Pikmin DesGameTopics had a totally different look.
Pikmin DesGameTopics had a totally different look.
Nintendo Spills the Beans: Pikmin’s Radical Transformation
Amidst all the buzz surrounding Nintendo’s recent info drops, an unexpected revelation about the beloved Pikmin series has caught gamers off guard. In a developer interview series known as “Ask the Developer,” Nintendo spilled the beans on the original concept art and game design for everyone’s favorite leafy creatures. And let me tell you, the early Pikmin designs were a sight to behold!
Nintendo’s developer interview series, hailed as the successor to the legendary “Iwata Asks,” has quickly become a fan favorite. The latest installment, a special two-part episode discussing the development of Pikmin 4, took a delightful detour down memory lane. In this episode, Yuji Kando, Shigefumi Hino, Junji Morii, Masamichi Abe, and, of course, the gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto himself, grace us with their presence.
In true Nintendo fashion, Miyamoto wasted no time in dropping some juicy details about the GameCube original. The concept for Pikmin sprouted from the desire to showcase the GameCube’s prowess in rendering multiple characters simultaneously. Initially, the Pikmin were planned as AI-controlled creatures with customizable chips dictating their roles. And brace yourself, because the early Pikmin designs were a far cry from what we know today!
Gone were the adorable leafy limbs and familiar features we’ve grown to love. Instead, the pre-evolution Pikmin had a stubbier appearance, with mitten-like hands, Toad-like feet, and little puffballs on their heads. But here’s the kicker – those puffballs determined their gender! Blue puffball? It’s a Pikmin dude. Pink puffball? Well, that’s our lady Pikmin right there. Miyamoto confessed that this design distinction was intended for a top-down perspective, reminiscent of classic Zelda games rather than the third-person cameras we’re accustomed to. Hino likened these early designs to Yoshi, but ultimately, they lacked the personality that would make them truly shine.
Of course, these quirky prototype Pikmin were quickly abandoned. The development team went back to the drawing board, creating several rough sketches until that fateful moment when the final Pikmin design was unanimously chosen. Thank goodness for that!
- Harry Potter stars open to being in reboot
- Elden Ring DLC May Solve Cut Content Mystery
- 13 Ways Assassin’s Creed: Origins Outshines Odyssey and Valhalla
As gamers, we always relish the opportunity to peek behind the scenes, discovering the artwork and ideas that never made it into the final product. Nintendo, however, likes to keep us on our toes, saving their surprises and insights for special occasions. Although, let’s not forget their ongoing battle with leakers who just can’t resist spilling the beans! But even in this age of social media transparency, it’s incredibly satisfying to learn more about our favorite games through unconventional means.
So mark your calendars, Pikmin enthusiasts, because Pikmin 4 is gearing up for its long-awaited release on the Nintendo Switch this July 21st. Get ready to embark on yet another delightful adventure with these lovable leafy companions!
Source: Nintendo
