Happy 20th anniversary, Pikmin. Two decades on from its original launch on GameCube, Nintendo’s beloved garden strategy series has been re-imagined by Pokémon Go maker Niantic, in partnership with original creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
The result is Pikmin Bloom, a charming mix of light strategy, collecting and exploration over your local area. As you might expect from Niantic, this is another game which encourages you to get off your sofa and wander the real world, played on your smartphone.
But there are some surprises, too. There’s much less Pokémon Go in Pikmin Bloom than you might expect, plus plenty of personality from your little Pikmin friends as they scurry in groups over your neighbourhood, or eagerly run over to you when whistled for a drop of nectar to slurp. The Pikmin act exactly as you remember – their boisterous little personalities shining through.
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There’s a big focus on your step count, and a little scrapbook function for remembering your day. The whole thing ends up feeling a more relaxed experience than other Niantic games – one which can tick over in the background while you go for a stroll.