Though the announcement of Niantic’sPikminmobile AR app was just over a week ago and doesn’t have an official name yet, the game is already out in Singapore in Early Access.
A collaboration ofPokemon GO’s Niantic and thePikminfranchise certainly wasn’t something players were expecting. Against other AR games likeHarry Potter Wizards UniteandMario Kart Tour,Pikminseems like a bit of an oddball choice, especially when consideringPikmindoesn’t have the strongest track record in terms of successful sales in comparison to other Nintendo franchises. Still, it’s expected that thePikmin-based mobile app will be more relaxing thanPokemon GO, which turned out to both have a competitive edge and bring lots of gamers outside.
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What was also unexpected was that the game would be out in Early Access, at least in some part of the world, so soon.Niantic’s upcomingPikminAR appis available for download now in Singapore, where players can test the game and provide feedback to the developers before it releases to the rest of the world. The game is still titled “PikminApp (Early Access)” in the Google Store as shown by one user.
However, players who choose to download and testNiantic’sPikminapphave been discouraged from sharing videos or screenshots of the game online. This isn’t to say that leaks won’t almost certainly happen in the coming weeks. In fact, via IGN, an anonymous source has already detailed several gameplay elements with the Early Access version of thePikminapp.
It’s expected that some points will change with the full version such as Points of Interest, which are similar toPokemon GO’s Pokestops, but most of the anonymously detailed gameplay will largely stay the same.
Much likePokemon GO, thePikminapp will be a walking simulator, but this time, it aims to be more relaxing. On walks, players will findPikmingrowing as dormant seedlings, and the energy accumulated with steps is used to collect the Pikmin. There are several species of Pikmin, includingRed, Yellow, and Blue Pikminas well as Rock and Winged Pikmin. Once they’re fully grown, players can add the Pikmin to their squad much like adding Pokemon to parties.
With the unnamedPikminapp due out for a full global launch later this year, it’s likely that other regions will see an Early Access launch or testing phase in the coming months.
