Unusually, given its background, the Pikmin series is one of Nintendo’s rare underachievers. It was created by Mario and Zelda mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto, and shares the same charm and brilliance, just not the same success. Consequently, the franchise has not been pursued with the same vigour: there have been only four Pikmin games in 16 years. The series is typically based around 3D real-time strategy, where miniature spaceman Captain Olimar crashes on a planet and must use tiny Pikmin creatures – of varying abilities – to overcome obstacles and find items to mend his ship (before the sun sets and monsters come).

It’s simple enough, but the game’s charm lies in its setting – inspired by Miyamoto’s garden – and the various household items that Olimar collects, which he often fails to comprehend. Hey! Pikmin is a 2D take on the concept. It generally works, but lacks the depth of the originals and, with no time limit, their sense of panic. What remains seems unlikely to break into the mainstream. Gentle and fun, then, but not essential.