The one that always jumps to mind for me: Pikmin. I have sought far and wide for a game to scratch that "Pikmin-itch", but none exist. What is it about Pikmin that just makes it so unique? So unlike anything I've ever played or seen before? In fact, if anybody does have some recommendations, play do share. I have been searching for the longest time for something.

I would say Pikmin is like a colourful family friendly variant of the game Syndicate from 1993 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syndicate_(1993_video_game)

Now there are some big differences between the games but there are aspects that feel similar (but there is none of the coziness of Pikmin). Now the hard part is how to play Syndicate in this day and age, I’ve not played that game since the late 90’s. Only true sequel is Syndicate Wars from 1996 (and it’s OK) any other ”sequel” bearing the Syndicate name is crap.

LSD Dream Emulator for PS1. It's weird, it's random it's creepy and it's unique. I won't say it's a good game, it's just interesting.

VanQuish. It's not a cover shooter. No TPS has movement like VanQuish. It's still the best playing TPS ever made.