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Oatchi
Pikmin character
Oatchi as he appeared in Pikmin 4 (2023)
First gamePikmin 4 (2023)
Created byYuji Kando
In-universe information
SpeciesSpace Dog
GenderMale
OriginGiya

Oatchi (Japanese: オッチン, Hepburn: Otchin) is character who first appeared in Nintendo's 2023 real-time strategy video game Pikmin 4 for the Nintendo Switch. Oatchi, a breed of creature dubbed "Space Dog", is a member of the Rescue Corps; a group of intergalactic individuals tasked with rescuing space adventurers who have become stranded. In Pikmin 4, the organisation are tasked with rescuing reoccurring series protagonist Captain Olimar after crash landing on planet PNF-404. Oatchi is one of the two playable characters in the game's main story and is partnered up with the player character to explore the Pikmin planet to find Olimar.

In Pikmin 4, Oatchi can be commanded by the player to perform tasks to aid in exploring such as destroying obstacles, carrying items and defeating enemies. Oatchi can also act as transport for both the player and the titular Pikmin. These abilities can be upgraded as the player progresses through the game. Additionally, Oatchi can act as a second captain, meaning he can command his own squad of Pikmin which can be used for puzzle solving.

Several media publications have given Oatchi praise for his adorable appearance as well as his adaptability and usefulness in the game, with some declaring that it was hard to go back to previous instalments due to the lack of Oatchi. Critics labelled Oatchi as one of the best video game characters of 2023.

Character design

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An image that demonstrates the visual differences between Oatchi (right) and Moss (left). Compared to Oatchi, Moss is significantly larger and has a dark green coat of fur. Additionally, Oatchi has a dandelion seedhead at the end of his tail whereas Moss has a leaf instead.

Oatchi is a "Space Dog", a bipedal alien species that has the appearance to that of a dog. He has a yellow coat of fur, a tail with a white ball at the end that resembles a dandelion's seedhead, and lacks a visible nose.[1] The character is also commonly depicted with having a red collar.[a][3] His appearance varies slightly in comparison to another Space Dog that appears in Pikmin 4: Moss, a larger green dog-like creature with a leaf growing on its tail who lives on the Pikmin planet and is capable of using the same abilities as Oatchi. In the game's story, Moss acts as an opponent to the player and Oatchi, who kidnaps castaways along with the protagonist Captain Olimar.[1][4][5] Oatchi is a type of Space Dog known as a Rescue Pup, a breed raised on the planet Giya. Giya is home to the Shephard family, a generational line of Rescue Corps captains who have raised Oatchi's breeds for generations.[6]

The character of Oatchi was created as a result of the series' low sales, causing developers to consider ideas for a new selling point for Pikmin 4 for both gameplay and being eye-catching.[7] In interviews, Pikmin 4 co-director Yuji Kando mentioned how during the early stages of the game's development, himself and other developers toyed with a prototype that allowed the player to control a recurring enemy known as a Bulborb.[8] With this mechanic the player would be able to use the enemy to consume Pikmin, which developers believed would simple to control, be visually striking and give satisfaction to the player. Kando added how they tried to develop ways in order for the player to control or possess enemies, mentioning Cappy from Super Mario Odyssey as an inspiration, but according to Kando "it was difficult to come up with something that fit the world of Pikmin."[9] As development furthered, developers considered the possibility of being able to control various creatures as well as letting the player ride them,[8] however Kando commented that it had become difficult to connect everything into a coherent game.[7] Developers started to find it difficult to justify having the player control an enemy, so they instead tried to have a character be more associated with the game's narrative of rescuing Olimar. The idea of "rescue dogs" came to mind with developers, which lead to the decision to add Oatchi as a partner to the player character.[7][9] Kando spoke about how the creation of Oatchi became the starting point in getting the game's narrative and mechanics to come together, giving an example of how the idea of Oatchi being a rescue dog lead to the creation of the Rescue Corp. Pikmin 4 designer and writer Yutaka Hiramuki noted in an interview with 4Gamer that Oatchi also lead to the creation of Moss as an opponent in the game's Dandori Battles.[b] He mentioned that this led to additions to the narrative about why there were two similar dog-like creatures in the game, which made Oatchi's presences in the game larger.[9]

Oatchi was developed to have two different aspects to his gameplay; a "Super Pikmin" side where he has the power of ten Pikmin when fighting or carrying an object, and a playable character side where Oatchi can operate separately from the player character and can command his own Pikmin.[7][10] Hiramuki stated the reason why developers a dog was chosen as the player's partners was to solve two problems at once. The first reason was to have him be able to be incorporated into the game's narrative as a Rescue Corps member in order to sniff out castaways. The other was to have the player be able to train the player to increase Oatchi's utilities such as transport. Hiramuki added that during development, adjustments were made to maintain the balance between the abilities of Oatchi and the Pikmin.[10] Kando mentioned that he was initially worried about the character, believing he would makes battles too easy, but later believed that Oatchi deepened the "strategic nature of the game" due to players being able to control both Oatchi and the player character simultaneously or have Oatchi assigned to a different task on his own, which coincided with the game's theme of Dandori.[7]

Appearances

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Main appearance

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Further information: Pikmin 4

Oatchi's first appearance is in the 2023 game Pikmin 4 as companion to the player character and secondary captain to the Pikmin. Oatchi is a Rescue Pup and member of the Rescue Corps, an intergalactic organisation tasked with helping out stranded explorers, referred to in-game as "castaways". At the beginning of the game, the Rescue Corps sends out a team with Oatchi led by Captain Shephard, tasked with rescuing series protagonist Captain Olimar from the planet PNF-404.[11] However, upon arrival to the planet the team crash land on the planet and are separated from each-other. The Rescue Corps proceed to task the player character, a new recruit to the organisation, to rescue the now stranded team.[12] Reaching PNF-404, the player character encounters and teams up with Oatchi to scout out the nearby members of the Rescue Corps team.[13] Upon finding a colony of Pikmin near the Rescue Corps' ship, they cooperate with the player and Oatchi in exploring the planet and finding Captain Olimar.[14]

Oatchi is able to be commanded by the player to perform a variety of tasks similar to Pikmin; such as being able to carry objects, attacking enemies and breaking structures. However unlike Pikmin, Oatchi is also able to jump up small ledges,[15] sniff out for objectives and resources and is able to carry both the player and Pikmin on his back.[16] Additionally, Oatchi can be commanded to charge; either to travel more quickly for a short distance or to bash into breakable objects and enemies.[17] Oatchi can be separated from the player to become the game's secondary captain. In this state, Oatchi is able to command and throw Pikmin to perform tasks, which is useful for multitasking and solving puzzles. Oatchi is able to gain new abilities such as swimming,[18] as well as upgrade existing abilities using Pup Drives; points earned by completing tasks that can be exchanged with Captain Shephard.[19][20]

Later on in the game, the Rescue Corps are able to find and rescue Olimar. Trying to leave the planet and return home, the team realise Oatchi is unable to leave the surface of the planet after contracting an illness that sprouts a leaf on his tail similar to the leaves on a Pikmin's head. Being unable to leave, Oatchi and the player search for a cure for the illness.[21] They end up finding the necessary ingredients after battling and defeating a giant dog-like creature, which had the DNA able to create a cure for Oatchi in order for them to return to space.[22]

Other appearances

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Oatchi has made cameo appearances in other instalments of the Pikmin series. To celebrate the release of the Pikmin 4 demo in June 2023, Niantic announced that players who have completed the demo would receive an Oatchi-based costume for the player's Mii in Pikmin Bloom.[23] The character has also made an appearance in the 2023 browser-based mobile game Pikmin Finder.[24] Outside of the Pikmin series, Oatchi appeared in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in 2024 as a spirit, a collectable obtained by playing matches under certain conditions.[25]

Critical reception

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Following his appearance in Pikmin 4, Oatchi garnered largely positive reception from critics, with publications such as IGN Japan, Nintendo Life and Destructoid declaring him as one of the best video game characters of 2023.[26][27][28] Destructoid's Chris Carter added that Oatchi was "the [star] of the game" and was one was one of the most useful game mechanics he had seen in the gaming industry. In his review of Pikmin 4, he felt that Oatchi completely changed how he approached the game and worked well with strategizing alongside the Pikmin, adding that Oatchi perfectly aligned with the game's philosophy of Dandori.[28][14] When discussing Oatchi in IGN Japan's character awards for 2023, Takuya Watanabe commented that they thought he was reliable and memorable. They described how they firmly believed Oatchi had become an important character to the Pikmin series and may even be its new face.[26]

Oatchi's appearance was a subject of discussion, with critics describing his appearances as being adorable and cute. ITmedia's Sadataro wrote how over the course of the game he was "completely smitten" by Oatchi's behaviour, noting how he felt better just by looking at him. He also praised Oatchi for his usefulness, which Sadataro claimed lowered the stress from leading the Pikmin during the game.[29] Multiple editors multiple expressed strong affection for Oatchi, with one describing Oatchi as being "shaped liked a friend".[30][17] Writer Kelsey Raynor from VG247 wrote how they thought Oatchi was adorable, but commented that he looked bizarre and rather strange-looking thanks to his lack of a nose.[1]

Another aspect of Oatchi that gained significant discussion were his abilities in Pikmin 4. Nintendo Life writer Jim Norman responded positively to the machic, noting how Oatchi became his only form of transport in the game due to how efficient he was. Norman added he was excited to utilise Oatchi as a second captain, adding that he felt that Oatchi was the "pinnacle of Pikmin planning".[20] Similarly, Willa Rowe mentioned how Oatchi's strength when riding him resulted in him being her main strategy for navigation. She noted how Oatchi's design and innovations to the series' formula "stole her heart".[17] In his review for Pikmin 4, Famitsu writer Tonio Kunizaki noted how attached he became to Oatchi by the end of the game. He felt that once Oatchi had become fully upgraded, the master and servant dynamic between the player and Oatchi had switched, noting that he felt Oatchi was capable of almost anything.[13] Hope Bellingham of GamesRadar+ welcomed the addition of Oatchi to the series and commented that riding on the back of Oatchi never got old. Bellingham wrote that while she was disappointed at the lack of ability to pet him, she was glad she was able to feed Oatchi treats.[16]

Conversely, other critics believed Oatchi's inclusion in the game made him too powerful when facing obstacles. TheGamer's Josh Coulson wrote that he believed that Oatchi ruined his enjoyment of the other entries in the Pikmin series. He mentioned how because Oatchi is such a reliable and core presence in 4, his desire to go back and play other games in the series dwindled due to the lack of Oatchi.[31] Writing for Real Sound [ja] (リアルサウンド), Takuya Watanabe stated that he believed Oatchi overshadowed both the protagonists and the Pikmin in 4, going further to mention that he believed the Pikmin in the game were an add-on due to Oatchi overshadowing and taking their role.[21] Critics from both Real Sound and Eurogamer jokingly commented that the game should have been named after Oatchi instead of the Pikmin due to his ubiquitous role in the narrative.[21][32] Eurogamer reported that players in the Pikmin community were devising "no-Oatchi" playthroughs of 4, with the article's author Liv Ngan believing challenges like these to be adding a proper challenge to the game. Ngan also notes the community was also attempting no Pikmin runs (also dubbed "Piklophobic" runs) which would emphasise the use of Oatchi and other in-game items significantly more, though she noted that these runs were attempted less often.[33]

Upon the release of Pikmin 4, Oatchi received merchandise of his likeness. In July 2023, Japanese manufacturing company San-Ei Boeki announced a seven inch tall Oatchi plushie would be released on Amazon Japan the following September.[34] Toy company Re-Ment revealed a range of Pikmin-themed terrarium figures in July 2024, of which Oatchi was one of the designs.[35]

Notes

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  1. ^ Though his collar colour can change depending on the spacesuit colour the player picks.[2]
  2. ^ Dandori is a Japanese word that describes a person's ability to strategically organise tasks and work effectively to execute plans.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Raynor, Kelsey (22 June 2023). "We put a nose on the Pikmin 4 dog... and we really shouldn't have". VG247. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  2. ^ Nintendo (21 July 2023). Pikmin 4 (Nintendo Switch). Nintendo.
  3. ^ Goulding, Erin Johnston (14 February 2023). "Everything the Dog Can Do in Pikmin 4". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  4. ^ "三英貿易より『ピクミン4』に登場するモスのぬいぐるみが2024年6月下旬に発売". Nintendo Dream Web (in Japanese). 1 July 2024. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  5. ^ Smith, Xavier (26 July 2023). "Pikmin 4: How To Win A Dandori Battle". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Pikmin Garden - Oatchi". Nintendo (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 4 April 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Ask the Developer Vol. 10, Pikmin 4 – Chapter 2". Nintendo. 20 July 2023. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b Kondo, Vanilla; Q, Fujikawa (10 July 2023). "『ピクミン４』インタビュー。ディレクター陣が語る『ピクミン4』のおもしろさや"ダンドリ"の楽しさ". Famitsu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  9. ^ a b c "［インタビュー］「ピクミン4」の"みんなが楽しめて奥が深い"ゲーム性と物語はどのように生まれたのか。開発のキーマン2名に話を聞いた". 4Gamer (in Japanese). 10 July 2023. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b c Hilliard, Kyle (2 October 2023). "Pikmin 4's Creators On Why Development Isn't Only About Making Miyamoto Happy". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  11. ^ Meluso, Maria (19 July 2023). ""An Evolution of a Classic Formula": Pikmin 4 Review". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  12. ^ Pisoni, Hope (6 June 2023). "Pikmin 4 Trailer Shows Off Character Creation, Leaves Some Wondering about Future Nintendo Direct". Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  13. ^ a b Kunizaki, Tonio (20 July 2023). "『ピクミン4』先行レビュー。相棒のオッチン様が恐ろしい。美しい弱肉強食の世界と大好きな『2』を彷彿とさせる集大成感にハマりすぎて「終わってほしくない」". Famitsu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  14. ^ a b Carter, Chris (19 July 2023). "Review: Pikmin 4". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  15. ^ "Pikmin 4: Get Along, Little Doggie". EGM. 4 July 2023. Archived from the original on 15 March 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  16. ^ a b Bellingham, Hope (26 June 2023). "After playing Pikmin 4, my interest in the whole series has bloomed". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  17. ^ a b c Rowe, Willa (26 June 2023). "Pikmin 4 adds the one thing every game needs — A dog". Inverse. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  18. ^ McMullen, Chris (25 July 2023). "How to Make Oatchi Swim in Pikmin 4". The Escapist. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  19. ^ Borman, Max (30 July 2023). "Why Pikmin 4's Oatchi is the Perfect Companion for the Franchise". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  20. ^ a b Norman, Jim (28 July 2023). "Soapbox: Oatchi Is The Star Of Pikmin 4, And He Deserves To Stay For Good". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  21. ^ a b c Watanabe, Takuya (10 August 2023). "『ピクミン4』は実質『オッチン4』？主役を"食う"ほどの存在感を放つ「オッチン」の功罪". Real Sound (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  22. ^ Lennox, Jesse (25 July 2024). "How to get the true ending in Pikmin 4". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  23. ^ Madnani, Mikhail (29 June 2023). "Pikmin Bloom Pikmin 4 Collaboration Oatchi-Rider Mii Costume Revealed". Touch Arcade. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  24. ^ Humphries, Matthew (5 September 2023). "Nintendo Quietly Releases Pikmin Finder Augmented Reality Game". PC Mag. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  25. ^ Doolan, Liam (10 January 2024). "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's New Spirits Have Been Revealed, Out This Week". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  26. ^ a b Watanabe, Takuya (4 January 2024). "1年を彩ったキャラクター・オブ・ザ・イヤー！――2023年を振り返る個人GOTY：渡邉卓也". IGN Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  27. ^ Reynolds, Ollie; Hagues, Alana; Norman, Jim (29 December 2023). "Feature: Best Switch Video Game Characters Of 2023". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  28. ^ a b Carter, Chris (30 August 2023). "This cute Pikmin 4 PSA proves that Oatchi is the best character of 2023". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  29. ^ Sadataro (29 July 2024). "「ピクミン４」の遊びやすさにマンガ家も感激そしてオッチンの愛らしさに癒やされる". ITmedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  30. ^ Innes, Ruby (9 February 2023). "I Would Do Literally Anything For Pikmin 4's Oatchi. I'd Even Commit Murder If Oatchi Asked Me To. Don't Believe Me? That's A You Problem. My Problem Is That I Love Oatchi Too Much". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  31. ^ Coulson, Josh (1 March 2024). "Oatchi Has Ruined All Other Pikmin Games For Me". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  32. ^ Phillips, Tom (26 June 2023). "Pikmin 4 streamlines its strategy, and partners you with a scene-stealing space pup". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  33. ^ Ngan, Liv (7 September 2023). "Can you complete Pikmin 4 without any Pikmin?". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 20 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  34. ^ Lada, Jenni (28 July 2023). "Pikmin 4 Oatchi and Ice Pikmin Plush Arrive in September". Siliconera. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  35. ^ Norman, Jim (22 July 2024). "More Pikmin Terrarium Figures Are On The Way, And They're Expectedly Adorable". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
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