《皮克敏4》（Pikmin 4）是任天堂於2023年在Switch平台推出的即時策略冒險遊戲，由任天堂企劃製作本部開發，是該系列的正統續作。在維持系列核心玩法的基礎上，導入許多創新要素，使其不僅適合熟悉系列的老玩家，也更親切易上手，吸引首次接觸的玩家。

在劇情方面，延續前作的世界觀。遊戲開場是奧利瑪（Captain Olimar）墜落於神秘星球，並發出求救信號，隨後整個救援隊也因意外相繼失事。玩家扮演一位新加入的救援隊員，負責踏上星球展開搜救任務，拯救包括奧利瑪在內的所有失蹤人員。雖然主線劇情設定看似簡單，但在探索過程中會慢慢揭露更多世界的祕密，搭配角色之間的互動與資料收集，營造出豐富的背景敘事。更特別的是，引入自訂主角系統，可自創角色外型，使投入感大幅提升。

操作方面，延續「操作主角帶領皮克敏部隊」的機制，並針對Switch平台進行細膩優化，無論是手把還是便攜模式都能順暢操作。指揮不同種類的皮克敏進行搬運、攻擊、破壞障礙物或解謎。例如紅色皮克敏擅長戰鬥、黃色皮克敏可傳導電流、藍色皮克敏能在水中活動，而新登場的冰凍皮克敏與發光皮克敏更帶來策略變化，前者可凍結水面與敵人，後者則在夜間任務中發揮作用。

最大的變革來自「狗狗夥伴」—奧奇（Oatchi）。牠是忠誠的救援犬，不僅可乘坐移動、跳越障礙，還能幫忙搬運物品、戰鬥或指揮其他皮克敏，是主要的核心輔助系統。透過升級奧奇的能力，逐步開啟更多玩法可能性，也讓操作流暢度與戰術性更加提升。在關卡設計方面，採用開放式區域探索，每個關卡都是具備豐富生態與互動要素的場地，像是草原、冰原、沙漠或住宅廢墟等。這些環境不僅風格鮮明，還充滿各種謎題與隱藏要素，要靈活運用不同皮克敏能力與奧奇協助才能順利推進。特別的是，加入「地下迷宮」機制，能深入地下空間挑戰更具策略性的小型迷宮，關卡設計緊湊又富變化。

另一個新要素是「夜間探索」模式，系列首次開放夜間行動，並採用防守塔防式玩法。需保護關鍵資源不被夜間怪物摧毀，並運用發光皮克敏進行反擊，為遊戲增加不同節奏與緊張感。

就市場評價而言，當年發售後獲得廣泛好評。許多評論讚揚其圖像表現細緻、角色動作流暢、整體節奏恰到好處。團隊成功將策略性與可愛風格結合，無論是畫面、配樂還是生態設計都極具任天堂特色。更重要的是，儘管承襲系列玩法，卻透過奧奇、夜戰與地下迷宮等新系統，帶來前所未有的多樣性與可玩性。

不過也有部分玩家認為節奏稍慢、初期教學過多，對於偏好高強度挑戰的玩家可能略顯平淡。此外，多人合作模式較為簡化，未能充分發揮Switch平台的雙人潛力，成為一些人心中的小遺憾。

總結來說，這是兼顧創新與懷舊的續作，不僅強化系列原有的策略冒險特色，也以更親民的設計吸引新玩家加入。無論是從《皮克敏》初代一路走來的老粉絲，還是初次踏入這個奇妙微觀世界的新手，《皮克敏4》都能帶來豐富的探索樂趣與令人沉浸的可愛冒險。充分展現任天堂世界建構力與設計巧思的傑作。

Pikmin 4 is a real-time strategy adventure game developed by Nintendo EPD and released for the Nintendo Switch in 2023. As the official sequel in the Pikmin series, the game builds upon the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessors while introducing a host of new features. These additions make it not only welcoming for longtime fans but also more approachable for newcomers to the franchise.

In terms of story, Pikmin 4 continues the overarching narrative of the series. The game opens with Captain Olimar crash-landing on a mysterious planet and sending out a distress signal. However, the rescue team sent to save him also ends up in trouble, with their ship crashing as well. The player assumes the role of a newly recruited rescue officer, tasked with exploring the planet and rescuing all missing individuals, including Olimar. While the main plot appears simple on the surface, the story gradually unfolds through exploration, character interactions, and the collection of data logs, offering deeper lore and world-building. One standout feature is the addition of a character customization system, allowing players to create their own protagonist and enhancing the sense of immersion.

From a gameplay perspective, Pikmin 4 maintains the core mechanic of commanding a squad of Pikmin while introducing thoughtful refinements tailored for the Switch. Whether playing in handheld mode or with Joy-Con controllers, the controls feel intuitive and smooth. Players issue commands to different types of Pikmin to carry objects, battle enemies, destroy obstacles, or solve puzzles. For instance, red Pikmin specialize in combat, yellow Pikmin conduct electricity, and blue Pikmin can operate underwater. New additions include ice Pikmin, which can freeze water and enemies, and glow Pikmin, which play a crucial role during nighttime missions, adding new layers of strategy.

The most significant innovation comes in the form of Oatchi, a loyal rescue pup who accompanies the player. Oatchi can be ridden to move faster, jump over obstacles, and help transport items or fight enemies. He can even lead Pikmin on the player’s behalf. Upgrading Oatchi's abilities unlocks new gameplay possibilities, making him an indispensable tactical asset and enhancing the overall fluidity of gameplay.

Regarding level design, Pikmin 4 features open-area exploration. Each level is a rich and dynamic environment—ranging from grasslands and icy plains to deserts and abandoned domestic areas—filled with puzzles, hidden secrets, and interactive elements. Players must creatively use different Pikmin abilities in combination with Oatchi’s skills to progress. A new addition is the "Underground Caverns" system, where players venture into tightly designed sub-areas that require more focused strategy, offering compact but highly varied challenges.

Another fresh element is the "Night Expedition" mode, the first in the series to allow nighttime gameplay. These missions introduce a tower-defense style mechanic, where players must protect key resources from waves of nocturnal creatures using glow Pikmin. This shift in pace brings added tension and variety to the game.

In terms of market reception, Pikmin 4 was widely praised upon release. Critics highlighted its polished visuals, smooth character animations, and well-balanced pacing. Nintendo succeeded in blending strategic depth with a charming aesthetic, and the visuals, music, and world design all reflect the company’s distinctive style. More importantly, while the game preserves the traditional mechanics of the series, the addition of Oatchi, night battles, and underground stages injects a refreshing level of diversity and replayability.

However, some players noted that the game's early segments felt a bit slow-paced, with an abundance of tutorials that may not appeal to those looking for intense challenges right from the start. The simplified nature of the co-op mode was also a minor letdown for fans hoping to see deeper two-player integration on the Switch.

In summary, Pikmin 4 is a sequel that strikes a satisfying balance between innovation and nostalgia. It reinforces the strategic adventure core of the series while offering a more accessible and engaging experience for new players. Whether you’re a longtime fan who’s followed the series since its inception or a newcomer stepping into this whimsical miniature world for the first time, Pikmin 4 delivers a rich, imaginative journey. It stands as a testament to Nintendo's mastery in world-building and game design.