10.0 Presentation
Absolutely phenomenal. Slick, stylized menu work, gorgeous CG cut-scenes, a wide number of gameplay modes and Piklopedia and Treasures collections areas that'll knock your socks off.

9.0 Graphics
Gorgeous. Though environmental textures blur up close, the locales look great panned back. Meanwhile, everything from lighting and water effects to particles and creature models is beautiful.

8.0 Sound
Runs in Dolby Pro Logic II. Crisp sound effects echo and reverb in caves. Cute, cuddly character calls and subdued, but interesting music. More orchestrated music would be nice.

9.0 Gameplay
A great formula made better. Amazingly fun to play, despite a couple flaws. And the inclusion of two new Pikmin types, another hero character, more play modes, and cooperative and versus battles.

10.0 Lasting Appeal
A huge single-player mode -- 30 or so hours. Plus deep multiplayer modes to boot. Gamers will be busy for a long, long time, and loving every minute. Some will spend hours with the Piklopedia alone.

OVERALL: 9.3 (out of 10 / not an average)

Pikmin 2 delivers. It's a sequel that retains the same fundamental play mechanics and mission rules that made the first a hit, but also one that improves upon just about every aspect of the original formula. The control mechanics are slightly more fine-tuned. There are two new Pikmin types, which create a wealth of new play options. There is an additional main character, which makes dividing Pikmin into different squads all the easier. There are more environmental-based puzzles and challenges. The single-player game is dramatically more difficult and longer -- roughly 30 hours. The 30-day system that hindered the original title has been thrown out of the window, and as a result gamers can set their pace. There are new challenge and versus modes, both of which are highly entertaining. There's even a collection system that rivals that in Super Smash Bros. Melee. To top it all off, the game features phenomenal presentation through and through, a fact reinforced by crisp, detailed CG sequences that are uncommon in Nintendo-developed titles. Here's hoping this is the beginning of a trend.

Most important of all, though, Pikmin 2 is fun. Despite some minor issues with character AI and the process of dividing Pikmin into groups, the game is extremely enjoyable from beginning to end.

Top notch. Highly recommended.


pretty good, by one of nintendo's harshes critics too. This game is coming out next week, and the original is still one of my all time favorites. I am so pumped for this game, I've heard nothing but good things about it.

I've never played Pikmin.

Shame on you Pixy

That's just wrong. Pikmin is awesome. Go play it. Go now!

I am getting Pikmin 2 as soon as it hits the shelves.

I saw the commercial for it on tv, I thought it was pretty funny.

Me either. Don't feel left out.

I loved the first game. Not sure if its really a $50 game, but I'll definitely pick it up if I can find a better deal.

How is that possible? You should go get the first one and play through, then go buy the second one. It's a fantastic game, I'll be grabbing this one the second I can get my hands on it.

pixy! You of all people I would have expected to play Pikmin. I've noticed you have a good taste in games, you should give it a try . Its got a lot of charm to it, but the gameplay is top notch. From reading the review, it sounds like they've improved it even more.

I'm definitely picking it up at launch. 30+ hour single player quest, plus a collection system that rivals SSBM's? sold!

Pixy, for shame! For shame!

One more LASH for Pixy!

Seriously, get it, play it, buy the sequel.

My brother had this preordered for me for my birthday since June! Can't wait.

I never played it either...mostly due to the bitching I heard about the "3-day" restriction.

However, it sounds like this might be the title to jump in with, so I'll probably give it a shot.

It was actually a 30 day (in game) restriction on the game, and it could easily be beaten in 1-2 real days. It was fun while it lasted. I don't think the first Pikmin was worth $50, but I think it was well worth the $15 I payed for a pre-owned copy. I believe it's a Player's Choice title now, so you could probably get it for $15 new at Best Buy with the gamer gift card coupon.

I want Pikmin 2 but I can't afford 3 games this month. I'm gonna go with Burnout 3, and SW: Battlefront. I'll have to put Pikmin on the christmas list.

I skipped the first one too.

The first one was really creative, and it looks like they've improved on the concept. Multiplayer, yay!

I have the first one, and I haven't played it.

When does this game hit stores? I have 70 dollars in Gamestop store credit that is iching to be used for Pikmin 2.

tomorrow.

lol, i don't really have any interest in the game but the commercial is pretty funny

hot dog! hot dog! hot dog!...

Anyone pick this title up yet? I am curious about the 2 player options.

I've had the game for a long time but I'm stuck about 3/5 of the way through. I need to get the Player's Guide and finish it up. It's really a wonderful game.

Once I finish up the first one I'll definitely be picking up the sequel. Will be fun to have a go at the multiplayer with my wife.

Which part are you stuck at?

The posted date was the shipping date, game hits stores tomorrow.

For the as of yet unconvinced (but i seriously don't know why you would need anymore proof that the game rocks), Gamespot just posted their review:

"All told, Pikmin 2 is an excellent sequel that builds on its predecessor by introducing important additions that make the game even better than the original. The game's improved visuals and deeper playability smartly expand on the concepts introduced in the original. The implementation of the multiplayer modes is a welcome addition to the sequel, as is the lengthier single-player experience. If you're a fan of the original game, picking Pikmin 2 up should be a no-brainer. If you haven't tried the series yet, Pikmin 2 is a fantastic place to start."

Score: 9.2
superb

I just logged in a whole lot more hours than any person should have. I'm glad I don't have to go to work tomorrow and only have a night class.

It is seriously a lot of fun. It is what every other review says, it keeps the esential concepts of the original but with deeper game play. I think it is funny how they really try to push the fact that you have unlimited days to complete the game. I am still rushing around trying to get as much done as possible when the game keeps reminding me to take it slower.

The concept of underground caves are the most different. You go into these caves and the time stops as you explore them. There are many levels and there is only one way; down. Until you reach a geyser at which point you return to the surface with all your Pikmin (what's left of them) and the treasure you collected at the exact point in time you left. Did I mention that you can't generate more and you only have what you came in with? (max. 100) To make it fair there are some points where you can change the color of your Pikmin and they tell you what color Pikmin you will need.

Get the game. It is worth it. It's worth it just to throw pik pik carrots at the bulborbs and watch them go into a feeding frenzy.