The Pikmin series sits in an odd place in the Nintendo universe. The series, regarded by many as the last substantial IP created by Nintendo, is dearly beloved by some, disliked by a few, and ignored by most. The series hasn’t seen a sequel since 2004’s Pikmin 2, despite multiple rereleases for Wii with arguably better controls. In 2013, we finally have the long-awaited third installment, Pikmin 3. The game seems to be the perfect opportunity to show off what Nintendo can do in HD, and while it may not be the game to spur sluggish Wii U sales, it is absolutely what Pikmin fans have been craving for almost a decade.

The feeling of attachment you get to the Pikmin is remarkable. You are everything to the Pikmin; their protector, and also, their executioner. It’s up to you which Pikmin live and which Pikmin don’t, and sometimes it can be overwhelming to have to choose. The series has always had a penchant for creating a powerful sense of responsibility, and Pikmin 3 is no exception.

In most ways, Pikmin 3 is actually not much of a deviation from the path already established by Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2. The narrative of the game feels more like a reboot of Pikmin 1 than a sequel to Pikmin 2, as it’s clear that some time has passed in the world of Pikmin. The story of Pikmin 3 is stronger than either of its predecessors, and at certain points, the plot will dictate how you approach your day-to-day strategy.

This is mostly done by collecting fruit to survive. Unlike the original Pikmin, there is no real hard limit on the number of days you can play (technically there is, but it’s a massive amount). Pikmin 2 gave you no direction and let you play a day for just a few seconds to grab one item from a stage and then advance to sunset. While that’s still an option, it carries consequences in terms of food rations. The need to collect fruit is a neat trick that gives you a sense of focus when advancing through the campaign.

In terms of gameplay, Pikmin 3 feels like an evolution of what has come before. White and purple Pikmin have been replaced by two new types which are quite useful: pink flying Pikmin and gray rock Pikmin. These new types of Pikmin are there to help you with new types of obstacles, naturally. The flying Pikmin can travel with your captains through water by flying above, which helps when dealing with heavily-aquatic areas. The rock Pikmin help out during battle, like their absent purple brethren, but also allow you to break through glass walls and cages, which usually house useful items. The cracking of the glass as it comes shattering down is quite satisfying, much like most of the environmental touches in Pikmin 3.

The campaign, which lasts a little over 10 hours the first time through, spans five different areas. All of the areas are fairly complex and will require thorough investigation to completely clear, especially considering that it’s not until late in the game that you are granted access to all five types of Pikmin. The slow unlocking of different types of Pikmin gives you reason to go back and explore previously inaccessible areas of the map. As per usual in the Pikmin series, exploration is the name of the game, and it’s never been better than in Pikmin 3.

Graphically, Pikmin 3 impressed me on almost every level, with lifelike foliage and terrain. The fruit you collect is incredibly realistic looking, as well. Lush greenery and autumn leaves beneath a gentle rainfall add a definitive sense of place and weight to your exploration. Some of the special effects and character models might be a bit too beholden to the design of the GameCube original, but I think it actually adds a bit of charm to the world.

Pikmin 3 also offers several local multiplayer modes. The lack of online play (outside of leaderboards) is unfortunate but not terribly surprising given Nintendo’s history with that sort of thing. The modes that are there, however, are a blast. The mission mode features timed stages that require you to collect fruit or defeat as many monsters and bosses as possible, either by yourself or with a partner. Working together with a friend to plan a strategy on how to most efficiently conquer a map is very rewarding, and the online leaderboards give you something to strive for.

Bingo Mode, which more closely resembles the multiplayer mode from Pikmin 2, is the other multiplayer offering. This mode pits two players against each other trying to collect specific fruit and monsters from the map to fill out a bingo card. There are quite a few options for handicapping one player or the other, not the least of which is that the player using the GamePad will have a map, which is a huge advantage. This mode offers a great hectic multiplayer experience, particularly for competitive Pikmin players.

Pikmin 3 also feaures plenty of customization. There are three control schemes available to you: Wii Remote and Nunchuk, GamePad, and Wii U Pro Controller. Off-TV play is supported on the GamePad and, amazingly enough, you can even use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk control scheme while playing Off-TV. It seems like it might be clumsy, but if you can get the GamePad on a table in front of you at the right height, it works well. It’s a little difficult to see everything on the smaller screen, but it’s impressive that Nintendo included such an off-the-wall option.

In theory, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk control scheme works the best, but there are drawbacks. Having to place the GamePad on a table in front of you to use the map is less than convenient, and losing direct control of the camera can frustrate as well. The GamePad control scheme gives you that camera control and better access to the map, but aiming using the analog stick is far less precise than the Wii Remote Pointer. I found myself switching back and forth during gameplay, usually settling on the GamePad simply because I didn’t want to find an extra surface near me to place it on for use of the map.

There’s a lot to love about Pikmin 3. This is a Nintendo masterpiece, and easily one of the best games on the Wii U. The lack of a hard limit on the number of days you can play coupled with the requirement to stay focused on the task at hand eliminates the problems created by the time limit in the original. It’s a thoughtful solution for a game that screams charm and elegance. Pikmin 3 is a must-play for Wii U owners, and the first true reason to pick one up if you haven't already.