Pikmin Z
CURRENTLY INCOMPLETE!!!
Pikmin Z is a fan-made game made for the Wii U by Sapphire7, that takes place some time after Pikmin 3. A PC adaptation was also made for the game, with PC exclusive content.
Plot
Pikmin Z begins with a view of a grown up Captain Alph, flying through space in his new ship, the S.S. Dolphin 2. After working really hard, and earning his spaceship license, the currently retired Captain Olimar gives Alph his ship, and now Alph flies through the cosmos on his own explorations and missions. During his flight, Alph ends up catching sight of a familiar plant - PNF-404. It had been so long since he arrived there last, so for a thrill, he decides to fly down to the planet to explore. Unfortunately, as he flies overhead, the ship suddenly runs on empty, and making Alph crash land on the planet surface, his ship losing various parts due to the crash, and getting them scattered everywhere. Now alone, and with a broken and empty ship, Alph must get the aid of the Pikmin once again in order to get his ship together and fueled up, without getting himself eaten, or worse, trapped on the same planet.
Controls
Wii U
- A button = throw pikmin
- L button + R button = whistle
- Left analog stick = move
- Right analog stick = move camera
- Z button = crouch/swim down
- C button = swim up
- Stylus = aim direction of Pikmin throw
PC
- W+S+A+D = Move
- Mouse = Aim
- Mouse (hold down scroll) = move camera
- C = crouch/swim down
- V = swim up
- Left click = throw Pikmin
- right click = whistle
Mechanics
Stealth
To hide from enemies, you and your Pikmin are able to actually hide over in some places (shrubs/underwater weeds/etc.). If an enemy sees you, you can hide in these places and wait until they lose interest, which is determined by a meter at the bottom of the screen. These areas are more common within tunnels than above ground.
Swimming
With areas in deep water, Alph and Blue Pikmin are capable of swimming, rather than just walking underwater. Some areas can only be accessed this way, and when items go through water they can be lighter for Pikmin to bring to shore. Mechanics don't change when underwater.
Night Timezone
Pikmin Z has included a new "Nighttime" mode, which the player can still explore the areas during night time hours. Instead of automatically being moved back into your ship at sunset, you're able to remain in an area as long as you please until you decide to return to the ship. The areas automatically turn to morning whenever you go to a new area.
- The time limit during nighttime is as long as the time as during the day, so each level will be night time unless you choose to 'skip ahead to daytime/nighttime' within the S.S. Dolphin II.
- Some enemies are only encountered in some areas during the night, while other enemies can only be found during the day. Some behaviors amongst common enemies changes during day to night (ex. a Bulborb will be more active at night compared to the day).
Areas
Unlike the other games, which consists of one main area, the areas in Pikmin-Z are made up of overall locations with two to three distinctive areas to explore within each.
Grateful Grove
Evergreen Copse
The Evergreen Copse is an isolated patch of forest where Alph first finds himself. Much of the area is meant to be a tutorial-stage for the player for the first day. Much of the area is easily accessible, and it doesn't suffer many dangers apart from smaller creatures, though a Mamuta can be located within the copse every five days. Patches of water are also located, some of which have treasures which can only be accessed after gaining the Blue Pikmin. There're no main threats during the nighttime sequences however, as the only main thing becoming more active are the Bulborbs. While not the first spot for true Pikmin, you are able to see your first Titan Pikmin, which carries the main body of your ship to you near the end of the tutorial.
Seagrass Plains
The Seagrass Plains is a open expanse of grassland, and while you can only explore a portion of it, the S.S. Dolphin II states that it surrounds the entire copse. It's here where the first Red Pikmin are located, and as apart of the tutorial, where your first accessible treasure can be gained. Standard threats can be found here, albeit much larger when compared to the Evergreen Copse due to the more open space, and after day twenty, more flying enemies as well. There's also an small area, where after returning with Rock Pikmin to break down a rock wall, you first meet with Yellow Pikmin.
Saltwater Swamp
Dewdrop Jungle
Dewdrop Jungle is a thick, warm rainforest like place close to the sea. A thick mix of freshwater from streams and saltwater from the coast make the area full of deep water for you to swim through, and the prime area to meet the Blue Pikmin and Rock Pikmin, and learn how to swim. A lot of enemies can be found here, more diurnal enemies than nocturnal ones, but aquatic enemies are first introduced here.
Mangrove Cove
The Mangrove cove is a huge cavern located after you destroy the rock entrance with Rock Pikmin. It is the only true cave you can explore freely, and a number of Nocturnal enemies can be found here at all times, and some aquatic enemies rest in here during the day. Much of the area is inaccessible until you unlock the Yellow Pikmin.