Bard's Meeps look like Olimar's Pikmin

First time playing Bard, I literally stated that "I have my own Pikman" and someone asked "what?". I really feel that Bard was inspired by PikMan but they won't say it. His passive makes Pikmen that he throws, he's based on movement which is like exploring, Bard makes things untouchable for a short while like the guy does to his Pikmen, and he blooms flowers. Though the character, himself, is original, the abilities seem similar.