Music in Pikmin 2: Difference between revisions

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Music (''Pikmin 2'')}}

{{spoiler}}

The '''music''' of [[Pikmin 2|''Pikmin 2'']] accompanies every mode of the game, from themes during gameplay to scores of cutscenes and menus, in order to provide a more engaging and focally directed experience. Generally, the textural style of the music reflects either the game's new mission from [[Hocotate]], the organic overworld of [[PNF-404]], or the specific visual theme of a [[cave]]; by vastly varying its unique instrumentations, register, and rhythms. During gameplay, each piece of music sets the mood for the particular environment, and adapts dynamically to what tasks Pikmin are carrying out, the identity and condition of the controlled [[leader]], and the time of [[day]]. Some tracks even adapt specifically to the actions of bosses. Between gameplay, pre-rendered cutscenes are scored with a large orchestra, and in-game cutscenes are scored with small ensembles. In general, compared with [[Music (Pikmin)|the music of the previous game]], the soundtrack of ''Pikmin 2'' is less melodically driven, and more atmospheric, although this iteration of the game contains quite a few [[wikipedia:Leitmotif|leitmotifs]], or musical gestures that become associated with characters or ideas.

{{clear}}

== Cutscenes ==

The cutscenes have widely different purposes and contexts, and so their scores have many different types of instruments and moods. The pre-rendered story cinemas of the game have a Hollywood-style sampled orchestra to score them, albeit not always using the full orchestra. In-game cutscenes have smaller ensembles with more specific or esoteric sounds to capture more specific moods and to subtly control the efficacy and meaning of the [[Hocotate ship]]'s monologues.

}}

Heard when the leader(s) and Pikmin return from a cave to the landing site. This quaint theme on pizzicato strings, DX electric piano, and muted cello presents a nice transition and reintroduction of the overworld, while its plagal cadence assures the player of the group's safety as they land unscathed.

{{clear}}

}}

Heard in a cinema unlocked when every challenge in [[Challenge Mode (Pikmin 2)|Challenge Mode]] is perfectly completed. This score is exactly the [[Cutscene#Attraction mode|attraction mode]] theme from [[Pikmin (game)|the first game]]. This choice is comical because although [[Cutscene#Louie's dark secret|Louie's dark secret is rather vexing]], the music is cheerful and simplistic, which makes the whole cinema appear jocular or even teasing.

{{clear}}

This area has no [[Burgeoning Spiderwort]]s, so there is no Spiderwort mix.

=== Awakening Wood ===

{{clear}}

{{infobox track

|link=

}}

{{clear}}

{{infobox track

|link=

}}

Heard when an [[obstacle]], such as a [[gate]] or [[bridge]], is overcome. This jingle is very similar to [[Music (Pikmin)#Minor jingles|the first game's obstacle jingle]] in that its structure resembles the [[wikipedia:Charge (fanfare)|charge fanfare]]. However, the last note is different from the previous game: it is a non-diatonic #4 scale degree, making the whole jingle sound odd and even comical, since the expected ending gets slightly bent.

{{clear}}