Pikmin 2 Review: IGN Gives It 9.3

[GameMaster]

Here's the whole review:

http://cube.ign.com/articles/540/540864p1.html

Here's the final verdict/rating:

10.0 Presentation

Absolutely phenomenal. Slick, stylized menu work, gorgeous CG cut-scenes, a wide number of gameplay modes and Piklopedia and Treasures collections areas that'll knock your socks off.

*
9.0 Graphics

Gorgeous. Though environmental textures blur up close, the locales look great panned back. Meanwhile, everything from lighting and water effects to particles and creature models is beautiful.

*
8.0 Sound

Runs in Dolby Pro Logic II. Crisp sound effects echo and reverb in caves. Cute, cuddly character calls and subdued, but interesting music. More orchestrated music would be nice.

*
9.0 Gameplay

A great formula made better. Amazingly fun to play, despite a couple flaws. And the inclusion of two new Pikmin types, another hero character, more play modes, and cooperative and versus battles.
*

10.0 Lasting Appeal

A huge single-player mode -- 30 or so hours. Plus deep multiplayer modes to boot. Gamers will be busy for a long, long time, and loving every minute. Some will spend hours with the Piklopedia alone.
*

9.3 OVERALL: (out of 10 / not an average)

Man, talk about an awesome surprise. I knew that they had fixed the limited time issue and stuff but I wasn't expecting the sequel to score so well, it outdid it's original which got a 9.1. I enjoyed the first game so upon seeing this review I'll be getting Pikmin 2 for sure. http://www.gametavern.net/forums/ht/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Jonbo298]

I loved playing Pikmin the first time. The second time was more boring and there wasn't any replay value that made me want to keep playing. But sounds like Pikmin2 has a lot longer lasting appeal which is a nice plus I shall be following a few more reviews now.

[Jason1]

I think im going to have to pick this one up also.

[Crash]

yeah, go pikmin... maybe it'll sell better this time

[KillerGremlin]

Pikmin was a rare gem. I beat it in a few days, but I just couldn't stop playing it. I'll be checking out Pikmin 2 for sure.

[Canyarion]

Heh. :D Great news. I loved Pikmin, but like the others said, it was just too short.
I'll get this for sure.

[Dyne]

Looks great! Finally a good score from IGN.

[BlueFire]

Am I the only one who thought Pikmin sucked? :sneaky:

[DeathsHand]

Am I the only one who thought Pikmin sucked? :sneaky:

Nah don't worry, it sucked...

[Dyne]

Yeah, I really don't like the first one.

[Canyarion]

*tries to be cool*

Yeah it was terrible. The worst controls, bad graphics, boring gameplay. And don't get me started on the length! :mad:

:rolleyes:

[DeathsHand]

*tries to be cool*

Yeah it was terrible. The worst controls, bad graphics, boring gameplay. And don't get me started on the length! :mad:

:rolleyes:

Actually I thought the basic gameplay and idea of the game was fun, it just wasn't put together right, IMO...

[Dark Samurai]

Never played it. I heard good things though, but none of my friends played it.

[MasterMind]

I played the first one and enjoyed it. Looking to buy Pikmin 2 when the bank account can handle a game purchase. Actually looking forward to buying lots of games but me gots no money.

[Shadow_Link]

Loved the first! And everything I disliked about it seems to be corrected in the sequel. I'll definately buy this!

[Dyne]

I just bought this. I really, really like it.. I started playing it this afternoon and just stopped now at 10 pm. Great game, and I've only put 10 days into it. I really like the cave system and the old nostalgic items you can get. And the Piklopedia is FUN! I love throwing Pikpik carrots at monsters; some of their reactions are just funny. :D

[Jason1]

I think im going to be getting this one soon, since I just got paid yesterday.

[Jason1]

Got it, and I must say, im impressed. Im not all that far into it, but I just love how its so much more relaxed than the other. With the 30 day time limit, you didnt have any time whatsoever to just appreciate things and explore at your own pace. It just feels right now that its gone. A question to those who have it...do you play with deflicker on or off? I found that If I turned it off, my eyes would start to hurt a little after I played for an hour or so...maybe this has something to do with me running it in Progressive scan, Im not sure. Im thinking maybe they were expecting this kind of thing, especially with that warning that is displayed when you first boot it up.

[Dyne]

Got it, and I must say, im impressed. Im not all that far into it, but I just love how its so much more relaxed than the other. With the 30 day time limit, you didnt have any time whatsoever to just appreciate things and explore at your own pace. It just feels right now that its gone. A question to those who have it...do you play with deflicker on or off? I found that If I turned it off, my eyes would start to hurt a little after I played for an hour or so...maybe this has something to do with me running it in Progressive scan, Im not sure. Im thinking maybe they were expecting this kind of thing, especially with that warning that is displayed when you first boot it up.

I'm playing Deflicker with S-videos and I can only see a little bit of difference. Doesn't really hurt my eyes.

[Jason1]

Ya...I think I kinda got used to it now, I dont seem to be feeling it anymore. I like how it looks with the deflicker off a little more for some reason. God, im really enjoying this game. Its so simple yet so much fun...the new pikmin are awsome...it just feels so good when you get them to accomplish a task...

[GameMaster]

Sorry to lick a dead horse but I just finished the game and have to say I was thoroughly pleasured. I didn't get all the treasures but I got enough to pay off the debt. My favorite are the white Pikmin. They carry things so fast and are poisonous. And how about those friendly baby Pikimin/Bulborb hybrids. I hope they become standard next game. Anyway, I won't spoil the ending but it definitely suggests another sequel in my opinion. I think after I play Paper Mario I'll go back and try to get the remaining treasure.

By the way, that giant mothership Bulborb that is super fat and keeps giving birth to little larva bulborb, man is she a tough boss. I hated that.

[Jason1]

By the way, that giant mothership Bulborb that is super fat and keeps giving birth to little larva bulborb, man is she a tough boss. I hated that.


Yea, this game is no kids game difficulty-wise, despite what it looks like. Incredibly difficult, especially if you dont cheat in the Caves by resetting your Gamecube, I did that several times and felts somewhat guilty for doing so. Im guessing its even harder to actually finish with 100% treasure, I dont think Im going to even try.

[Neo]

*Mmmmm.... dead horse flesh.*

I've been meaning to get this for a long time I've just been too lazy to go to gamestop. But this weekend I'm going to get off my ass and pick this one up. Or maybe not.