10th September 2004, 5:29 PM
Well I got it today, as I said I would, and stayed home from work to play it.
...
Okay that's not entirely true. I am stricken with a vile cold and, well, the prospect of playing Pikmin 2 all day long as opposed to working certainly tipped the scales. And play I did. Since about noon, I'm now forcing myself to take a break to write my thoughts on the game (it's still on, awaiting my return).
First off, I love a sequel which adds new elements of gameplay, yet still retains much of what made the original great. This game strikes a perfect balance. I found myself laughing with glee with every recognizable creature that jumped out, and loving the experience of the new creatures too. Experimenting with the purple and white Pikmin abilities, and also the new abilities of the returning red, yellow, and blue.
I love the product placement. It still amuses me to find a "treasure" which is actually a name-brand product. Duracell Batteries, 7-Up and Dr. Pepper caps, Game & Watch handhelds, and even an Ace of Spades playing card!
Having to controllable characters can help too. Switching tasks between Olimar and Louie (After the awesome Captain Olimar, the best name they could come up with was Louie??) can really speed up how much you can do in a day.
As for the whole time limit bickering, I'm indifferent. I feel the game is no better with or without it. The first game used the time limit to give it it's challenge. The better puzzles, better strategy needed, and overall increased difficulty give the sequel it's challenge. I still defend the time limit in the first game, but also enjoy the style of Pikmin 2 as well.
What else...
Oh, and I love how the Pikmin sing the Luigi's Mansion music in caves.
I'm sure I'd have lots more to say if my bloodstream didn't include 40% virus and 40% cold medicine. Perhaps I'll ramble more later.
...
Okay that's not entirely true. I am stricken with a vile cold and, well, the prospect of playing Pikmin 2 all day long as opposed to working certainly tipped the scales. And play I did. Since about noon, I'm now forcing myself to take a break to write my thoughts on the game (it's still on, awaiting my return).
First off, I love a sequel which adds new elements of gameplay, yet still retains much of what made the original great. This game strikes a perfect balance. I found myself laughing with glee with every recognizable creature that jumped out, and loving the experience of the new creatures too. Experimenting with the purple and white Pikmin abilities, and also the new abilities of the returning red, yellow, and blue.
I love the product placement. It still amuses me to find a "treasure" which is actually a name-brand product. Duracell Batteries, 7-Up and Dr. Pepper caps, Game & Watch handhelds, and even an Ace of Spades playing card!
Having to controllable characters can help too. Switching tasks between Olimar and Louie (After the awesome Captain Olimar, the best name they could come up with was Louie??) can really speed up how much you can do in a day.
As for the whole time limit bickering, I'm indifferent. I feel the game is no better with or without it. The first game used the time limit to give it it's challenge. The better puzzles, better strategy needed, and overall increased difficulty give the sequel it's challenge. I still defend the time limit in the first game, but also enjoy the style of Pikmin 2 as well.
What else...
Oh, and I love how the Pikmin sing the Luigi's Mansion music in caves.
I'm sure I'd have lots more to say if my bloodstream didn't include 40% virus and 40% cold medicine. Perhaps I'll ramble more later.
The Earthworker Race has ended. Everybody wins.