Mobile games have been around for a while now, but none have quite managed to have the same impact as Niantic’sPokemon GO. The 2016 geolocation-based mobile game took the world by storm, getting gamers out of their houses to hunt for cute creatures as well as introducing non-gamers to the world ofPokemon. There have been many titles that have tried to emulate its success or that have been inspired byPokemon GO, like Niantic’s other mobile gamePikmin Bloom. ThePikminfranchise may not be quite as well known asPokemon, but it still has a dedicated fan base.
It’s clearPokemon GOis the inspiration behindPikmin Bloom, particularly considering both games share the same developer. With that being the case, there are plenty of similarities between the two titles, with a comparable premise and shared features. However,Pikmin Bloomstill manages to distinguish itself from its predecessor with a few unique features and a different sensibility.
RELATED:What Pikmin 4 Can Take From the Spin-Off Hey! Pikmin
Pokemon GO’s Competitive Edge
Pikmin Bloom, the 2021 release from both Nianticand Nintendo, also combined the real world with the universe of a successful gaming franchise likePokemon. Exploring the real world lets players collect items to sustain their Pikmin, and the element of exercise and engagement is definitely something it borrows fromPokemon GO. However, thePokemon-focused game has an element of competition that isn’t really present inPikmin Bloom.
InPokemon GO, players can join either Team Valor, Instinct, or Mystic after level 5 which adds a layer of competitiveness as gamers work together for control over the various Gyms dotted around the world. As with mostPokemongames, the goal is to collect and train monsters, with the option to battle other trainers added toPokemon GOin 2018. In contrast,Pikmin Bloomdoesn’t necessarily have an overarching goal, and there isn’t a sense of competing within the gameplay.
Community in Pikmin Bloom
TheTeams inPokemon GOhelp to bring players together, but they also sow a little conflict and rivalry as well. This helps to engage players, butPikmin Bloomhas a very different approach to retain gamers.Pikmin Bloomcontains challenges that require players to interact with each other, but these usually ask them to work together rather than against each other. This still fosters a feeling of community, but without the competitive edge that defines a lot ofPokemon GO’s interactions.
Pikmin Bloom’s relatively new Weekly Challenge featurealso helps build its community, which encourages players to increase their steps by adding in-game incentives for doing so. In addition to the ability to walk with other players, these challenges let gamers work collaboratively to reach the step target. Some fans think this feature still needs a little work and should come with more targeted rewards, but it’s definitely a move in the right direction.
Pikmin Bloomfocuses on the effect that players have on the world around them, with the goal of filling the environment with flowers through their movements and actions. With other gamers able to see the path of flowers another has laid down, this adds a sweet element of collaboration and a cause-and-effect feature, without pitting players against each other. These flower paths only last for a few days, so this keeps players coming back for more. In contrast,Pokemon GO’s transitory elements revolve around control over Gyms, meaning gamers need to keep engaging to retain their dominance, adding a level of combativeness that feels far away fromPikmin Bloom’s gentle gameplay.
Pikmin Bloomis available now on Android and iOS devices.
