I'm surprised to see any other people who prefer 2 over 1. Most people think that a) the lack of overall time limit on 2 made it less strategic and b) the purples made it too easy. Well I say that a) the time limit in Pikmin 1 was NEVER EVEN CLOSE to being an issue even the first time through, and b) you still have to play carefully and there are still a lot of difficult hazards and monsters. Also, b-2) if it's that much of a problem just don't bring along any purples.
To me 2 beats both of the others on the sheer amount of content. Each playthrough takes me about 24 hours. And since I just love the very core of the gameplay, the longer I'm playing it the happier I am. I don't care if it's repetitive or less strategic or too easy or whatever. All I know is that every time I boot up Pikmin 2 I've got craploads to play through, and that's awesome. When I boot up 1, I beat it in one or two sittings. Also, tons of powerups that drastically change how you play, a huge interactive creature gallery with hilarious quips from Louie, about a million bosses, and tons and tons of fun and often nostalgic treasures to collect.
2 hands down. 1 lacks the content and 3 lies somewhere between. (And major points taken from 3 because of the completely pointless removal of c-stick controlling, which was literally one of the most important and constantly used controls in the series.)
Currently playing:
Bloodbath Paddy Wagon Ultra 9
