in this area, and flower petals gently float down as opposed to the snow in the Valley of Repose. It is also the area where white Pikmin and blue Pikmin (which are inaccessible without yellow Pikmin) are found. This area was formerly known as The Forest of Hope in the first game, though it has changed, presumably due to the passage of time. There are four caves in this area:
In December 2002 a year following the release of '']'', ] ] confirmed a sequel to be in development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379812p1.html |title=Nintendo Talks Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 |date=10 December 2002 |publisher=] |access-date=29 April 2012 |archive-date=15 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815041716/http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379812p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Development took about two and a half years; the original plan was to release it in Autumn 2003, but the team chose to delay it by six months to make further changes and revisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp//nom/0405/1_2/index.html|script-title=ja:開発スタッフ インタビュー|language=ja|publisher=]|accessdate=April 30, 2021|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501040206/https://www.nintendo.co.jp//nom/0405/1_2/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Pikmin 2'' was directed both by ], who focused on the graphics design, and ], who focused on the ]. Miyamoto and ] served as ]s. Hajime Wakai composed the ], while ] served as the sound director; "]" is hidden twice in the game as an ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazumi Totaka's Song |url=http://www.nindb.net/feature/totakas-song.html |access-date=19 February 2012 |date=18 February 2010 |publisher=NinDB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226195812/http://www.nindb.net/feature/totakas-song.html |archive-date=26 February 2015 }}</ref> The 30-day time limit imposed in the original ''Pikmin'' was removed in order to allow players to explore the game world at a leisurely pace, which in turn increased the overall length of the game. Cooperative two-player gameplay within the main single player game was experimented, but it was found that it imposed limits on the overall game design. Multiplayer was thus relegated to a separate game mode.<ref name="ign interview"/> ''Pikmin 2'' was first released in Japan on April 29, 2004 and then in ], ], and ] later in the year. ] cards compatible with ''Pikmin 2'' were released only in Japan, which contained additional ]s. Many of the treasures feature ] for real-life brands such as ].<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/25/ign-presents-the-history-of-awesome-2004|title = IGN Presents the History of Awesome: 2004|date = November 2021|access-date = 2021-12-07|archive-date = 2021-12-07|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211207010415/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/25/ign-presents-the-history-of-awesome-2004|url-status = live}}</ref> These were replaced with fictional brands in the Nintendo Switch remaster.<ref name=nlifereview>{{cite web|last=O'Reilly|first=PJ|title=Pikmin 2 Review (Switch eShop)|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/pikmin-2|work=]|date=June 24, 2023|access-date=June 26, 2023|archive-date=June 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626073949/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/pikmin-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Hole of Beasts
* White Flower Garden
* Bulblax Kingdom
* Snagret Hole


=== Re-releases ===
The Perplexing Pool is the third area in the game, and is opened up when the other hemisphere of the globe is found. It is summer in this area, and the yellow Pikmin can be found here. This area was formerly known as The Distant Spring in the first game, and like the Awakening Wood has changed since its appearance in the original Pikmin. There are four caves in this area:
In 2009 both ''Pikmin'' and ''Pikmin 2'' were re-released for the ] as part of the '']'' brand, a selection of ] ] games with updated ] controls. Although ''New Play Control! Pikmin 2'' was released in Japan, Europe, and Australia that year, it was not confirmed for a North American release until three years later in the June 2012 issue of '']'' and was later confirmed for a June 2012 release.<ref name ="npc us date1"/> The North American ] of ''Pikmin 2''{{'}}s Wii port was released as a ] game along with the Nintendo Selects re-release of '']'' and is the penultimate Wii game to be published by Nintendo of America.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120514005467/en/Nintendo-News%C2%A0Pikmin-2-Makes-Its-U.S.-Wii-Debut-Joins-Mario-Power-Tennis-in-Nintendo-Selects|title=Nintendo News: Pikmin 2 Makes Its U.S. Wii Debut, Joins Mario Power Tennis in Nintendo Selects|location=]|publisher=]|date=May 14, 2012|access-date=October 11, 2024}}</ref> HD remasters of ''Pikmin'' and ''Pikmin 2'' for ] were announced and released on June 21, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pikmin-1-2-get-a-surprise-switch-eshop-release-later-today|title=Pikmin 1 & 2 get a surprise Switch eShop release later today|last=Wales|first=Matt|website=]|date=June 21, 2023|access-date=June 21, 2023|archive-date=June 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622023044/https://www.eurogamer.net/pikmin-1-2-get-a-surprise-switch-eshop-release-later-today|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Citadel of Spiders
* Glutton's Kitchen
* Shower Room
* Submerged Castle


== Reception ==
The Wistful Wild is the final area of the game, and is opened up when the player reaches the 10,000 Poko mark. It is autumn in this area, and is one of the most difficult levels in the game. This area contains what was known in the first game as The Impact Site, as well as The Final Trial. There are three caves in this area:
===Critical response===
* Cavern of Chaos
{{Video game reviews
* Hole of Heroes
| GR = (GC) 89.44%<ref name ="gr">{{cite web|url= http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/589374-pikmin-2/index.html |title=Pikmin 2 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414005410/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/589374-pikmin-2/index.html |access-date = 29 September 2013|archive-date=2011-04-14 }}</ref><br />(Wii) 84.00%
* Dream Den
| MC = (GC) 90/100<ref name ="mc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pikmin-2/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Pikmin 2 |publisher=] |access-date=29 April 2012 |archive-date=16 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116073715/https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/pikmin-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->| 1UP = A<ref name="1up review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134320&did=1 |title=Pikmin 2 Review |publisher=] |author=Parish, Jeremy |date=31 August 2004 |access-date=30 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619093614/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134320 |archive-date=19 June 2006 }}</ref>
| CVG = 9/10 (Wii)<ref name="cvg review">{{cite web |url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/213421/reviews/pikmin-2-new-play-control-review/ |title=Pikmin 2: New Play Control! Review |publisher=] |date=21 April 2009 |last=Kitts |first=Martin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129221140/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/213421/reviews/pikmin-2-new-play-control-review/ |access-date=10 May 2012|archive-date=2014-11-29 }}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10 (GC)<ref name = "eurog gc review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_pikmin2_gc |title=Pikmin 2 Review |publisher=] |date=4 October 2004 |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |access-date=12 September 2009 |archive-date=14 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614082313/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_pikmin2_gc |url-status=live }}</ref><br />8/10 (Wii)<ref name = "eurog wii review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-play-control-pikmin-2-review |title=New Play Control! Pikmin 2 |publisher=] |date=14 April 2009 |last=Welsh |first=Oil |access-date=29 April 2012 |archive-date=8 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908025226/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-play-control-pikmin-2-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Fam = 36/40<ref name = "fam review">{{cite web |url=http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/search.asp?query=Pikmin+2 |title=Pikmin 2 - Famitsu Scores Archive }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name = "gamepro review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/38041/pikmin-2/ |title=Pikmin 2 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607144917/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/38041/pikmin-2/ |archive-date=7 June 2011 |last=Dingo |first=Star |date= 4 September 2004}}</ref>
| GI = 8.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/F25336E6-9BA3-4405-A5BE-034B0BF3CBEB.htm|title=Pikmin 2 Review|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051101085415/https://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/F25336E6-9BA3-4405-A5BE-034B0BF3CBEB.htm|archive-date=2005-11-01}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.2/10<ref name ="gspot review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pikmin-2/reviews/pikmin-2-review-6106208/ |title=Pikmin 2 Review |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |publisher=] |access-date=29 April 2012 |date=31 August 2004 |archive-date=13 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613175518/http://www.gamespot.com/pikmin-2/reviews/pikmin-2-review-6106208/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameZone = 9.4/10<ref name = "gamezone">{{cite web|url=http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21703.htm |title=Pikmin 2 Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-date=24 September 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040924044238/http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21703.htm |last= Bedigian |first=Louis |date=20 September 2004}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.3/10<ref name = "ign review">{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/540/540864p1.html |title=Pikmin 2 Review |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |publisher=] |access-date=10 January 2009 |date=20 August 2004 |archive-date=23 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223215114/http://cube.ign.com/articles/540/540864p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NWR = 9/10<ref name = "nwr review">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4262 |title=Pikmin 2 Review |date=6 September 2004 |access-date=29 April 2012 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |last=Metts |first=Jonathan |archive-date=20 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620071302/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4262 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name = "xplay review">{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/66/Pikmin_2.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124184200/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/66/Pikmin_2.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=Pikmin 2 |publisher=] |access-date=10 January 2009 |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=30 September 2004 }}</ref>
}}


''Pikmin 2'' received critical acclaim, gaining an aggregate score of 89.44% on ] based on 58 reviews,<ref name ="gr"/> and an aggregate score of 90 on ] based on 54 reviews.<ref name ="mc"/> ''GameSpot'' named it the best GameCube game of August 2004.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050414042111/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6106526/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6106526/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Month in Review for August 2004 | date=September 3, 2004 | author=Staff | work=] | archive-date=April 14, 2005 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The February 2006 issue of '']'' rated the game as the 47th best game made on a Nintendo System in its Top 200 Games list,<ref>{{cite magazine|date=February 2006|title=NP Top 200 |magazine=] |issue=200|pages=58–66}}</ref> and was also rated 29th on '']''{{'}}s 100 greatest Nintendo games of all time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=East|first=Tom|date=February 24, 2009|title=100 Best Nintendo Games|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7276/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-four/?page=2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011173230/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7276/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-four/?page=2|archive-date=October 11, 2014|access-date=May 18, 2021}}</ref> '']'' labeled it one of the top five ] games.<ref name = "gamepro review"/> In 2020, '']'' placed the game at #6 on their list of "the top 20 GameCube games of all time".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-gamecube-games-of-all-time |title=The Best GameCube Games of All Time |author=IGN Staff |publisher=] |date=February 20, 2020 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125174650/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-gamecube-games-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref>
It can be noted that the landing site of Wistful Wild has a ] under it. In the Japanese version, it's a ], as stop signs in Japan are triangular, not octagon-shaped as in the ].


Many critics considered the title to be superior to its predecessor '']'', expressing that ''Pikmin 2'' addressed many problems or issues seen in the original game. The removal of the 30-day time limit originally used was applauded by many critics for increasing the game's longevity,<ref name ="1up review"/><ref name = "eurog gc review"/><ref name = "gamepro review"/><ref name = "ign review"/> though Nintendo World Report had mixed opinions, feeling that the lack of urgency might encourage players to be "lazy."<ref name = "nwr review"/> The addition of a separate multiplayer mode was praised, though the lack of ] online-play was a disappointment to some.
==See also==
*]


''Pikmin 2''{{'}}s strategic and puzzle-oriented gameplay was praised by many. The ] of the Pikmin was noted by '']'' as improved over the original,<ref name ="gspot review"/> though ''IGN'' remarked on reoccurring shortcomings, such as Pikmin getting stuck behind walls or breaking away from the group.<ref name = "ign review"/>
==External links==

*
The ] and presentation in ''Pikmin 2'' were highly praised; many critics felt that they were greatly improved over the original game. ''IGN'' stated that "it's highly refreshing to see a Nintendo-created game with such undeniably high production values," noting the "]" environments, ], character animation, and the observation that the game constantly runs at 30 ].<ref name="ign review" /> ''GameSpot'' agreed, expressing that "from a performance viewpoint, ''Pikmin 2'' stands as an impressive achievement on the GameCube, especially since the improved visuals still move at a solid frame rate despite the increased detail."<ref name="gspot review" /> Tom Bramwell of '']'' called ''Pikmin 2'' "relentlessly and giddily gorgeous."''<ref name="eurog gc review" />'' Other critics, such as '']'', did not agree about the graphics, feeling the improvements were "marginal" at best.<ref name="xplay review" /> In addition, many reviews voiced minor complaints regarding the game's ], which was often obstructed by large objects in the playing field when positioned at certain angles.''<ref name="gspot review" /><ref name="1up review" /><ref name="eurog gc review" /><ref name="ign review" />''
* {{Nintendo.com|id=m-Game-0000-1727|title=Pikmin 2}}

*
The staff of ''X-Play'' nominated ''Pikmin 2'' for their 2004 "Best Strategy Game" award,<ref name=xplaybestof2004nominees>{{cite web | author=''X-Play'' Staff | work=] | url=http://www.g4tv.com:80/xplay/features/50787/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Nominees.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051107164119/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50787/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Nominees.html | date=January 18, 2005 | archive-date=November 7, 2005 | title=''X-Play''{{'}}s Best of 2004 Nominees | url-status=dead }}</ref> which ultimately went to '']''.<ref name=xplaybestof2004winners>{{cite web | author=''X-Play'' Staff | work=] | url=http://www.g4tv.com:80/xplay/features/50882/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Winners_Announced.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050315015954/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50882/XPlays_Best_of_2004_Winners_Announced.html | date=January 27, 2005 | archive-date=March 15, 2005 | title=''X-Play''{{'}}s Best of 2004 Winners Announced! | url-status=dead }}</ref> During the ], the ] nominated ''Pikmin 2'' for "]",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=223 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Pikmin 2 |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225094951/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=223 |url-status=live }}</ref> which was ultimately awarded to '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGameAwardType=38 |title=2005 Awards Category Details Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624222307/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGameAwardType=38 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{moby game|id=/gamecube/Pikmin-2|name=''Pikmin 2''}}

* (8 day completion) at ]
===Re-releases===
* - the Pikmin Fansite.
In his review of the Nintendo Switch version, PJ O'Reilly of '']'' described the remaster as "bare-bones". He particularly lamented the replacement of the licensed brands with fictional ones, claiming that this makes it more difficult for players to notice a connection between Earth and the Pikmin planet. O'Reilly nonetheless gave the Nintendo Switch remaster an 8/10 score because of the core game's quality.<ref name=nlifeswitch>{{cite web|last=O'Reilly|first=PJ|title=Pikmin 2 Review (Switch eShop)|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/pikmin-2|website=Nintendo Life|date=June 23, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2023|archive-date=July 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719072856/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/pikmin-2|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sales===
During the first week of its release, ''Pikmin 2'' sold roughly 162,000 copies, going on to sell 483,000 total copies within Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/gc.php|title=Japan GameCube charts|publisher=Japan Game Charts|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070723025415/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/gc.php|archive-date=July 23, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> For the New Play Control! rerelease for the Wii, the game sold roughly 237,000 total copies in Japan during its lifetime.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/pikmin_3_deluxe_is_officially_the_best-selling_entry_in_the_series_in_japan|title=Pikmin 3 Deluxe Is Officially The Best-Selling Entry In The Series In Japan|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=January 18, 2021|website=]|accessdate=January 7, 2022|archive-date=October 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031202820/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/pikmin_3_deluxe_is_officially_the_best-selling_entry_in_the_series_in_japan|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{Moby game|id=/pikmin-2}}
* {{imdb title|0363890}}


{{Pikmin series}} {{Pikmin series}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|2000s}}


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Latest revision as of 22:06, 28 December 2024

2004 video game

2004 video game
Pikmin 2
North American GameCube box art
Developer(s)Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Shigefumi Hino
Masamichi Abe
Producer(s)Shigeru Miyamoto
Takashi Tezuka
Designer(s)Hiroaki Takenaka
Writer(s)Motoi Okamoto
Kazumi Yamaguchi
Composer(s)Hajime Wakai
Kazumi Totaka
SeriesPikmin
Platform(s)
ReleaseGameCube
  • JP: April 29, 2004
  • NA: August 30, 2004
  • EU: October 8, 2004
  • AU: November 4, 2004
Wii
  • JP: March 12, 2009
  • EU: April 24, 2009
  • AU: May 14, 2009
  • NA: June 10, 2012
Nintendo Switch
  • WW: June 21, 2023
Genre(s)Real-time strategy, puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Pikmin 2 is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game Pikmin and the second game in the Pikmin series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin planet to collect valuable treasure after learning that the company he works for—Hocotate Freight—is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Like its predecessor, Pikmin 2 focuses on exploring an unknown planet's surface from a microscopic perspective, where the player directs the Pikmin to perform various tasks, such as destroying obstacles, defeating enemies, and retrieving objects. It introduces new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to control two different leaders at once and the addition of new Pikmin types.

Pikmin 2 received critical acclaim, gaining aggregate scores of 89.60% and 90 on GameRankings and Metacritic, respectively. Many critics praised the various additions and changes, such as the new Pikmin types, longer length and the removal of the 30-day time limit imposed in the original game. Pikmin 2 was re-released as part of the New Play Control! series for the Wii in 2009 in Japan, Europe and Australia and it received a North American release three years later in 2012. An HD remaster of the game was released for the Nintendo Switch in June 2023. A sequel to the game, Pikmin 3, was released in 2013 for the Wii U.

Gameplay

Pikmin 2 expands on the gameplay introduced in its predecessor, Pikmin. The player controls both Captain Olimar and Louie from a third-person microscopic perspective to retrieve treasures (which consist of human waste such as scrap metal and broken toys) from the surface of an unknown planet (called the "distant planet"). The gameplay focuses on leading and directing a horde of plant-like creatures called Pikmin to accomplish this mission. The Pikmin follow behind Olimar and/or Louie as they move around the field. The player can quickly throw individual Pikmin at enemies and obstacles, where they automatically engage in combat, destroying obstacles, or building bridges. The player can also direct the entire mob (or a subdivision) to swarm and attack enemies en masse. Because the player controls two leaders simultaneously, they can have the leaders separate with their own Pikmin hordes to complete multiple tasks at once. While the player can amass a limitless number of Pikmin, only up to 100 Pikmin are allowed on the field at any time.

The player simultaneously controls both Olimar (bottom) and Louie (top), who can each lead separate Pikmin groups. The varying Pikmin colors indicate their immunity to environmental hazards.

The player can only explore during the daylight and begins each day at sunrise, and must finish all tasks and collect all stray Pikmin before sunset. Pikmin that are left behind at sunset are lost to ferocious nocturnal predators, a mechanic that was also in Pikmin. Unlike Pikmin, the game lacks a time limit and gives the player an unlimited number of days.

The Pikmin themselves come in five distinct colors, which indicates their strength or immunity to hazards. Red, Blue, and Yellow Pikmin, which originally appeared in Pikmin, are resilient to fire, drowning, and electric hazards, respectively. Two new colors, Purple and White, are unique to Pikmin 2. White Pikmin are swifter than the other types, can resist poisonous gases and poison enemies if devoured, and can locate hidden treasures buried in the soil. Purple Pikmin, while not immune to any hazards, are slower but far stronger than the others and can lift as much as 10 ordinary Pikmin. They are also heavy, and can stun enemies when thrown at them. Because of these characteristics, the player must choose the Pikmin that are best-suited to the task at hand. The stalk on a Pikmin's head, topped with either a leaf, bud, or flower, indicates their swiftness and strength, growing upon consumption of nectar harvested from various sources. More Pikmin can be born by bringing pellets or enemy carcasses to the "Onion" motherships, where they can be safely stored and extracted. Purple and White Pikmin do not have their own Onions and are stored inside the Hocotate Ship, and are created by throwing existing Pikmin into rare flowers called Candypop Buds. The game also introduces a sixth Pikmin type, Bulbmin, which are resistant to all hazards but are only temporarily usable. Lastly, it introduces sprays that can be collected by harvesting certain plants. The purple spray can be sprayed on enemies, and causes them to temporarily be encased in stone, making them vulnerable to attacks. The red spray gives Pikmin a temporary boost to their speed and attack strength.

The player is able to explore four distinct locales on the distant planet, which vary in theme, enemies, and treasures found. The player is also accompanied by the Hocotate Ship's artificial intelligence, which gives them hints and input. When a treasure is found, the Pikmin carry it back to the Hocotate Ship, where it will be placed into the ship's cargo hold and its worth calculated. In addition to exploring the surface of each locale, there are caves scattered throughout the landscape, which the player, the Pikmin horde, and the ship's AI can enter. Caves contain multiple treasures and enemies spread across multiple sub-levels. Some enemies, such as the Waterwraith, are found only within caves. While inside a cave, time does not pass on the surface due to a time warp caused by a strong geomagnetic field, allowing the player to explore for an indefinite period of time before sunset. However, the Pikmin Onions do not follow the player, meaning that they must bring enough Pikmin beforehand to use within the cave. Caves are also home to larger, stronger enemies that serve as the game's bosses, which upon defeat award treasures that bestow new abilities to the player characters. Cave layouts are randomly generated, but certain floors are not, generally boss floors. Caves are also the only place to find the "Violet" or "Ivory" "Candypop Buds" that make Purple or White Pikmin. The player completes the game after collecting all 201 treasures.

Additional modes

In addition to the main single-player game mode, there is a two-player competitive mode and an unlockable challenge mode. In the competitive game mode, Olimar and Louie are each controlled by a player. In a capture the flag style gameplay, the player's objective is to either retrieve four yellow marbles or claim the opponent's marble using Pikmin. A player can launch attacks against the other's Pikmin to hinder the opponent's progress. When a player collects a cherry, an advantage is gained, such as gaining or flowering Pikmin or summoning enemies at the opponent's base.

The challenge mode is unlocked during the single-player game. One or two players can play this mode cooperatively. Each selectable level takes place in caves of varying depth, and the objective is to locate a Key treasure, used to open access to the next sub-level, within the specified time limit. The player completes the level upon finding the cave's exit, and is scored based on the treasures collected, the number of Pikmin surviving upon exit, and the time taken to complete the level.

Plot

After the events of Pikmin, Captain Olimar returns to his home planet Hocotate. He learns from his employer (a space transport company) that his co-worker, Louie, lost a shipment of luxury carrots to a "space rabbit". The company is forced to take out a large loan to cover the loss, and immediately sells Olimar's ship. When Olimar drops a bottle cap he brought home as a souvenir, an intelligent company ship appraises it as considerably valuable. The company president orders Olimar and Louie to take the ship to the planet where the treasure was found, and collect more of it to save the company.

Upon arriving on the Pikmin's planet, Olimar and Louie are initially separated, but reunite after working with the local red Pikmin population. In the process of finding treasure, they encounter White and Purple Pikmin, two new species that Olimar had never encountered before. After finding enough treasure, Olimar takes off for Hocotate, only to realize mid-flight that Louie was accidentally left behind. Though the debt is cleared, upon Olimar's suggestion the president decides that they must return to find treasures and help strengthen the company's finances, and joins Olimar on his return trip to the Pikmin's planet to find Louie. Eventually the pair encounters Louie in the Dream Den atop of a giant elemental creature called the Titan Dweevil that can harness the ability to switch between using fire, water, poison and electricity through treasures. After defeating the creature, Olimar and the president retrieve Louie and the final treasures, and depart the planet, leaving the Pikmin behind.

In a special epilogue, it is revealed that Louie ate the entire shipment of Pikpik brand carrots he was delivering and falsified his report to the president to avoid trouble, causing the events of the game.

Development

In December 2002 a year following the release of Pikmin, game designer Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed a sequel to be in development. Development took about two and a half years; the original plan was to release it in Autumn 2003, but the team chose to delay it by six months to make further changes and revisions. Pikmin 2 was directed both by Shigefumi Hino, who focused on the graphics design, and Masamichi Abe, who focused on the game design. Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka served as producers. Hajime Wakai composed the game soundtrack, while Kazumi Totaka served as the sound director; "Totaka's Song" is hidden twice in the game as an Easter egg. The 30-day time limit imposed in the original Pikmin was removed in order to allow players to explore the game world at a leisurely pace, which in turn increased the overall length of the game. Cooperative two-player gameplay within the main single player game was experimented, but it was found that it imposed limits on the overall game design. Multiplayer was thus relegated to a separate game mode. Pikmin 2 was first released in Japan on April 29, 2004 and then in North America, Europe, and Australasia later in the year. Nintendo e-Reader cards compatible with Pikmin 2 were released only in Japan, which contained additional minigames. Many of the treasures feature product placement for real-life brands such as Duracell. These were replaced with fictional brands in the Nintendo Switch remaster.

Re-releases

In 2009 both Pikmin and Pikmin 2 were re-released for the Wii as part of the New Play Control! brand, a selection of ported GameCube games with updated Wii Remote controls. Although New Play Control! Pikmin 2 was released in Japan, Europe, and Australia that year, it was not confirmed for a North American release until three years later in the June 2012 issue of Nintendo Power and was later confirmed for a June 2012 release. The North American localization of Pikmin 2's Wii port was released as a Nintendo Selects game along with the Nintendo Selects re-release of Mario Power Tennis and is the penultimate Wii game to be published by Nintendo of America. HD remasters of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 for Nintendo Switch were announced and released on June 21, 2023.

Reception

Critical response

Reception
Aggregate scores
AggregatorScore
GameRankings(GC) 89.44%
(Wii) 84.00%
Metacritic(GC) 90/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
1Up.comA
Computer and Video Games9/10 (Wii)
Eurogamer9/10 (GC)
8/10 (Wii)
Famitsu36/40
Game Informer8.75/10
GamePro
GameSpot9.2/10
GameZone9.4/10
IGN9.3/10
Nintendo World Report9/10
X-Play

Pikmin 2 received critical acclaim, gaining an aggregate score of 89.44% on GameRankings based on 58 reviews, and an aggregate score of 90 on Metacritic based on 54 reviews. GameSpot named it the best GameCube game of August 2004. The February 2006 issue of Nintendo Power rated the game as the 47th best game made on a Nintendo System in its Top 200 Games list, and was also rated 29th on Official Nintendo Magazine's 100 greatest Nintendo games of all time. GamePro labeled it one of the top five GameCube games. In 2020, IGN placed the game at #6 on their list of "the top 20 GameCube games of all time".

Many critics considered the title to be superior to its predecessor Pikmin, expressing that Pikmin 2 addressed many problems or issues seen in the original game. The removal of the 30-day time limit originally used was applauded by many critics for increasing the game's longevity, though Nintendo World Report had mixed opinions, feeling that the lack of urgency might encourage players to be "lazy." The addition of a separate multiplayer mode was praised, though the lack of LAN online-play was a disappointment to some.

Pikmin 2's strategic and puzzle-oriented gameplay was praised by many. The artificial intelligence of the Pikmin was noted by GameSpot as improved over the original, though IGN remarked on reoccurring shortcomings, such as Pikmin getting stuck behind walls or breaking away from the group.

The graphics and presentation in Pikmin 2 were highly praised; many critics felt that they were greatly improved over the original game. IGN stated that "it's highly refreshing to see a Nintendo-created game with such undeniably high production values," noting the "photorealistic" environments, particle effects, character animation, and the observation that the game constantly runs at 30 frames-per-second. GameSpot agreed, expressing that "from a performance viewpoint, Pikmin 2 stands as an impressive achievement on the GameCube, especially since the improved visuals still move at a solid frame rate despite the increased detail." Tom Bramwell of Eurogamer called Pikmin 2 "relentlessly and giddily gorgeous." Other critics, such as X-Play, did not agree about the graphics, feeling the improvements were "marginal" at best. In addition, many reviews voiced minor complaints regarding the game's camera system, which was often obstructed by large objects in the playing field when positioned at certain angles.

The staff of X-Play nominated Pikmin 2 for their 2004 "Best Strategy Game" award, which ultimately went to Rome: Total War. During the 8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Pikmin 2 for "Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year", which was ultimately awarded to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Re-releases

In his review of the Nintendo Switch version, PJ O'Reilly of Nintendo Life described the remaster as "bare-bones". He particularly lamented the replacement of the licensed brands with fictional ones, claiming that this makes it more difficult for players to notice a connection between Earth and the Pikmin planet. O'Reilly nonetheless gave the Nintendo Switch remaster an 8/10 score because of the core game's quality.

Sales

During the first week of its release, Pikmin 2 sold roughly 162,000 copies, going on to sell 483,000 total copies within Japan. For the New Play Control! rerelease for the Wii, the game sold roughly 237,000 total copies in Japan during its lifetime.

Notes

  1. Japanese: ピクミン2, Hepburn: Pikumin Tsū

References

  1. "Nintendo Offers Proof of Aliens". Nintendo Australia. November 4, 2004. Archived from the original on February 4, 2005. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  2. ^ Jackson, Mike (April 25, 2012). "Pikmin 2 for Wii finally gets US release". Computer and Video Games. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  3. Goergon, Andy (May 14, 2012). "Pikmin 2 Arriving At $19.99, Other Price Drops Coming Soon". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on May 16, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
  4. ^ Torres, Ricardo (August 31, 2004). "Pikmin 2 Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 13, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  5. ^ "Pikmin 2 Interview". IGN. August 24, 2004. Archived from the original on December 16, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  6. "Nintendo Talks Pikmin 2 and Mario 128". IGN. December 10, 2002. Archived from the original on August 15, 2007. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  7. 開発スタッフ インタビュー (in Japanese). Nintendo. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  8. "Kazumi Totaka's Song". NinDB. February 18, 2010. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  9. "IGN Presents the History of Awesome: 2004". November 2021. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  10. O'Reilly, PJ (June 24, 2023). "Pikmin 2 Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  11. "Nintendo News: Pikmin 2 Makes Its U.S. Wii Debut, Joins Mario Power Tennis in Nintendo Selects". Redmond, Washington: Business Wire. May 14, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  12. Wales, Matt (June 21, 2023). "Pikmin 1 & 2 get a surprise Switch eShop release later today". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  13. ^ "Pikmin 2". GameRankings. Archived from the original on April 14, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  14. ^ "Pikmin 2". Metacritic. Archived from the original on January 16, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  15. ^ Parish, Jeremy (August 31, 2004). "Pikmin 2 Review". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  16. Kitts, Martin (April 21, 2009). "Pikmin 2: New Play Control! Review". Computer and Video Games. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  17. ^ Bramwell, Tom (October 4, 2004). "Pikmin 2 Review". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on June 14, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  18. Welsh, Oil (April 14, 2009). "New Play Control! Pikmin 2". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on September 8, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  19. "Pikmin 2 - Famitsu Scores Archive".
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