Pikmin

Game Overview

Pikmin is set on an alien planet whose atmosphere is toxic to Captain Olimar. After his spaceship, the S.S. Dolphin, is damaged in a crash, he must locate and retrieve 30 scattered ship parts within 30 days. Olimar discovers the Pikmin—small, plant-animal hybrids that grow from seeds and follow his commands. There are three types: Red Pikmin (fire-resistant and strong in combat), Yellow Pikmin (able to carry bomb-rocks and be thrown higher), and Blue Pikmin (able to survive underwater). Players control Olimar and direct groups of up to 100 Pikmin to clear obstacles, build bridges, fight native creatures, and transport ship parts back to the ship. Each day has a time limit before sunset, after which Olimar and the Pikmin must return to the ship. Recovering the required parts allows Olimar to escape; collecting all 30 parts unlocks the best ending.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo GameCube
  
• Genre: Real-Time Strategy / Puzzle
  
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
  
• Publisher: Nintendo
  
• Directors: Shigefumi Hino, Masamichi Abe
  
• Producer: Shigeru Miyamoto
  
• Composer: Hajime Wakai
  
• Release Dates: Japan – October 26, 2001; North America – December 3, 2001; Europe – June 14, 2002
  
• Players: 1
  
• Rating: ESRB E (Everyone); PEGI 3
  
• Media: GameCube Optical Disc
  
• Japanese Title: Pikmin (ピクミン)

Key Features

• 30-day time limit to recover ship parts for the S.S. Dolphin
  
• Three types of Pikmin with distinct abilities (Red, Yellow, and Blue)
  
• Real-time squad control of up to 100 Pikmin at once
  
• Environmental puzzles involving bridges, bomb-rocks, water, and fire
  
• Miniature scale environments inspired by real-world gardens
  
• Day/night cycle that forces players to manage time carefully
  
• Multiple endings based on the number of ship parts recovered
  
• Simple controls that use the GameCube controller’s dual analog sticks for directing Pikmin
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What are the three types of Pikmin?

Red Pikmin are resistant to fire and excel in combat. Yellow Pikmin can carry and throw bomb-rocks and can be thrown higher. Blue Pikmin can breathe underwater and are required for aquatic areas.

How many ship parts are there?

There are 30 ship parts in total. 25 are required to leave the planet; collecting all 30 unlocks the best ending.

What happens if you run out of days?

If the player fails to recover the required ship parts by day 30, Olimar cannot escape. The game features different endings depending on the number of parts collected.

Can you control individual Pikmin?

Yes. Players can direct the entire group, split them into smaller squads by color, or throw individual Pikmin using the C-Stick.

Is the game timed each day?

Yes. Each day has a limited amount of daylight. When time runs out, Olimar and the Pikmin must return to the ship or they will be left behind until the next day.

Does the game have multiplayer?

No. Pikmin is a single-player game.

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