Pikmin
Pikmin 1 is a masterpiece. There is no other Nintendo game that matches the level of quality that Pikmin 1 has in my opinion. Everything about it, the original concept, the presentation, the music, the gameplay, it nails it so goddamn well. It's such a timeless classic.
The sequels to Pikmin just really don't do it for me the same way Pikmin 1 does. They're undoubtedly fun to play and there are some improvements to the gameplay, but that's all they are, just more gameplay of the same concept. The magic and wonder of the first game is gone because now you don't have to worry about a 30 day timer, no stakes. I don't care about more pikmin types, I don't care about exploring these caves over and over. It's an absurd amount of repetitive content that is made to just keep the player playing. I don't think people shouldn't like it, I'd just personally rather experience something new. It makes me want to imagine a world where Nintendo would make more one off original videogame concepts that delivers a unique experience that aren't very long just like Pikmin 1. The closest thing to something like that, that I've experienced recently is UFO 50, an indie game that has 50 unique videogame experiences in one game.
When I played Pikmin 4, I was immediately turned off by the absurd amount of handholding there is. So much dialogue to press A to. Everything has to be explained to you over and over. I'm sure there is a good game here but I just can't force myself to stay interested to an experience that probably won't be as good. Though I might give it another chance someday anyways. I also haven't played Pikmin 3.
Pikmin 1 is an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. It feels like such a bold game for Nintendo to make and I wish they leaned into that bold direction more with their games. But that's not happening cuz they probably see it as bad business. Sequels are just the way to go in the game industry. This is why I mostly just play indie games.
