How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 79 | 24 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 85 | 61 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (28)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Pikmin 1+2 is a great opportunity to delve into the franchise' origins, especially if you have already played Pikmin 3 or Pikmin 4, also available on Switch. GameCube classics are still fun, but this re-releases are just basic HD ports.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“The Pikmin series is top notch and these HD ports are a great reminder of that for anyone who has played them before, and a wonderful primer to the series for anyone that hasn't. It's startling how well a lot of the artistic decisions that were made in the GameCube era still translate to now, like a soundtrack that is absolutely bang on, and character designs and animations that are infinitely charming. Whether or not the time limit in Pikmin or, conversely, the unlimited time, gauntlet-like puzzle caves and score chasing from Pikmin 2 is the preferred way to go, they're both excellent titles that play just as well now as they ever did. Plus Nintendo has included the New Play Control options for both titles, which updated them with pointer control on the Wii, as an added bonus.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The remastered versions of Pikmin 1 and 2 have successfully stood the test of time, with improved visuals that surpass their original counterparts. This bundle caters to both new and returning players, offering an enhanced experience. However, some may feel that additional enhancements could have further enriched the experience.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“If anyone comes into these remasters expecting Metroid Prime or Skyward Sword levels of work, be prepared to be disappointed because these releases are more akin to the Super Mario Sunshine reissue included with Super Mario 3D All-Stars. I see the primary audience from Nintendo’s point of view being those who have never played Pikmin who are interested in Pikmin 4, however not having all the options from Pikmin 3 Deluxe (also on Switch) limits the enjoyment for those introduced to the series from that release as the other main Pikmin games were released on systems that don’t have official support anymore and a very small percentage of people actually had a Wii U. Also, the fact that buying the two games separately is $10 more than buying both together is just an odd business strategy. Overall, I would say these games are worth playing, but are unfortunately not definitive versions that wholly replace previous releases or bring changes that future releases would make to the previous titles.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Pikmin 1+2 are welcome ports of Nintendo GameCube classics to the Switch, but little was done to update them in their 20-year absence.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“How these two games had gracefully aged, it is another proof of Nintendo’s genius touch. Simple gameplay from the first game remains charming, it is essential series gameplay, while the second part brings nice enhancements to the formula. Finally you can have full Pikmin Saga on Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Pikmin 1+2 is a great accessible introduction to the beloved series for newcomers and a gem for existing fans, but the steep price tag and lack of features drive a hard bargain for a series that lets you jump in at any point.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“As inventive and charming as when they released 20 years ago, 'Pikmin 1 + 2' on Switch are a welcome way to revisit Nintendo's wild excursion into the real-time strategy space.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“It’s been great fun revisiting these two GameCube classics, both holding up remarkably well and each a must for those that perhaps entered the series through its third entry. While the updates are minimal, that doesn’t diminish what are essentially two of Nintendo’s finest efforts on the purple box and a perfect appetiser before Pikmin 4 rolls around.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Pikmin 1 + 2 could be a good opportunity for Nintendo Switch players who want to experience original games, but it is a scarce game in terms of adding new things. Pricing is a bit inconvenient for replaying games with only high resolution graphics.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Pikmin 1 and 2's Switch ports might not be much of an upgrade in a technical sense, but the games themselves have stood the test of time wonderfully well, thanks to their timeless game design, addictive loop, intuitive controls, and healthy dose of charm.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“In both games you get solid and playful gameplay where you solve relatively simple puzzles, manage time limits, and most importantly have fun. If you're willing to forgive the game for being twenty years old, definitely give it a shot. [Issue#329]”
GameMAG
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