Pokémon Go developer Niantic releases new Pikmin AR game Pikmin Bloom

Pikmin blossom, a new augmented reality app from Nintendo and Pokémon Go Creator, Niantic, comes to mobile devices starting Tuesday. The new app will first be released in Australia and Singapore and will be rolled out worldwide in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store in the coming days, according to a press release. It will be available to download for free.

“It was a new experience and a lot of fun for me and everyone at Niantic to help this app take shape,” said Shigeru Miyamoto in a new trailer for the game. “My hope is that everyone can create lasting memories together with Pikmin.”

The app uses real Augmented Reality (AR) technology to bring the colorful insect-like mascots named Pikmin on your daily walk. This is intended to “spice up” mundane commutes like going to the park or the grocery store by allowing you to interact with your Pikmin.

The mainline Pikmin games for console is a series of strategy games where you grow and command groups of Pikmin as if they were an army. This app takes a more peaceful approach and doesn’t involve fighting other creatures. In Pikmin blossom, They plant and pick pikmin that automatically grow as you walk. The more you go, the more Pikmin friends you can find.

a Mii walking alongside a group of Pikmin. their path is glittering and full of flowers

When you go for a walk with your Pikmin it will also leave a trail of blooming flowers and your Pikmin will have the opportunity to collect items. There are no new Pikmin in this game, but they will collect outfits to wear. When they collect certain items like fruit, they can be used to feed your Pikmin. When you feed them, flowers will bloom on their heads, which you can use to plant even more flowers on your walk – so you and others can create virtual gardens all over your city.

Even if you can team up with other trainers in Pokémon Go, this app is still a competitive game where you fight to conquer gyms for your team. Picmin flowers You don’t have to choose teams and aim to be more collaborative. During the game, you will plant gardens with others and face challenges with players who will help you win rewards.

a screenshot of a diary entry from Pikmin Bloom. There's a photo of a burger and a scenic lookout point.

Pikmin flower tries more to celebrate everyday memories. An important part of the game will be a diary that will allow you to think about your day. So the app allows you to count your steps every day and make a diary entry, which gives you the option to add photos and make a small entry.