Personally, I main both Oli and Alph(Love Olimar's silver skin and Alph's pink one) and they can be played offensively(very rarely) and defensively. I play him both ways, but I will say it is key to know that certain Pikmin are perfect for certain things, like blue is great for a up kill throw, and purple is perfect for smash hits at high percentages. Also whites help grind damage when thrown.