Pikmin 2 (GameCube)

Pikmin 2 sees you returning to the Pikmin planet to search for 'treasure' to help repay your shipping company's debt. This time you are not alone. Captain Olimar is helped by a fellow employee called Louie. After one of the finest introductory videos sequences ever (honest), Olimar and Louie begin their treasure hunt. For those unfamiliar with the 1st game, the main game flow is as follows: to help you on your treasure hunt, you must grow and manage a group of tiny plant/animal style creatures called 'Pikmin'. Pikmin can be used to carry treasure back to your ship, attack enemies, build bridges, knock down walls etc. In Pikmin 2, there are 5 different colours of Pikmin (2 more than the previous game) and you'll need to work out which colours to use when to advance in the game.

The graphics in Pikmin 2 are absolutely astounding. Every level has a unique charm- and an unbelievable level of detail. For example, in the forest-style level, 'Awakening Wood', leaves gently fall from the trees and cover the ground, the water glistens in the sunlight, the plants sway in the wind and animals go about their everyday business. As all this happens, the gentle morning light changes into a bright afternoon and then to a beautiful sunset. In fact, the world in Pikmin 2, even though you are pint-sized in comparison- is totally believable. One fantastic new addition to the game that adds to this feeling is the fact that its creators have used some real-world objects as treasure. For example, your 1st item of treasure is a large 'Duracell' battery.

Okay, graphics aren't important in a game. The main point is the gameplay. Pikmin 2 is pure Nintendo magic. Growing Pikmin and hunting for treasure may not sound like fun but Pikmin sucks you in like all classic Nintendo games (Mario, Zelda, Metroid etc.). Now that there is no time limit, you really get a chance to explore every inch of the landscape. Some days, you'll maybe just want to grow some Pikmin. In other days, you may be striving to get as much treasure as you can. The lack of time limit is a godsend- and now you control 2 characters, you can delegate work to manage your days more efficiently.

Underground regions are another fantastic new addition to the game. They are split up into a number of floors which (usually)get harder as you progress. At any floor, you can choose to pull out (and leave your treasure) or delve even deeper. Its down in these regions where the real treasure is. There are no time limits when you are underground- which is useful since most of these areas require much more thinking.

Pikmin 2 is an astonishing game. The screenshots just don't do it justice. Pikmin 2 is a joy to play. The fact you are actually moving a central character with the analogue stick and dishing out orders separates it from most strategy games. This game is suitable for everyone. Its cutesy enough to appeal to kids but has a good difficulty level which is likely to challenge the most able gamers. Pikmin is a marvellous addition to the Nintendo franchise. Here's hoping for more Pikmin games in the future.

Pikmin 2 is an admirably accomplished sequel. Changes have been made, but the fundamentals have been left untouched. The game still feels 'right'; the character design is effortlessly charming, and the game environments are so well laid out that Pikmin 2 is just a joy to play.

In the original you were limited to 30 'days' to reconstruct Olimar's spaceship. And that was it. The problem here was that this didn't allow you much scope in terms of exploration, and it flew in the face of the game's mellow atmosphere.

I am pleased to say that this limited day structure has been dropped. There is no cut off point, and this really allows you to savour the game. This is more of a radical change than you might expect. There is a totally different aspect to Pikmin 2, and this is a change for the better.

Also, the concept of 'caves' have been introduced; these are subterranean levels that are not affected by the passing of time. Again, you can spend as much time as you like in these sections of the game.

If these fundamental improvments weren't enough, there is also the addition of two new sorts of Pikmin, purple (strong) and white (impervious to poison etc.)

Oh, and there's the two player option too.

Nintendo need to make more games like Pikmin 2... simple and addictive, without being disposable or superficial. There's plenty here for everyone.

Highly recommended.