Topic: Pikmin - where to begin?

Just gonna say it: I’ve never played a Pikmin game.

And with 1, 2, and 3 Deluxe available on Switch, where should I begin?

Is it an obvious conclusion to start at the beginning?

Or, do I skip all three and download the Pikmin 4 demo next week?

I think it would be a good idea to at least start with Pikmin 1. That would give you a good idea of what the series is like and might help you to appreciate the additions and changes that are in 4.

I agree. Going in order now that both 1 and 2 are available is a smart move. Pikmin 1 introduces the basics and a bunch of mechanics like Bomb Rocks that will reoccur in later entries. Pikmin 2 is next, where you have control over more pikmin types, a new character (louie) and dungeons underground. Pikmin 3 has 3 playable characters, more pikmin types, a new goal of collecting fruit during the campaign to survive, and features similar gameplay to the first two. I’d play them in order to be safe.

I'm finally tempted to give this series an honest crack, but it will have to wait until the physical release of the first two games drops in September.

@Logicfire start with 3 or 4. The controls and graphics in 3 are light years better than 1 & 2 the game is more forgiving and the game world more interesting and dense. I assume 4 will be more of the same.

The plot is superfluous.

1 is more proof of concept. It’s very good but “oh you ran out of days - redo the last 10 hrs again” was dated and unpopular then and that was 20 years ago (it was rare to run out of time but the possibility makes the game more stressful. 3 has elements of that but it’s not the same)

2 is a top tier game - possibly the best all round game on the GameCube. I’d suggest it’s best played after one of the other games as an introduction though (it’s definitely harder and feels significantly longer than either 1 or 3).

@StuTwo that’s kind of where my head has been at too: start with 3 deluxe and go back to 1 and/or 2. I heard the first is a very short game but maybe that’s what I need: 1, 3, 2, then 4.

However, I started the Luigi’s Mansion series with the third on Switch. Then played Dark Moon on 3DS. And still haven’t gone back to the original. So I’m comfortable with out of order.

It’s just kinda cool to have all games on Switch, I want to take advantage of the convenience.

I’d say start with 3 then 1 and 2.
1 is really replayable and gives a good challenge. I replay this every year.
2 is good but it’s the easiest Pikmin game with lesser of a challenge and alot of time exploring with no penalty also time freezes when you go into a cave. It’s not replayable as 1 or 3

Maybe we can make this a pikmin 1-2 thread. We kind of need one unless there's already one and I didn't see it.

Either way, I started with Pikmin 1 as my first game. It's ok so far, little stressful honestly. Dumb question, but I've got 4 ship parts in 4 days. I assume you just need to collect 1 part per day and you're set. That correct? I've had to restart day 3 and 4 so Many times to get it all right.