Pikmin 3

$60, Wii U

Teaches: logic, fine motor skills, spatial relations, problem solving, maps

CTR Rating: 92%

CTR Review

Thanks to the Wii U, this is one of the best versions of Pikmin we've played. The third edition is set in an alien world. You take command of three explorers and a legion of plant-like Pikmin creatures in a fight for survival. Using the Pikmin's unique abilities, players fight dangerous predators, and recover food needed to save the explorer's depleted home planet. Different Pikmin types, such as Rock Pikmin and Winged Pikmin, have different abilities. For example, Rock Pikmin are sturdy creatures who can be tossed at solid objects to break them down, and Winged Pikmin have the ability to fly and can carry objects in the air. Other features include the ability to split your Pikmin squads among the three explorers to maximize your strategy, and it is possible to use the Wii U GamePad controller as an in-game camera to capture the alien-safari environment from a pint-sized perspective, to share in the Miiverse. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers allow you to lead your explorers and pinpoint the location where you want to throw Pikmin. In addition, the game can also be played when the TV is turned off using only the Wii U GamePad. If you have a Wii U (and $60) this is an excellent game. See the video at http://youtu.be/UXKskJE10SY