The Best Nintendo Game Every Year 1983 - 2024
21. 2004 - Pikmin 2
Since Nintendo has a few core franchises they reliably lean on, it often falls to the new IP to truly define the generation. With the Lil’ Purple Lunchbox, the most noteworthy might be Pikmin, with the first game in 2001 and its stunning sequel three years later.
With every new franchise, the first entry is often about proving that it can work and the original Pikmin was a charming and cutesy facade on a deceptively tactical strategy adventure. Pikmin 2 took the formula and tweaked certain parts of it just enough to stand alone and, debatably, set itself as the apex of the franchise even to this day.
Commanding Pikmin with the GameCube controller was more satisfying than ever, and Pikmin 2 offered a much higher skill ceiling despite the loss of the first game’s strict campaign timer. In its stead, players battled competitively with friends, explored challenging dungeons and ran in fright of a terrifying semi-transparent man with bulldozers for hands and feet.
The series might not be for everyone but its incredibly unique vibe is what makes it such a delight, and Pikmin 2 is the most rewarding for those who really connect with that vibe.