In the past couple of weeks, Pikmin Bloom, the newest installment in the Pikmin series from Nintendo, has been celebrating the power of human connection in absence of the series’ iconic enemies. Developed by independent team Pixel Phonics and released on the Nintendo Switch eShop, Pikmin Bloom emphasizes the importance of human relationships in a world without Bulborbs.
The game follows two protagonists, Blu and Shel, who find themselves stranded in an unfamiliar world with no memories of the past. Their journey is one of friendship and love, as they help each other in their fight to escape this world. It’s a story, where the antagonist isn’t an enemy, but instead loneliness and despair.
The lack of Bulborbs in Pikmin Bloom, the traditional enemy of the Pikmin in past games, emphasizes the importance of the relationship between Blu and Shel. Ultimately, the game encourages players to form emotional bonds with other characters in absence of hostile forces.
The developers of Pikmin Bloom have created a charming world of human relationships that, in many ways, surpasses traditional expectations of the series. Players get to experience the power of friendship and how it can be a source of strength. In addition to providing a touching storyline, the game also introduces a variety of unique characters and puzzles, as well as a vibrant 2D art style.
The game has been widely praised by critics and players alike, and Nintendo Life even awarded it the ‘Wishlist Approved’ stamp of approval. Despite being vastly different than earlier Pikmin games, Pokmin Bloom is a reminder of the power of human connection and its potential to be just as strong, if not stronger, than any enemy.