If the thought of exploring unknown planets in Pikmin scares you, then perhaps exploring the bottom of the ocean sounds more calming. Namakorium, an upcoming title from Japanese indie company Polyscape (makers of the roguelite, top-down action game Mistrogue: Mist and the Living Dungeons), takes the horde commanding systems of Nintendo’s popular franchise and incorporates it into a cute and colorful underwater setting.
Namakorium cuts out the middle man (sorry, Olimar and pals) in favor of having the player directly control the titular Namako. These Namako (sea cucumbers) clean the bottom of the ocean, just like their real-life counterparts. As you clean up the ocean, you will gain food to increase your food timer (Namako must eat to increase the time left on each level) and resources (which can be used for things such as constructing buildings).
Different types of Namako have unique abilities. For example, shell Namako can gather limestone, while Flame and Ice Namako can survive harsh temperatures. By strategically choosing which Namako you bring to the eight unique stages, you will be able to gather enough materials and clean up the level before the timer runs out.
In addition to level hazards, Namakorium also plays host to threats such as the Blight Namako – corrupted Namako that rot food and increase the pollution in their vicinity. To take out this particular threat, you must use an item called the Namako Fusion Cannon.
As you clean up the levels, flora and fauna will begin to return, bringing life back to the ocean. While familiar animal species such as dolphins, sea turtles, and killer whales have been spotted, the developers have said that fictional creatures will also be included in the full release.
In an attempt to improve over Pikmin 4’s multiplayer, Namakorium will feature both local and online multiplayer, either with friends or randoms via in-game matchmaking. While you can essentially play the game solo by controlling several Namako simultaneously, the game is at its most fun (and chaotic) when more players join in.
While eight stages might not seem like enough, Polyscape has announced that more stages, gimmicks, and creations are being planned for release and future updates.
Namakorium is set to release in January 2026 for PC (Steam).
