Introduction:

Ah, the long awaited sequel to one of the best games in the Gamecube's era. 
Can the game that was inspired by ants shatter our high expectations?  Let's
find out.

Story:

After gathering all of the parts for your ship in the first Pikmin, you
return to your boss, who reluctantly reports that his company is in debt. 
Like most games the burden is set on you to save the day. He sends you off
to gather treasures to raise the 10,000 dollars for the debt.  Can Captain
Olimar and his new friend Louie do it?

Gameplay:

Staying true to the game play in the first Pikmin, Pikmin 2 offers even more
ways to command your Pikmin to death or glory.  Pikmin 2 introduces two new
types of Pikmin, Purple as well as white.  The white Pikmin are resistant to
poison and the purple are large and deliver more damage.  You can command
the Pikmin using the C-Stick.  They will go wherever you demand, even to their
death.  Finding the treasures isn't too hard, most are quite visible.  Some
are buried, which require the white Pikmin to dig up.  And Nintendo cleverly
threw in some Trademark items.  Such as Energizer Batteries, 7UP bottle
caps, and so on.  Of all of the Pikmin (White, Blue, Red, Purple, and
Yellow) the White and Purple are the toughest to acquire.  You must venture
into the all annoying caves and throw other Pikmin into specially colored
flowers to get them to change to either Purple or White.  Red, Yellow, and
Blue are easier to get, as the ships follow you. 

I give the gameplay: 10/10

Graphics:

I'm going to go right out and say it.  The graphics in Pikmin 2 are amazing.
The lighting effects and shadowing are done amazingly, and the expressions
on the wild creatures faces as your never ending brigade of Pikmin slaves
devour them are priceless. 

I give the graphics: 10/10

Sound:

Pikmin 2 offers some of the most ambient sounds in recent memory.  The
dripping sound effects of the caves, and the sound of the outside will
capture your emotions in an instant.

I give the sound: 9/10

Replayability:

Pikmin 2 doesn't offer much replayability.  After going through the entire
game once you might be out of breath.  When I beat this game I did not feel
like going through it again.  Well, at least not for a few years.

I give the replayability: 7/10

Challenge:

Pikmin 2 offers a great variety of challenge.  Whether gathering more
Pikmin, or destroying the bosses this game is very challenging.  If you
defeat a boss and find that you lost 3/4 of your Pikmin you may feel the
urge to hit the reset button and go through again trying to save more
Pikmin.

I give the challenge: 9/10

Value:

This game holds its own.  But like I said earlier, this might be worth
beating every year or so.

I give the value: 7/10

Overall:

If you love strategic, challenging games then you'll love this game.  It is a
very solid game and I was left thinking what was next for the series.  I would highly recommend this game to any non or Nintendo fan.

I give Pikmin 2: 9/10

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading my review.

Written By: NonnerJonner
E-Mail Address: nonnerjonner@nintendocity.com
Date Written: May 16th, 2005