Pikmin 3

The first Pikmin game, inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto's love for gardening, is a perfect example of how Nintendo creates engaging, vibrant and memorable gaming experiences that no-one else would think to make. Now Nintendo has sprinkled a little of that magic dust on the Wii U with Pikmin 3.

For those who have never played the previous two games (either in Gamecube or Wii form), here are the basics - you potter around a 'mysterious world' (which bears an uncanny resemblance to Earth) as a tiny little spaceman, collecting spaceship parts in order to travel home. To help find and carry such lost equipment, you enlist the help of Pikmin, colourful little creatures with flower buds on their heads.

Different coloured Pikmin can be used to help you overcome various environmental hazards.

For veterans of the series, the core gameplay hasn't changed - whistling your troops is still an important part of lining up your Pikmin army, and using different kinds of 'min is vital in tackling bosses and armoured enemies.

Control will feel familiar to anyone who has played the Pikmin and Pikmin 2 re-releases on the Wii a couple of years ago. Using a Wiimote and Nunchuk combo, you can guide your spaceman around the environment with the analogue stick and direct your Pikmin using the Wiimote's pointer. Or, if you prefer, use the Gamepad, complete with maps and information readouts to help you along the way. The game also supports remote play with the Gamepad.

Hardcore Nintendo fans and Wii U newcomers alike are going to find something rich, fresh and engaging with Pikmin 3.