Hey! Pikmin

Hey! Pikmin is an action game in the Pikmin series developed by Arzest and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld video game console. It is a standalone sequel to Pikmin 3 and is the series’ first installment on a handheld console. Hey! Pikmin was released worldwide in July 2017, coinciding with the release of the New Nintendo 2DS XL – the fifth and final hardware revision of the 3DS.

Olimar is flying in space on his new ship, the S.S. Dolphin II, when he hits an asteroid and crash-lands on an unknown planet. He learns that in order to bring his ship back in working order, he must collect 30,000 of the substance known as Sparklium. He soon re-encounters Red Pikmin, which he figures out he can use to carry Sparklium-rich treasures and acorn-like seeds. These “treasures” are usually common household objects, such as glasses or toothpaste.

As Olimar searches more sectors of the planet, he finds Yellow Pikmin, Blue Pikmin, Rock Pikmin, and Winged Pikmin in that order. Once the player gathers up 30,000 Sparklium, Olimar learns he must retrieve an essential component needed to repair the ship, the Sparklium Converter. However, it is revealed that it was accidentally eaten by a Leech Hydroe and has turned into the Berserk Leech Hydroe, a giant plant-like monster, through the converter’s power, which he must fight.

After returning the Leech Hydroe back to normal and obtaining the converter from it, Olimar heads back to his home planet, Hocotate. Hey! Pikmin consists of main character Captain Olimar leading a group of Pikmin through 2D levels while collecting items that contain “sparklium”, the main source of fuel for Olimar’s ship. Unlike other games of the Pikmin series, players do not choose what Pikmin to bring into levels. Instead, players enter a level and use whatever Pikmin they find while exploring.

Olimar is able to swim and use a jetpack to reach new areas. Winged Pikmin are able to carry Olimar while flying. Olimar is incapable of attacking on his own, instead relying on the Pikmin for defense. As players continue to collect more sparklium, Olimar is able to upgrade his space suit’s capabilities such as the amount of fuel the jetpack has or the amount of hits it can take.