Assets used in the Pikmin series: Difference between revisions

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{{page title|Assets used in the ''Pikmin'' series}}
{{page title|Assets used in the ''Pikmin'' series}}
{{image}}
[[File:Sozaijiten06 085.jpg|thumb|325px|A [[#Sozaijiten|stock image]] that was used in the ''Pikmin'' series.]]
The [[Pikmin series|''Pikmin'' series]] and its world is built with distinct pieces of imagery, audio, and typefaces. A large portion of the assets used in the games are made from scratch and are proprietary to [[Nintendo]], though occasionally, some of these assets may be taken from or contain elements from external sources. This can include commercially-available software libraries, or real-life objects and hardware.
[[File:Horsetail Pikmin.jpg|thumb|325px|Promotional artwork for {{P1}} that was created using the photograph above.]]
The [[Pikmin series|''Pikmin'' series]] and its world is built with distinct pieces of imagery, audio, and typefaces. A large portion of the assets used in the games are made from scratch and are proprietary to [[Nintendo]], though occasionally, some of these assets may be taken or contain elements from external sources. This can include commercially-available software libraries, or real-life objects and hardware.


==Stock photography==
== Stock photography ==
Since the objects and environments within the ''Pikmin'' series are often based on human technology and nature in the real world, photography of real items and locations on Earth are a common resource for textures. For the first game, a large amount of these images were taken in Japan by members of the game's own staff.{{cite youtube|w_Qk8388OhU|of footage from E3, where it is stated that some of the materials used in ''Pikmin'' are from around Shigeru Miyamoto's neighborhood|m=10|s=10}} However, it was not uncommon for some few pieces of foliage to be made using graphics from stock photography libraries. For more unnatural materials, this occurred a lot more often. During the development of {{P1}} and {{P2}}, these libraries were primarily sold and distributed on CD-ROMs.
Since the objects and environments within the ''Pikmin'' series are often based on human technology and nature in the real world, photography of real items and locations on Earth are a common resource for textures. For the first game, a large amount of these images were taken in Japan by members of the game's own staff.{{cite youtube|w_Qk8388OhU|of footage from E3, where it is stated that some of the materials used in ''Pikmin'' are from around Shigeru Miyamoto's neighborhood|m=10|s=10}} However, it was not uncommon for some few pieces of foliage to be made using graphics from stock photography libraries. For more unnatural materials, this occurred a lot more often. During the development of {{P1}} and {{P2}}, these libraries were primarily sold and distributed on CD-ROMs.


===''Sozaijiten''===
=== ''Sozaijiten'' ===
''Sozaijiten'' ({{j|素材辞典|Sozai Jiten|Material Dictionary}}) is a series of stock image libraries by Datacraft that is advertised and sold as separate volumes. The content of each volume is themed (usually around a type of material, part of nature, or event), and were originally distributed on singular CD-ROMs. For ''Pikmin'' and ''Pikmin 2'', photographs and artwork from ''Sozaijiten'' are used very often and in a large variety of ways.
[[File:Sozaijiten Vol 6 Cover.jpg|thumb|250px|The cover of ''Sozaijiten Vol. 6'', one of the CD-ROMs used in the ''Pikmin'' series.]]
''Sozaijiten'' ({{j|素材辞典|Sozai Jiten|Material Dictionary}}) is a series of stock image libraries by Datacraft that is advertised and sold as volumes. The content of each volume is themed (usually around a type of material, part of nature, or event), and were originally distributed on singular CD-ROMs. For {{P1}} and {{P2}}, photographs and artwork from ''Sozaijiten'' are used very often and in a myriad of ways.


===''Bakku no Oni''===
On [http://www.sozaijiten.com/cdrom/lineup.asp?pt=0 ''Sozaijiten'''s website], low-resolution previews of every image are available for browsing. The previews come with descriptions; these reveal the original shooting location of certain photos, or some miscellaneous information about the photographed material.
''Bakku no Oni'' ({{j|バックの鬼|Bakku no Oni|Background Demon}}) is a series of stock image libraries that was distributed by A&P CO-ORDINATOR JAPAN. Its volumes were themed after colors or types of material, such as rust. Images from these volumes were often used as textures for the [[caves]] in ''Pikmin 2''.


===''VisualDisk''===
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
''VisualDisk'' is a series of stock image libraries that was distributed by dizáin. Although similar to ''Sozaijiten'' in regards to the very large amount of volumes released and the high diversity of content, it is used sparsely in ''Pikmin 2''.
! colspan="6" | List of ''Sozaijiten'' textures used in {{P1}}
|-
! Volume || Name || Source Image || Texture/Screenshot || Description
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF085
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 085.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Horsetail Pikmin.jpg|128px]]
| The background to a piece of promotional artwork for {{P1}}. It is an image of some {{w|Equisetum|horsetails}}, taken in {{w|Atsuta, Hokkaido}}.
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF097
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 097.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Pikmin family P1 art.jpg|128px]]
| The background to a piece of promotional artwork for ''Pikmin''.
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF122
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 122.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Pikmin world map.png|128px]]
| The mountains in the [[area selection menu]]. It is a photograph of {{w|Mount Kamui (Lake Mashū caldera)|Mount Kamui}} and {{w|Lake Mashū}}.
The approximate location is viewable [https://earth.google.com/web/@43.47691307,145.5945732,38.82452321a,89091.36919831d,35y,97.9214276h,89.94993779t,-0r/data=OgMKATA here].
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF164
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 164.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Pikmin world map.png|128px]]
| The main landmass in the area selection menu. It was taken in {{w|Shakotan, Hokkaido}}.
The approximate location is viewable [https://earth.google.com/web/@43.31194295,140.56885515,121.14944487a,650.20875074d,35y,-31.40251596h,77.05214621t,0.00000003r/data=OgMKATA here].
|-
! Vol. 13 葉・葉脈編
(Leaves and Leaf Veins)
| SM054
| [[File:Sozaijiten13 054.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Impact site elderberry.png|128px]]
| Several plants found in the [[The Impact Site]]. It is a photograph of an {{w|Sambucus|elderberry}}'s leaves.
|-
! Vol. 16 皮・年輪編
(Wood Textures)
| SQ166
| [[File:Sozaijiten16 166.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Perplexing pool treestump.png|128px]]
| The base of several wooden stumps in [[The Distant Spring]].
|-
! Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編
(Space and Planets)
| SV001
| [[File:Sozaijiten21 001.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:PNF404pikmin1.png|128px]]
| [[PNF-404]], in the Nintendo Player's Guide of ''Pikmin''. It is a photograph of Earth. It is also used for [[Koppai]] in the opening of [[Pikmin 3]].
|-
! Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編
(Space and Planets)
| SV002
| [[File:Sozaijiten21 002.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Planet of the Pikmin.png|128px]]
| PNF-404, during the [[Cutscene#Credits|credits]] of ''Pikmin''. It is a photograph of Earth.
|-
! Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編
(Space and Planets)
| SV007
| [[File:Sozaijiten21 007.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Pikmin Secret Onions.png|128px]]
| PNF-404, during the [[Cutscene#Good_ending|good ending]] cutscene of ''Pikmin''. It is a photograph of Earth.
|}


==Instrument samples==
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
The [[music]] of the ''Pikmin'' series is primarily made using commercially-available sample libraries, synthesizers, and virtual instruments. This is the case for all of the music in [[Music in Pikmin|''Pikmin'']], [[Music in Pikmin 2|''Pikmin 2'']], and [[Music in Pikmin 3|''Pikmin 3'']]. Instances of musicians performing live on real acoustic instruments is highly uncommon in the games; the [[Music in Pikmin 3#Side Stories|new music]] composed by Babi for {{p3d}} is one such example.{{cite web|https://www.reddit.com/r/Pikmin/comments/15g0eac/email_i_received_from_babi_from_my_inquiry/|Babi's response to an e-mail inquiry|Reddit}}
! colspan="6" | List of ''Sozaijiten'' textures used in {{P2}}
|-
! Volume || Name || Source Image || Texture/Screenshot || Description
|-
! Vol. 1 テクスチャー・石編
(Stone Textures)
| SA068
| [[File:Sozaijiten01 068.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Emergence Cave Sub 2 concrete texture.png|128px]]
| Stone used around the geyser in the 2nd sublevel of the [[Emergence Cave#Sublevel 2|Emergence Cave]].
|-
! Vol. 2 紙・布・木編
(Paper, Cloth, and Wood Textures)
| SB108
| [[File:Sozaijiten02 108.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Five-man Napsack fabric texture.png|128px]]
| The fabric for the [[Five-man Napsack]].
|-
! Vol. 5 空・雲編
(Sky and Clouds)
| SE074
| [[File:Sozaijiten05 074.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Pik2 Area Selection Menu cloud.png|128px]]
| The fog in the [[area selection menu]] of {{P2}}.
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF122
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 122.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:P2 World Map Stripped.png|128px]]
| The mountains in the area selection menu. It is a photograph of {{w|Mount Kamui (Lake Mashū caldera)|Mount Kamui}} and {{w|Lake Mashū}}.
The approximate location is viewable [https://earth.google.com/web/@43.47691307,145.5945732,38.82452321a,89091.36919831d,35y,97.9214276h,89.94993779t,-0r/data=OgMKATA here].
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF164
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 164.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:P2 World Map Stripped.png|128px]]
| The main landmass in the area selection menu. It was taken in {{w|Shakotan, Hokkaido}}.
The approximate location is viewable [https://earth.google.com/web/@43.31194295,140.56885515,121.14944487a,650.20875074d,35y,-31.40251596h,77.05214621t,0.00000003r/data=OgMKATA here].
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF190
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 190.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:ValleyofReposeTrees.png|128px]]
| Snow used for the [[Valley of Repose]]'s background image. The image was taken on a beach in {{w|Otaru}}.
|-
! Vol. 6 四季・自然編
(Seasons and Nature)
| SF191
| [[File:Sozaijiten06 191.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:ValleyofReposeTrees.png|128px]]
| Trees used for the Valley of Repose's background image. The image was taken in {{w|Shikaoi, Hokkaido}}.
|-
! Vol. 8 壁・土編
(Walls and Soils)
| SH071
| [[File:Sozaijiten08 071.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:VRBOX build wall.png|128px]]
| Used for the <code>build</code> [[Pikmin 2 cave generation#Backgrounds|cave background]]. It has been flipped horizontally.
|-
! Vol. 8 壁・土編
(Walls and Soils)
| SH096
| [[File:Sozaijiten08 096.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Perplexing Pool metal sheet texture.png|128px]]
| Several metallic sheets buried in the ground that appear in the [[Perplexing Pool]].
|-
! Vol. 13 葉・葉脈編
(Leaves and Leaf Veins)
| SM074
| [[File:Sozaijiten13 074.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Perplexing Pool Galax texture.png|128px]]
| Large leaves in the Perplexing Pool. It is a photograph of {{w|Galax}}.
|-
! Vol. 16 皮・年輪編
(Wood Textures)
| SQ166
| [[File:Sozaijiten16 166.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Perplexing pool treestump.png|128px]]
| The base of several wooden stumps in the Perplexing Pool and a unique cave unit seen in the [[Hole of Heroes#Sublevel 6|Hole of Heroes]].
|-
! Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編
(Space and Planets)
| SV161
| [[File:Sozaijiten21 161.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Debt Repayment Cinema nebula 2.png|128px]]
| A galaxy that can be seen in the [[Cutscene#Debt Repayment Cinema|Debt Repayment Cinema]] in ''Pikmin 2''. It is a photograph of a spiral galaxy in the Pegasus constellation.
|-
! Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編
(Space and Planets)
| SV186
| [[File:Sozaijiten21 186.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Debt Repayment Cinema nebula 1.png|128px]]
| Nebulae that can be seen in the [[Cutscene#Opening_Cinema|Opening]] and Debt Repayment Cinemas in ''Pikmin 2''. It is a photograph of the {{w|Orion Nebula}}.
|-
! Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編
(Space and Planets)
| SV187
| [[File:Sozaijiten21 187.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Debt Repayment Cinema nebula 2.png|128px]]
| Nebulae that can be seen in the Opening and Debt Repayment Cinemas in ''Pikmin 2''. It is a photograph of the {{w|Orion Nebula}}.
|-
! Vol. 24 大理石編
(Marbles)
| SY089
| [[File:Sozaijiten24 089.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Priceless Statue texture.png|128px]]
| The texture for the [[Priceless Statue]] and [[Worthless Statue]]. It is an image of Grigio Carnico marble.
|-
! Vol. 53 木目・組木・あじろ編
(Grain, Interlocked and Braided Wood)
| CD123
| [[File:Sozaijiten53 123.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Shock Therapist wooden base texture.png|128px]]
| The texture used for the [[Shock Therapist]]'s wooden base. It is an image of {{w|rosewood}}.
|-
! Vol. 53 木目・組木・あじろ編
(Grain, Interlocked and Braided Wood)
| CD138
| [[File:Sozaijiten53 138.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:VRBOX flooring texture.png|128px]]
| Used for the <code>flooring</code> cave background. It is an image of 5-inch {{w|white oak}} flooring. Several planks of wood were stretched.
|}


;Synthesizers and sample libraries used by [[Nintendo#Hajime Wakai|Hajime Wakai]] in the music of {{P1}}
{{clear}}
* Kurzweil K2500R (and K25 FARM)
 
* Roland SC-88
=== ''Bakku no Oni'' ===
* Digidesign SampleCell II's factory library
[[File:Bakku no Oni SABI 2 Front.png|thumb|250px|An image of ''Bakku no Oni SABI 2''.]]
* Best Service Ultra Gigapack (SampleCell format)
''Bakku no Oni'' ({{j|バックの鬼|Bakku no Oni|Background Demon}}) is a series of stock image libraries that was distributed by A&P CO-ORDINATOR JAPAN. Its volumes were themed after specific types of aesthetics. Images from "Bakku no Oni SABI 2" were often used as textures for the [[caves]] in {{P2}}.
* Spectrasonics Supreme Beats (SampleCell format)
 
For this game, Hajime Wakai uses SampleCell II as his primarily sampler. He also makes use of the K2500's packaged "K25 FARM", which contains several hundred extra presets that can be loaded onto the synthesizer.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of ''Bakku no Oni'' textures used in {{P2}}
|-
! scope="col" width="70" | Volume
! scope="col" width="70" | Name
! Source Image || Texture/Screenshot || Description
|-
! 寂2
(SABI 2)
| RUST-08
| [[File:Bakku no oni sabi 2 RUST-08.png|128px]]
| [[File:Caveunit texture Plate1.png|128px]]
| Used for a small metal plate in the center of the <code>room_hitode3x3_5_metal</code> [[cave unit]].
|-
! 寂2
(SABI 2)
| RUST-27
| [[File:Bakku no oni sabi 2 RUST-27.png|128px]]
| [[File:Caveunit texture SABI2.png|128px]]
| Used for the dark brown metal in many metallic cave units, and the top of the bucket in the <code>room_big_kusachi</code> garden cave unit.
|-
! 寂2
(SABI 2)
| RUST-34
| [[File:Bakku no oni sabi 2 RUST-34.png|128px]]
| [[File:Caveunit texture Sabi red.png|128px]]
| Used as the center room's floor in <code>room_white14x12_metal</code>, the main cave unit in sublevel 3 of the [[White Flower Garden#Sublevel 3|White Flower Garden]].
|-
! 寂2
(SABI 2)
| RUST-36
|| [[File:Bakku no oni sabi 2 RUST-36.png|128px]]
|| [[File:Caveunit texture metalcommon.png|128px]]
| The blue rusted metal used in many metallic cave units.
|-
! 寂2
(SABI 2)
| RUST-41
| [[File:Bakku no oni sabi 2 RUST-41.png|128px]]
| [[File:Caveunit texture sabi brown.png|128px]]
| Used in the small path in <code>room_white14x12_metal</code>, and as the circular rim in the [[Titan Dweevil]]'s arena, <code>room_oootakara_tile</code>.
|}
 
{{clear}}
 
=== ''VisualDisk'' ===
[[File:VisualDisk M10 Leaves cover.png|thumb|200px|The front cover of ''VisualDisk M-10 Leaves''.]]
''VisualDisk'' is a series of stock image libraries that was distributed by dizáin. Similar in scope to ''Sozaijiten'', there was a very large amount of volumes released and high variety in its content. However, it is used sparsely in {{P2}}.
 
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of ''VisualDisk'' textures used in {{P2}}
|-
! Volume || Name || Source Image || Texture/Screenshot || Description
|-
! M-02 Metals
| M2_01
| [[File:Visualdisk M2 01.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Caveunit texture baketu01.png|128px]]
| Used for the top of the bucket in the <code>room_big_kusachi</code> garden cave unit. It is mixed with "RUST-27" from ''Bakku no Oni SABI 2''.
|-
! M-10 Leaves
| M10_05
| [[File:Visualdisk M10 05.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Wistful wild intro leaves.png|128px]]
| Used for various autumn leaves on {{P2}}'s title screen, and in the intro for the [[Wistful Wild]] when landing in the area for the first time.
|-
! M-10 Leaves
| M10_43
| [[File:Visualdisk M10 43.jpg|128px]]
| [[File:Wistful wild yellow plant.png|128px]]
| Used for several plants in the Wistful Wild. The leaves have been edited to look like they are decaying.
|}
 
{{clear}}
 
==Audio samples==
Similar to graphics, creating game audio often involves the sampling of various sound libraries. The games within the ''Pikmin'' series are a good example, where a large amount of audio can be sourced back to a number of different commercially-released products. These products are used to create the individual instrument samples and sound effects in the games, as well as pieces of streamed music. All of the music in {{P1}}, {{P2}}, and [[Music in Pikmin 3|''Pikmin 3'']] use audio from digital instruments and synthesizers; instances of musicians performing live on real acoustic instruments are highly uncommon in the games. The [[Music in Pikmin 3#Side Stories|new music]] composed by Babi for {{p3d}} is one of the very few occasions where this was done.{{cite web|https://www.grandfunk.net/works/2228/|Production credits|GRANDFUNK's website}}
 
===''Pikmin''{{'s}} music===
[[Music in Pikmin|''Pikmin'']]'s soundtrack was composed by Hajime Wakai. He uses the [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil K2500R]] and [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]] synthesizers, and the SampleCell II software. The two aforementioned synthesizers make up the vast majority of sounds heard in the soundtrack, though a few sample CD-ROMs are also seldom used; these CD-ROMs are formatted for SampleCell II, which serves the function of a sampler.
 
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of products used in the music of {{P1}}
|-
! Product || Image || Year || Format || Details || Demo
|-
! [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]]
| [[File:Roland SC-88.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || Hardware synthesizer || MIDI sound module by Roland, used by Hajime Wakai.<br />Often used for acoustic instruments that the Kurzweil K2500R's sample set lacked. || [[File:Pikmin1SC88demo.mp3]]
|-
! [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil<br />K2500R]]
| [[File:Kurzweil K2500R.png|92px]] || 1996 || Hardware synthesizer || Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, used by Hajime Wakai.<br />Dominates most of the soundtrack, alongside the Roland SC-88. || [[File:Pikmin1K2500demo.mp3]]
|-
! SampleCell II<br />CD-ROM Library
| [[File:Digidesign SampleCell II CD-ROM Library 1.jpg|92px]] || 1991 || SampleCell CD-ROM || A selection of sounds that came packaged with SampleCell II, by Digidesign.<br />Used for the classical guitar heard in [[Music in Pikmin#The Impact Site|''The Impact Site'']]. || [[File:Pikmin1SampleCelldemo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Supreme Beats
| [[File:Spectrasonics Supreme Beats.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || SampleCell CD-ROM || Sample library by Spectrasonics.<br />Used for several sounds in ''Pikmin''{{'s}} [[Music in Pikmin#Pikmin|main theme]]. || [[File:Pikmin1SupremeBeatsdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Best Service<br />Ultra Gigapack
| [[File:Best Service Ultra Gigapack.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || SampleCell CD-ROM || Sample library by Best Service.<br />Used for the piano in [[Music in Pikmin#The Forest of Hope|''The Forest of Hope'']], and some  percussion in [[Music in Pikmin#Final Boss Battle|''Final Boss Battle'']]. || [[File:Pikmin1UltraGigapackdemo.mp3]]
|}
 
===''Pikmin 2''{{'s}} music===
[[Music in Pikmin 2|''Pikmin 2'']]'s soundtrack was composed by Hajime Wakai and Kazumi Totaka, and features a wider range of products used. The Kurzweil K2500R and Roland SC-88 are once again prominently used by Hajime Wakai. SampleCell II no longer sees any use by Hajime Wakai for this title; instead, sounds from InVision Lightware 1, East-West Drums + Percussion, and the AKAI CD3000 Sound Library can be heard, all of which came packaged with the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G52ErOIwXAY AKAI CD3000] sampler. Kazumi Totaka uses the [[#Yamaha S90|Yamaha S90]] and a slew of different sample libraries for his music.
 
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of products used in the music of {{P2}}
|-
! Product || Image || Year || Format || Details || Demo
|-
! [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]]
| [[File:Roland SC-88.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || Hardware synthesizer || MIDI sound module by Roland, used by Hajime Wakai.<br />Often used for acoustic instruments that the Kurzweil K2500R's sample set lacked. || [[File:Pikmin2SC88demo.mp3]]
|-
! [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil<br />K2500R]]
| [[File:Kurzweil K2500R.png|92px]] || 1996 || Hardware synthesizer || Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, used by Hajime Wakai.<br />Dominates most of the soundtrack, alongside the Roland SC-88. || [[File:Pikmin2K2500demo.mp3]]
|-
! [[#Yamaha S90|Yamaha S90]]
| [[File:Yamaha S90.jpg|92px]] || 2002 || Hardware synthesizer || Professional synthesizer by Yamaha, used by Kazumi Totaka.<br />Its sound set can be expanded with plug-in boards. || [[File:YamahaS90Demo.ogg]]
|-
! [[#Expansion boards|Yamaha<br />PLG150-DX]]
| [[File:Yamaha PLG150 DX.png|92px]] || 1999 || Plug-in board || Plug-in board synthesizer, used by Kazumi Totaka with his Yamaha S90.<br />It comes with several sounds from the {{w|Yamaha DX7}}, and is present in several cave songs. || [[File:PLG150DXDemo.ogg]]
|-
! [[#Expansion boards|Yamaha<br />PLG150-VL]]
| [[File:Yamaha PLG150 VL.png|92px]] || 1999 || Plug-in board || Plug-in board synthesizer, used by Kazumi Totaka with his Yamaha S90.<br />The "Lite Pipe" sound was used for [[Music in Pikmin 2#Concrete 2|''Concrete 2'']], and the bassoon is used in [[Music in Pikmin 2#Battle theme|''2-Player Battle'']]. || [[File:PLG150VLDemo.ogg]]
|-
! AKAI CD3000<br />Sound Library
| [[File:AKAI CD3000 Sound Library.jpg|92px]] || 1993 || AKAI CD-ROM || A selection of sounds by AKAI that came packaged with the CD3000.<br />It is used in the cutscene scores by Hajime Wakai. || [[File:Pikmin2AKAICD3000demo.mp3]]
|-
! Drums + Percussion<br />Special Edition
| [[File:EastWest Drums and Percussion Special Edition.jpg|92px]] || 1993 || AKAI CD-ROM || A selection of sounds by East-West that came packaged with the CD3000.<br />It is used in the cutscene scores by Hajime Wakai. || [[File:Pikmin2DrumsPercdemo.mp3]]
|-
! InVision<br />Lightware 1
| [[File:InVision Lightware 1.jpg|92px]] || 1993 || AKAI CD-ROM || A selection of sounds by InVision that came packaged with the CD3000.<br />It is used in the cutscene scores by Hajime Wakai. || [[File:Pikmin2InVisiondemo.mp3]]
|-
! Synclavier<br />Sampler Library
| [[File:ILIO Synclavier Sampler Library Percussion World and Orchestral.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || AKAI CD-ROM || Sample library by Ilio, used by Kazumi Totaka.<br />A kalimba sample from the World and Orchestral disc is used in two cave themes. || [[File:Pikmin2Synclavierdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Best Service<br />Advanced Orchestra
| [[File:Best Service Peter Siedlaczeks Advanced Orchestra.jpg|92px]] || 1997 || AKAI CD-ROM || Renowned orchestral sample library distributed by Best Service.<br />It is used in Hajime Wakai's orchestral scores, and is also in a few songs by Kazumi Totaka. || [[File:Pikmin2AdvancedOrchestrademo.mp3]]
|-
! SampleCell II<br />CD-ROM Library
| [[File:Digidesign SampleCell II CD-ROM Library 1.jpg|92px]] || 1991 || SampleCell CD-ROM || A selection of sounds that came packaged with SampleCell II, by Digidesign.<br />It has some minor usage by Kazumi Totaka. || [[File:Pikmin2SampleCelldemo.mp3]]
|-
! Best Service<br />Ultra Gigapack
| [[File:Best Service Ultra Gigapack.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || SampleCell CD-ROM || Sample library by Best Service, used by Kazumi Totaka.<br />A number of sounds from this library are used in cave music. || [[File:Pikmin2UltraGigapackdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Bass Legends
| [[File:Spectrasonics Bass Legends.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || CD-ROM || Sample library by Spectrasonics, used by Kazumi Totaka.<br />The Jaco fretless bass is used in [[Music in Pikmin 2#Concrete 2|''Concrete 2'']]. || [[File:Pikmin2BassLegendsdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Supreme Beats
| [[File:Spectrasonics Supreme Beats.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || CD-ROM || Sample library by Spectrasonics, used by Kazumi Totaka.<br />Many percussion instruments heard in Kazumi Totaka's cave music are from this library. || [[File:Pikmin2SupremeBeatsdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Q-Up Arts<br />Voices of Istanbul
| [[File:QUp Arts Voices of Istanbul.png|92px]] || 2000 || CD-ROM || Sample library by Q-Up Arts, used by Kazumi Totaka.<br />The Turkish davul from this library was used in [[Music in Pikmin 2#Concrete 2|''Concrete 2'']] and [[Music in Pikmin 2#Grass|''Grass'']]. || [[File:Pikmin2Istanbuldemo.mp3]]
|-
! Series 4000<br />Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library.jpg|92px]] || 1989 || Audio CD-ROM || Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.<br />Several sound effects are used in Hajime Wakai's and Kazumi Totaka's music. || [[File:Pikmin2Series4000demo.mp3]]
|-
! Series 6000<br />Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library.png|92px]] || 1992 || Audio CD-ROM || Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.<br />Several sound effects are used in Hajime Wakai's and Kazumi Totaka's music. || [[File:Pikmin2Series6000demo.mp3]]
|-
! Warner Bros.<br />Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Warner Bros Sound Effects Library.jpg|92px]] || 1992 || Audio CD-ROM || Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.<br />An anvil crash sound effect is used in [[Music in Pikmin 2#Metal 2|''Metal 2'']]. || [[File:Pikmin2WarnerBrosdemo.mp3]]
|}
 
===''Pikmin 3''{{'s}} music===
[[Music in Pikmin 3|''Pikmin 3'']]'s soundtrack was composed by Asuka Hayazaki, Atsuko Asahi, and Hajime Wakai. It was the first main title to have a soundtrack consisting wholly of streamed music; singular instrument samples do not exist individually within the game itself, although sampling can still occur within the music creation process. The Kurzweil K2500 is still prominent in this soundtrack, but it is being used by Asuka Hayazaki, alongside her {{w|Korg Triton|KORG Triton Studio}}.
 
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of products used in the music of {{P3}}
|-
! Product || Image || Year || Format || Details || Demo
|-
! [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]]
| [[File:Roland SC-88.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || Hardware synthesizer || MIDI sound module by Roland.<br />It has very minor usage in ''Pikmin 3''. || [[File:Pikmin3SC88demo.mp3]]
|-
! [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil<br />K2500R]]
| [[File:Kurzweil K2500R.png|92px]] || 1996 || Hardware synthesizer || Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, originally used by Hajime Wakai.<br />It is very prominent in Asuka Hayazaki's music for ''Pikmin 3''. || [[File:Pikmin3K2500demo.mp3]]
|-
! KORG<br />Triton Studio
| [[File:KORG TRITON STUDIO.jpg|92px]] || 2002 || Hardware synthesizer || Professional synthesizer by KORG, used by Asuka Hayazaki.<br />It was often used alongside the Kurzweil K2500R. || [[File:Pikmin3TRITONdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Supreme Beats
| [[File:Spectrasonics Supreme Beats.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || CD-ROM || Sample library by Spectrasonics, used by Asuka Hayazaki.<br />Several percussive loops were used in the [[Music in Pikmin 3#Tropical Wilds|Tropical Wilds]]. || [[File:Pikmin3SupremeBeatsdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Best Service<br />Advanced Orchestra
| [[File:Best Service Peter Siedlaczeks Advanced Orchestra.jpg|92px]] || 1997 || CD-ROM || Orchestral sample library distributed by Best Service, used by Asuka Hayazaki.<br />The snare drum is used in the [[Music in Pikmin 3#Main bosses|boss battle]] music. || [[File:Pikmin3AdvancedOrchestrademo.mp3]]
|-
! Series 4000<br />Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library.jpg|92px]] || 1989 || Audio CD-ROM || Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.<br />A cartoon horn toot was used in Bingo Battle's [[Music in Pikmin 3#Bingo Battle|toy theme]].
|-
! Series 6000<br />Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library.png|92px]] || 1992 || Audio CD-ROM || Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.<br />A cash register sound was used in Bingo Battle's [[Music in Pikmin 3#Bingo Battle|toy theme]].
|-
! Animal Trax
| [[File:The Hollywood Edge Animal Trax.jpg|92px]] || 1996 || Audio CD-ROM || Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.<br />A faint sheep bleat from this library can be heard on the title screen.
|-
! ZERO-G<br />Ethnic Flavours
| [[File:ZERO-G Ethnic Flavours.jpg|92px]] || 1996 || Audio CD-ROM || Sample library by ZERO-G, used by Asuka Hayazaki.<br />A West African flute riff is used in the music for the Tropical Wilds. || [[File:Pikmin3EthnicFlavoursdemo.mp3]]
|-
! East-West<br />Symphonic Orchestra
| [[File:EastWest Symphonic Orchestra.jpg|92px]] || 2003 || Software instrument || Software instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki and Atsuko Asahi.<br />This library was a go-to for a variety of orchestral instruments. || [[File:Pikmin3SymphonicOrchestrademo.mp3]]
|-
! East-West<br />Ra
| [[File:East West Ra.jpg|92px]] || 2005 || Software instrument || Software instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki and Atsuko Asahi.<br />A pan flute, gamelan, and kalimba from this library are used in some songs. || [[File:Pikmin3RAdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Steinberg<br />HALion One
| [[File:Steinberg Cubase 4 HALion One.jpg|92px]] || 2006 || Software instrument || Software instrument included in earlier versions of Cubase by Steinberg, used by Atsuko Asahi. || [[File:Pikmin3HALionOnedemo.mp3]]
|-
! East-West<br />Stormdrum 2
| [[File:EastWest Stormdrum 2.jpg|92px]] || 2007 || Software instrument || Software instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki.<br />A percussion sample from this library is featured in the [[Music in Pikmin 3#Formidable Oak|Formidable Oak]]. || [[File:Pikmin3Stormdrum2demo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Omnisphere
| [[File:Spectrasonics Omnisphere.png|92px]] || 2008 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Spectrasonics.<br />This robust synthesizer is in many parts of the soundtrack. || [[File:Pikmin3Omnispheredemo.mp3]]
|-
! KONTAKT<br />Factory Library
| [[File:NI KONTAKT Factory Library.jpg|92px]] || 2010 || Software instrument || A selection of sounds that came packaged with the full version of KONTAKT, by Native Instruments.<br />It was used by Atsuko Asahi.
|-
! Apple<br />Logic Pro X
| [[File:Apple Logic Pro X.jpg|92px]] || 2004 || DAW || Digital audio workstation, used by Hajime Wakai, Soshi Abe, and Babi.<br />It can be heard often in the additional music of {{P3d}}.
|}
 
===''Pikmin 4''{{'s}} music===
[[Music in Pikmin 4|''Pikmin 4'']]'s soundtrack was composed by Asuka Hayazaki, Kenta Nagata, and Soshi Abe.
 
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of products used in the music of {{P4}}
|-
! Product || Image || Year || Format || Details
|-
! [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]]
| [[File:Roland SC-88.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || Hardware synthesizer || MIDI sound module by Roland.<br />It has very minor usage in the soundtrack.
|-
! [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil<br />K2500R]]
| [[File:Kurzweil K2500R.png|92px]] || 1996 || Hardware synthesizer || Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, originally used by Hajime Wakai.<br />It has minor usage in the soundtrack.
|-
! Best Service<br />Advanced Orchestra
| [[File:Best Service Peter Siedlaczeks Advanced Orchestra.jpg|92px]] || 1997 || CD-ROM || Orchestral sample library distributed by Best Service.<br />The xylophone sample is used in some songs.
|-
! East-West<br />Symphonic Orchestra
| [[File:EastWest Symphonic Orchestra.jpg|92px]] || 2003 || Software instrument || Software instrument by East-West.<br />It is used in some of the boss battle themes.
|-
! Heavyocity<br />Evolve
| [[File:Heavyocity Evolve.jpg|92px]] || 2008 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Heavyocity.<br />It is used in some of the boss battle themes.
|-
! Soniccouture<br />Music Boxes
| [[File:Soniccouture Music Boxes.jpg|92px]] || 2011 || Software instrument || Free software instrument by Soniccouture.<br />It is used for the three music box treasures.
|}
 
===''Hey! Pikmin''{{'s}} music===
[[Music in Hey! Pikmin|''Hey! Pikmin'']]'s soundtrack was composed by Masato Kouda and Kento Hasegawa.
 
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="6" | List of products used in the music of {{Hp}}
|-
! Product || Image || Year || Format || Details || Demo
|-
! AMG<br />Now CD-ROM
| [[File:AMG Now CD-ROM.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || CD-ROM || Sample library by AMG.<br />Some sampled horn stabs are used in ''Over Wintry Mountains''. || [[File:HeyPikminNowdemo.mp3]]
|-
! VSL Special<br />Edition Volume 1
| [[File:VSL Special Edition Volume 1.jpg|92px]] || 2007 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Vienna Symphonic Library.<br />A vibraphone is used for the [[Brilliant Garden]]'s theme.|| [[File:HeyPikminVSLdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Omnisphere
| [[File:Spectrasonics Omnisphere.png|92px]] || 2008 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Spectrasonics.<br />This robust synthesizer is in many parts of the soundtrack. || [[File:HeyPikminOmnispheredemo.mp3]]
|-
! Discovery Series:<br />West Africa
| [[File:NI Discovery Series West Africa.png|92px]] || 2010 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Native Instruments.<br />A djembe is used in "Lushlife Murk area - back side".
|-
! Best Service<br />Ethno World 5
| [[File:Best Service Ethno World 5.jpg|92px]] || 2010 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Best Service.<br />Many exotic instruments from this collection are utilized in the soundtrack.<br />One notable and frequently-used instrument is the Dallape accordion.|| [[File:HeyPikminEthnoWorld5demo.mp3]]
|-
! Spectrasonics<br />Stylus RMX
| [[File:Spectrasonics Stylus RMX.jpg|92px]] || 2010 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Spectrasonics.<br />A percussive loop titled "125-Evil Echo" is used for the [[Emperor Bulblax]] boss battle at [[The Last Lair]].<br />Curiously, the loop listed right before it in the interface is called "125-Emperor". || [[File:HeyPikminStylusRMXdemo.mp3]]
|-
! Heavyocity<br />Damage
| [[File:Heavyocity Damage.jpg|92px]] || 2011 || Software instrument || Software instrument by Heavyocity.<br />A synthetic loop is used during the "Inside the S.S. Dolphin II - boss found" cutscene theme. || [[File:HeyPikminDamagedemo.mp3]]
|-
! MusicLab<br />RealGuitar 4
| [[File:MusicLab RealGuitar 4.jpg|92px]] || 2015 || Software instrument || Software instrument by MusicLab.<br />The nylon fingered guitar is used for [[Ravaged Rustworks]]' theme. || [[File:HeyPikminRealGuitar4demo.mp3]]
|}
 
===Sound effects===
Listed below are all currently known products used to create the sound effects within the ''Pikmin'' series.
 
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="9" | List of products used for sound effects
|-
! Product || Image || Year || Format || [[File:Pikmin (game) icon.png|24px]] || [[File:Pikmin 2 icon.png|24px]] || [[File:Pikmin 3 icon.png|24px]] || [[File:Pikmin 4 icon.png|24px]]
|-
! E-MU Proteus/2 Orchestral
| [[File:E-MU Proteus 2.jpg|92px]] || 1990 || Hardware synthesizer || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! E-MU Proteus/3 World
| [[File:EMU Proteus 3 World.jpg|92px]] || 1991 || Hardware synthesizer || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]]
| [[File:Roland SC-88.jpg|92px]] || 1994 || Hardware synthesizer || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used
|-
! [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil K2500R]]
| [[File:Kurzweil K2500R.png|92px]] || 1996 || Hardware synthesizer || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used
|-
! SampleCell II CD-ROM Library
| [[File:Digidesign SampleCell II CD-ROM Library 1.jpg|92px]] || 1991 || SampleCell CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! Ultra Gigapack
| [[File:Best Service Ultra Gigapack.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || SampleCell CD-ROM || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! Distorted Reality
| [[File:Spectrasonics Distorted Reality.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || CD-ROM || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! Supreme Beats
| [[File:Spectrasonics Supreme Beats.jpg|92px]] || 1995 || CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used
|-
! Sound Ideas Sampler Library
| [[File:Sound Ideas Sampler Library.jpg|92px]] || 1987 || Audio CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! Series 4000 Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library.jpg|92px]] || 1989 || Audio CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! Series 6000 Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library.png|92px]] || 1992 || Audio CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used
|-
! Universal Studios Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Universal Studios Sound Effects Library.png|92px]] || 1992 || Audio CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|-
! Warner Bros. Sound Effects
| [[File:Sound Ideas Warner Bros Sound Effects Library.jpg|92px]] || 1992 || Audio CD-ROM || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used
|-
! Omnisphere
| [[File:Spectrasonics Omnisphere.png|92px]] || 2008 || Software instrument || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent || style="background-color:#d7ffc9"|Used || style="background-color:#ffd1d1"|Absent
|}
 
==Synthesizers==
===Kurzweil K2500===
[[File:Kurzweil K2500R.png|thumb|350px|The Kurzweil K2500R.]]
[[File:F-Zero X OST Booklet crop.png|thumb|335px|Hajime Wakai and his powered-on K2500R behind him.]]
The [https://www.vintagesynth.com/kurzweil/k2500.php Kurzweil K2500] is a synthesizer manufactured by Kurzweil Music Systems in 1996. The Kurzweil K2500R is its rackmount variant, and the specific model that was owned and used by [[Nintendo#Hajime Wakai|Hajime Wakai]]. Typically, rackmount versions of synthesizers are identical in functionality, but they lack a physical keyboard. This makes them more compact and easy to cram into a studio space; however, it is intended that they be connected to an external MIDI device, such as a musical keyboard, a computer, or some other MIDI-compatible instrument in order to use them.
 
A lesser-known synthesizer, it is the signature synth of Hajime Wakai, and a staple of the audio design in the ''Pikmin'' series as a whole. It is used in [[Music in Pikmin|''Pikmin'']], [[Music in Pikmin 2|''Pikmin 2'']], [[Music in Pikmin 3|''Pikmin 3'']], [[Music in Pikmin 3#Side Stories|''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'']], and [[Music in Pikmin 4|''Pikmin 4'']]. In some parts of ''Pikmin 3'', Asuka Hayazaki uses this synthesizer. Soshi Abe uses samples from it for ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'' and ''Pikmin 4''.
 
{{listen
|filename=K2500Demo.ogg
|title=K2500 preview
|description=A short demo of sounds from the K2500.
}}
 
{{listen
|filename=K2500SFXDemo.ogg
|title=K2500 SFX preview
|description=Two sounds from the K2500 that appear as sound effects in ''Pikmin''.
}}
 
Also used within the ''Pikmin'' games is the "K25 FARM". It is a collection of several hundred new programs for the K2500. These exclusive presets came on a floppy disk with brand new purchases of the synthesizer.
 
{{listen
|filename=K25FarmDemo.ogg
|title=K25 FARM preview
|description=A short demo of some sounds exclusive to the K25 FARM.
}}
 
{{clear}}
 
===Roland SC-88===
[[File:Roland SC-88.jpg|thumb|335px|The Roland SC-88.]]
The {{w|Roland Sound Canvas|Roland SC-88}} is a General MIDI-based synthesizer, manufactured by Roland in 1994. An entry in the Roland Sound Canvas series, it has 654 default instrument presets and 22 drumset presets that are designed to perfectly conform to the General MIDI standard, making it excellent for the playback of MIDI songs. It is still useful as a compositional tool; the sounds from the Roland Sound Canvas line of synthesizers are very common in video games. Compressed samples of audio from a SC-55 are even utilized for the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth, the default "soundfont" for MIDI playback on most computers.{{cite youtube|vqlnV4ukreg|of a live comparison between the SC-55 (via the virtual SCVA plugin) and the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth}}
 
It is used primarily in the music of [[Music in Pikmin|''Pikmin'']] and [[Music in Pikmin 2|''Pikmin 2'']], by Hajime Wakai. Alongside the [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil K2500]], these two synthesizers make up the [[#Trivia|vast majority]] of instrument samples in those games.
 
{{listen
|filename=SC88Demo.ogg
|title=SC-88 preview
|description=A short demo of sounds from the SC-88.
}}
 
{{clear}}
 
===Yamaha S90===
[[File:Yamaha S90.jpg|thumb|400px|The Yamaha S90.]]
The {{w|Yamaha S90}} is a synthesizer manufactured by Yamaha Corporation in 2002. It has 384 instrument presets and 48 drumset presets, and its acoustic instruments in particular are much more realistic than the older [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil K2500R]] and [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]].


;Synthesizers and sample libraries used by [[Nintendo#Hajime Wakai|Hajime Wakai]] in the music of  {{P2}}
The Yamaha S90 is commonly used by [[Nintendo#Kazumi Totaka|Kazumi Totaka]]; in the ''Pikmin'' series, it has only been used in the music of {{P2}}.
* Kurzweil K2500R (and K25 FARM)
* Roland SC-88
* Best Service Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra (AKAI format)
* Best Service Peter Siedlaczek's Orchestral Colors (AKAI format)
* EastWest Drums + Percussion Special Edition (AKAI format)
* InVision Lightware 1 (AKAI format)
* Zero-G Ambient Volume 2
* Sound Ideas Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library
* Sound Ideas Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library
* Sound Ideas Warner Bros. Sound Effects Library
Hajime Wakai does not use SampleCell libraries in ''Pikmin 2''; instead, he uses a newer AKAI sampler and AKAI format sample libraries in its place. This is most likely to be an AKAI CD3000, as Drums + Percussion Special Edition and Lightware 1 were bundled in with the purchase of the unit.


;Synthesizers and sample libraries used by [[Nintendo#Kazumi Totaka|Kazumi Totaka]] in the music of {{P2}}
{{listen
* Yamaha S90
|filename=YamahaS90Demo.ogg
* Yamaha PLG-150DX
|title=S90 preview
* Yamaha PLG-150VL
|description=A short demo of sounds from the S90 that were used in ''Pikmin 2''.
* Roland SC-8850
}}
* Best Service Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra
* Best Service Ultra Gigapack
* Digidesign SampleCell II's factory library
* ILIO Synclavier Sampler Library World & Orchestral
* Spectrasonics Bass Legends
* Spectrasonics Supreme Beats
* Q-Up Arts Voices of Instanbul
* Sound Ideas Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library
The PLG-150DX and PLG-150VL are "plug-in" synthesizers inserted into the Yamaha S90. The sample libraries he uses are in a number of different formats, which indicates that he likely often saves and reuses samples, rather than reutilizing the entire libraries as whole. Further evidence of this is the fact some sounds have appeared in different games he has composed music for.


;Synthesizers and sample libraries used in the music of {{P3}}
{{clear}}
* Kurzweil K2500R
* Roland SC-88
* KORG Triton
* Apple Logic Pro
* Steinberg HALionOne
* Best Service Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra
* EastWest Ra
* EastWest Stormdrum 2
* EastWest Symphonic Orchestra
* Native Instruments KONTAKT Factory Library
* Spectrasonics Omnisphere
* Spectrasonics Supreme Beats
* Sound Ideas Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library
* Sound Ideas Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library
* Zero-G Ethnic Flavours (Creative Essentials Vol. 21)
Despite Hajime Wakai writing very few compositions for this game, the K2500R is still used frequently. It is present in the songs by Asuka Hayazaki in particular.


==Fonts==
[[File:Yamaha PLG150-DX photograph.png|thumb|left|220px|Image of one of the expansion boards, the PLG150-DX.]]
Most of the fonts used in the ''Pikmin'' games are commercially-available fonts created by Dynacomware or Fontworks. Originally, they were sold bundled together with many other typefaces and distributed on CD-ROMs, but the individual fonts are still available online.
====Expansion boards====
Many of Yamaha's synthesizers produced around 1998 to 2003 featured support for the "Modular Synthesis Plug-in System". This allowed for the synthesizers's preset count to be expanded by plugging in an expansion board. In total, [https://soundprogramming.net/synthesizers/yamaha/yamaha-plg-expansion-boards/ 12] of these boards were produced. A few of them contain just basic sets of waveforms, while others are fully-fledged synthesizers. The "PLG150-AN", for example, generates sound with {{w|analog synthesizer|analog synthesis}}.


===''DFCraftSumi Std W9''===
Along with his Yamaha S90, Kazumi Totaka uses the PLG150-DX and PLG150-VL expansion boards for some songs for ''Pikmin 2''. The two boards use {{w|FM synthesis}} and {{w|physical modelling synthesis}} respectively.
''DFCraftSumi Std'' is a typeface created by Dynacomware. ''DFCraftSumi Std W9'' is used in ''Pikmin'', ''Pikmin 2'', and {{Hp}} for the bubble-like letters that appear in some menus and cutscenes. In ''Pikmin 3'', a [[#''Pikmin 3'' bubble-like font|modified version]] of this font is used.
 
[[File:DFCraftSumi Std W9 fontpreview.png|thumb|right|300px|DFCraftSumi Std W9]]
{{clear}}
 
== Fonts ==
Most of the fonts used in the ''Pikmin'' games are commercially-available fonts created by Dynacomware or Fontworks. Originally, they were sold bundled together with many other typefaces and distributed on CD-ROMs, but the individual fonts are still available online. Because of their availability, usage of these fonts in other media may be mistaken as a [[Pikmin in other media#Pikmin_font|reference]] to the ''Pikmin series.
 
=== ''DF Craft Sumi'' ===
[[File:DFCraftSumi Std W9 fontpreview.png|thumb|right|450px|DFCraftSumi Std W9.]]
''DF Craft Sumi'' is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFCraftSumi Std W9" is used in {{P1}} and {{P2}} for the bubble-like letters that appear in some menus and cutscenes, and for the end credits in the [[Pikmin Short Movies|''Pikmin'' Short Movies]]. In {{P3}} and {{Hp}}, a [[#Pikmin 3 bubble-like font|modified version]] of this font is used.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Pikmin_save_games.jpg|The save selection menu in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin save games.jpg|The [[Saved game selection menu#Pikmin|saved game selection menu]] in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin_Onion_menu.jpg|The onion menu in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin Onion menu.jpg|The [[Onion menu]] in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin_2_title_screen.jpg|Title screen for ''Pikmin 2''.
Pikmin 2 title screen.jpg|[[Title screen#Pikmin 2|Title screen]] for ''Pikmin 2''.
Pikmin_2_sunset_screen_3.jpg|One of the day results menu screens in ''Pikmin 2''.
Pikmin 2 sunset screen 3.jpg|One of the [[Day results menu#Pikmin 2|day results menu]] screens in ''Pikmin 2''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


===''DFPOP1 Std W3''===
=== ''DF POP 1'' ===
''DFPOP1 Std'' is a typeface created by Dynacomware. ''DFPOP1 Std W3'' is used as the main text font in ''Pikmin'', such as for [[Olimar's monologs]].
[[File:DFPOP1 Std W3 fontpreview.png|thumb|right|450px|DFPOP1 Std W3.]]
[[File:DFPOP1 Std W3 fontpreview.png|thumb|right|300px|DFPOP1 Std W3]]
''DF POP 1'' is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFPOP1 Std W3" is used as the main text font in {{P1}}, such as for [[Olimar's monologs]].
<gallery>
<gallery>
Pikmin_title_screen.jpg|The title screen of ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin title screen.jpg|[[Title screen#Pikmin|Title screen]] of ''Pikmin''.
Bulbie.jpg|One of Olimar's voyage logs in ''Pikmin''.
Bulbie.jpg|One of [[Olimar's voyage log|Olimar's voyage logs]] in ''Pikmin''.
-1_Ionium_Jet_1.jpg|One of Olimar's monologs in ''Pikmin''.
-1 Ionium Jet 1.jpg|One of [[Olimar's monologs]] in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin_high_scores.jpg|The high scores menu in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin high scores.jpg|The high scores menu in ''Pikmin''.
Reel1_Armored_Cannon_Beetle.png|The enemy reel in ''Pikmin''.
Reel1 Armored Cannon Beetle.png|The [[enemy reel]] in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin_Challenge_Mode_screen.jpg|The Challenge Mode menu in ''Pikmin''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


===''Seurat Pro DB''===
=== ''Seurat'' ===
''Seurat'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. ''Seurat Pro DB'' is used as the main text font in ''Pikmin 2'', as seen in the [[Ship's dialogs]] and various other menu elements.
[[File:Seurat Pro DB fontpreview.png|thumb|right|450px|Seurat Pro DB.]]
[[File:Seurat Pro DB fontpreview.png|thumb|right|300px|Seurat Pro DB]]
''Seurat'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Seurat Pro DB" is used as the main text font in {{P2}} and {{Hp}}, as seen in the [[ship's dialogs]] and other various menu elements.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Daughter_mail.jpg|The mail screen in ''Pikmin 2''.
Daughter mail.jpg|The mail at the [[Day results menu#Pikmin 2|day results menu]] in ''Pikmin 2''.
Pikmin_2_options.jpg|The options menu in ''Pikmin 2''.
Ancient Secrets Series.jpg|A dialog box in the [[Treasure Hoard]].
Ancient_Secrets_Series.jpg|A dialog box in the Treasure Hoard.
2PRules1.png|The rules being explained in the [[2-Player Battle menu]].
2PRules1.png|A menu explaining the rules in 2-Player Battle.
S.S. Dolphin II talking.jpg|The [[S.S. Dolphin II]] talking to [[Captain Olimar]] during the tutorial.
File:Hey! Pikmin logs fresh.jpg|The [[Hey! Pikmin logs]] menu. The question mark icons also use the ''Seurat'' typeface.
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


===''Rodin NTLG Pro DB''===
=== ''Rodin NTLG'' ===
''Rodin NTLG'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. ''Rodin NTLG Pro DB'' is used as the main text font in ''Pikmin 3'' and ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'', such as the English text displayed on the [[KopPad]], character dialog, and various other menu elements.
[[File:Rodin NTLG Pro DB fontpreview.png|thumb|right|450px|RodinNTLG Pro DB.]]
[[File:Rodin NTLG Pro DB fontpreview.png|thumb|right|300px|Rodin NTLG Pro DB]]
''Rodin NTLG'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. It is one of the most commonly used typefaces by [[Nintendo]], and has distinct usage within the ''Pikmin'' series:
*[[Carry#carrying numbers|Carrying numbers]] in {{P1}}, {{P2}}, and {{P3}} all use "RodinNTLG Pro UB".
*The text for "World Map" in an [https://tcrf.net/File:Pikmin-Early-World-Map.png early menu] for ''Pikmin'' uses "RodinNTLG Pro DB".
*[[Poko]] totals of objects returned to the [[Research Pod]] in ''Pikmin 2'' (when they do not trigger a cutscene) use "RodinNTLG Pro UB".
*The [[Minor menus#Health and safety warnings|health and safety warning]] in ''Pikmin 2'' uses ''Rodin NTLG'' in three different weights.
*[[Mission Mode]]'s timer in ''Pikmin 3'' uses "RodinNTLG Pro UB".
*Cardboard and tin [[Cardboard box|boxes]] in ''Pikmin 3'' use "RodinNTLG Pro EB" for the 20 written on them.
 
RodinNTLG Pro DB is also the main text font in ''Pikmin 3''. It is used for on-screen character dialog, text displayed on the [[KopPad]], and other various menu elements.
<gallery>
<gallery>
P3D_Menu_Side_Stories_Comeback.jpg|One of Olimar's assignments in ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe''. The message on the right uses ''Rodin NTLG''.
Pikmin 2 carry numbers.png|Carrying numbers in ''Pikmin 2''.
KopPad_Exploration_Notes_P3.jpg|The KopPad's exploration notes menu.
P3D Menu Side Stories Comeback.jpg|The [[Side Stories menu]] in ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe''.
UsingTheRadar1DataFile.jpg|A data file obtained in ''Pikmin 3''.
KopPad Exploration Notes P3.jpg|The KopPad's [[KopPad#Exploration Notes|Exploration Notes]] menu.
UsingTheRadar1DataFile.jpg|A [[data file]] obtained in ''Pikmin 3''.
HUD KopPad button P3D.jpg|A [[HUD]] element in ''Pikmin 3''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


===''New Rodin Pro DB''===
=== ''New Rodin'' ===
''New Rodin'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. ''New Rodin Pro DB'' is used in ''Pikmin 3'' and ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'' for the numbers in the countdown at sunset.
[[File:New Rodin Pro DB fontpreview.png|thumb|right|450px|NewRodin Pro DB.]]
[[File:New Rodin Pro DB fontpreview.png|thumb|right|300px|New Rodin Pro DB]]
''New Rodin'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. "NewRodin Pro DB" is used in {{P3}} for the numbers in the countdown at sunset. In {{P4}}, a modified version of the typeface is used commonly throughout the game.
{{clear}}


=== ''DF Gothic P'' ===
[[File:Pikmin3StaffRollFontComparison.png|thumb|right|300px|A comparison between the font texture used for the staff roll in ''Pikmin 3'', and the DFGothicP W3 font.]]
''DF Gothic P'' is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFGothicP W3" is used for the [[Credits#Pikmin 3|staff credits]] in {{P3}}. The characters have been resized so that they take up similar amounts of horizontal space.
<gallery>
Creditspikmin3.jpg|A scene from the credits in ''Pikmin 3''.
</gallery>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==Proprietary fonts==
== Minor fonts ==
Some text that appears in the games use fonts that are uniquely created for the ''Pikmin'' series itself.
=== ''Chiaro'' ===
[[File:File 123 Texture.png|thumb|right|200px|The texture used on the saved game selection menu in ''Pikmin 2''. It uses Chiaro Std B.]]
''Chiaro'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Chiaro Std B" is used exclusively on the [[saved game selection menu]] in {{P1}} and {{P2}}.
<gallery>
Pikmin save games.jpg|The saved game selection menu in ''Pikmin''.
Pikmin 2 save games.jpg|The saved game selection menu in ''Pikmin 2''.
</gallery>
 
=== ''Pop Fury'' ===
[[File:TestFont txe.png|thumb|right|300px|The texture for an unused font used in ''Pikmin''. It uses PopFury Std B.]]
''Pop Fury'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. "PopFury Std B" is present in {{P1}} as an unused font texture, <code>testFont.txe</code>.
{{clear}}
 
=== ''Rowdy'' ===
''Rowdy'' is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Rowdy Std EB" is used in {{P3}} for the icons of the '''+10 Pikmin''' and '''+5 Rare Pikmin''' Roulette Wheel items in [[Bingo Battle]].
<gallery>
Bingo Battle 10 icon.png|The +10 Pikmin texture for the Roulette Wheel.
Bingo Battle 5 icon.png|The +5 Rare Pikmin texture for the Roulette Wheel
</gallery>
 
== Proprietary fonts ==
Some text that appears in the games use fonts that are uniquely created for the [[Pikmin series|''Pikmin'' series]] itself.
 
=== ''Pikmin 3'' bubble-like font ===
An updated variant of DFCraftSumi Std W9 is used in {{P3}} and {{Hp}}. It highly resembles the original typeface, but many minor changes have been made to improve readability, such as making the tails of certain characters longer and their widths more consistent.
[[File:DFCraftSumi font comparison.gif|thumb|left|500px|A comparison between DFCraftSumi Std W9, and its smoother look-alike in ''Pikmin 3''.]]


===''Pikmin 3'' bubble-like font===
{{clear}}
An updated variant of ''DFCraftSumi Std W9'' is used in ''Pikmin 3''. It highly resembles the original typeface, but many minor changes have been made to improve readability, such as making the tails of certain characters longer and their widths more consistent.
 
=== Hocotate Freight text ===
The logo for [[Hocotate Freight]] uses a uniquely designed font. It is alien-like, but still legible English.
<gallery>
Hokotate.png|The Hocotate Freight logo in the ''Pikmin 2'' intro cutscene.
Hocotate Freight.png|A sign bearing Hocotate Freight's logo.
</gallery>


===Hocotate Freight text===
=== Koppaite text ===
The logo for [[Hocotate Freight]] uses an alien-like font that is in legible English.
{{main|Koppaite text|t1=Koppaite text}}
In {{P3}} and {{P4}}, an in-universe written language appears very frequently on technology and as a background element throughout various in-game menus. The text appears as an assortment of illegible alien symbols, but these characters are actually translatable into the 26 letters in the English alphabet, which reveal some small secrets when various instances of the text are deciphered.


===Koppaite text===
==Trivia==
{{see|Koppaite text|t1=Koppaite Text}}
*The [[#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil K2500R]] and [[#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]] alone make up nearly 90% of the soundtrack for {{P1}}, and over 55% of the soundtrack for {{P2}}.{{cite web |https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s5wRceP34gaPr-CkNSnnlaCSEID5HjWTX4TSR_OxeqA/|Detailed spreadsheet that documents sound sources used in the series, maintained by fans|Google Sheets}}
In {{P3}} and {{P4}}, a unique, in-universe written language appears very frequently on technology and as a background element throughout various in-game menus. The text appears as an assortment of illegible alien symbols, but the various characters are actually translatable into the 26 letters in the English alphabet, which reveal some small secrets when various instances of the text are deciphered.


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 08:08, March 28, 2024

An image of some horsetails from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The image's description on the website says it was taken in Atsuta, Hokkaido.
A stock image that was used in the Pikmin series.
Pikmin climbing up some horsetails.
Promotional artwork for Pikmin that was created using the photograph above.

The Pikmin series and its world is built with distinct pieces of imagery, audio, and typefaces. A large portion of the assets used in the games are made from scratch and are proprietary to Nintendo, though occasionally, some of these assets may be taken or contain elements from external sources. This can include commercially-available software libraries, or real-life objects and hardware.

Stock photography[edit]

Since the objects and environments within the Pikmin series are often based on human technology and nature in the real world, photography of real items and locations on Earth are a common resource for textures. For the first game, a large amount of these images were taken in Japan by members of the game's own staff.[1] However, it was not uncommon for some few pieces of foliage to be made using graphics from stock photography libraries. For more unnatural materials, this occurred a lot more often. During the development of Pikmin and Pikmin 2, these libraries were primarily sold and distributed on CD-ROMs.

Sozaijiten[edit]

The cover of Sozaijiten Vol. 6, sold as a CD-ROM.
The cover of Sozaijiten Vol. 6, one of the CD-ROMs used in the Pikmin series.

Sozaijiten (素材辞典?, lit.: "Material Dictionary") is a series of stock image libraries by Datacraft that is advertised and sold as volumes. The content of each volume is themed (usually around a type of material, part of nature, or event), and were originally distributed on singular CD-ROMs. For Pikmin and Pikmin 2, photographs and artwork from Sozaijiten are used very often and in a myriad of ways.

On Sozaijiten's website, low-resolution previews of every image are available for browsing. The previews come with descriptions; these reveal the original shooting location of certain photos, or some miscellaneous information about the photographed material.

List of Sozaijiten textures used in Pikmin
Volume Name Source Image Texture/Screenshot Description
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF085 An image of some horsetails from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The image's description on the website says it was taken in Atsuta, Hokkaido. Pikmin climbing up some horsetails. The background to a piece of promotional artwork for Pikmin. It is an image of some horsetails, taken in Atsuta, Hokkaido.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF097 An image of a leaf from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. Captain Olimar and some Pikmin on plant leaves. The background to a piece of promotional artwork for Pikmin.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF122 A photograph of Mount Kamui and Lake Mashū from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The background texture used on the area selection menu in Pikmin. The mountains in the area selection menu. It is a photograph of Mount Kamui and Lake Mashū.

The approximate location is viewable here.

Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF164 A photograph of Shakotan, Hokkaido from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The background texture used on the area selection menu in Pikmin. The main landmass in the area selection menu. It was taken in Shakotan, Hokkaido.

The approximate location is viewable here.

Vol. 13 葉・葉脈編

(Leaves and Leaf Veins)

SM054 An image of leaves from Sozaijiten Vol. 13. The image's description says it is from an elderberry. The leaves of an elderberry, used in The Impact Site. Several plants found in the The Impact Site. It is a photograph of an elderberry's leaves.
Vol. 16 皮・年輪編

(Wood Textures)

SQ166 An image of a wooden stump from Sozaijiten Vol. 16. "Yaku_n02_s3tc", from Pikmin 2. This texture is used in The Distant Spring, the Perplexing Pool, and the submerged cave unit with unique music. The base of several wooden stumps in The Distant Spring.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV001 An image of Earth from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. This image is used for PNF-404 in the Nintendo Player's Guide of Pikmin, and for Koppai in the opening cutscene of Pikmin 3. Artwork of PNF-404 for Pikmin, scanned from the Nintendo Player's Guide of Pikmin. PNF-404, in the Nintendo Player's Guide of Pikmin. It is a photograph of Earth. It is also used for Koppai in the opening of Pikmin 3.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV002 An image of Earth from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. The website credits NASA for providing the photo. Planet of the Pikmin.png PNF-404, during the credits of Pikmin. It is a photograph of Earth.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV007 An image of Earth from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. The image's description on the website credits NASA for providing the photo. Fourteen other Onions in the best ending. PNF-404, during the good ending cutscene of Pikmin. It is a photograph of Earth.
List of Sozaijiten textures used in Pikmin 2
Volume Name Source Image Texture/Screenshot Description
Vol. 1 テクスチャー・石編

(Stone Textures)

SA068 An image of stone from Sozaijiten Vol. 1. Conc_st_256x256, a texture used around the geyser in the room_purple14x14_snow cave unit. Stone used around the geyser in the 2nd sublevel of the Emergence Cave.
Vol. 2 紙・布・木編

(Paper, Cloth, and Wood Textures)

SB108 An image of knitted fabric from Sozaijiten Vol. 2. The texture for the Five-man Napsack. The fabric for the Five-man Napsack.
Vol. 5 空・雲編

(Sky and Clouds)

SE074 An image of a cloud from Sozaijiten Vol. 5. "Kumo_02.bti", the texture used for the clouds in Pikmin 2's area selection menu. The fog in the area selection menu of Pikmin 2.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF122 A photograph of Mount Kamui and Lake Mashū from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The texture used for the backmost layer of Pikmin 2's area selection menu background. The mountains in the area selection menu. It is a photograph of Mount Kamui and Lake Mashū.

The approximate location is viewable here.

Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF164 A photograph of Shakotan, Hokkaido from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The texture used for the backmost layer of Pikmin 2's area selection menu background. The main landmass in the area selection menu. It was taken in Shakotan, Hokkaido.

The approximate location is viewable here.

Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF190 An image of a snowy field from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The image's description on the website says it was taken in Otaru, Hokkaido. ValleyofReposeTrees.png Snow used for the Valley of Repose's background image. The image was taken on a beach in Otaru.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF191 An image of a snowy forest from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The image's description on the website says it was taken in Shikaoi, Hokkaido. ValleyofReposeTrees.png Trees used for the Valley of Repose's background image. The image was taken in Shikaoi, Hokkaido.
Vol. 8 壁・土編

(Walls and Soils)

SH071 An image of a wall from Sozaijiten Vol. 8. "Bc_s3tc", the texture for the walls of the build VRBOX. Used for the build cave background. It has been flipped horizontally.
Vol. 8 壁・土編

(Walls and Soils)

SH096 An image of a wall from Sozaijiten Vol. 8. "Totan_s3tc", the texture for the buried metal sheets in the Perplexing Pool. Several metallic sheets buried in the ground that appear in the Perplexing Pool.
Vol. 13 葉・葉脈編

(Leaves and Leaf Veins)

SM074 An image of a leaf from Sozaijiten Vol. 13. The image's description on the website identifies it as Galax. "Fuki_s3tc", the texture for the Galax in the Perplexing Pool. Large leaves in the Perplexing Pool. It is a photograph of Galax.
Vol. 16 皮・年輪編

(Wood Textures)

SQ166 An image of a wooden stump from Sozaijiten Vol. 16. "Yaku_n02_s3tc", from Pikmin 2. This texture is used in The Distant Spring, the Perplexing Pool, and the submerged cave unit with unique music. The base of several wooden stumps in the Perplexing Pool and a unique cave unit seen in the Hole of Heroes.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV161 An image of a spiral galaxy from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. The image's description on the website says it was provided by NASA. A still from the Debt Repayment Cinema in Pikmin 2. A stock image of the Orion Nebula can be seen in the background, as well as a spiral galaxy. A galaxy that can be seen in the Debt Repayment Cinema in Pikmin 2. It is a photograph of a spiral galaxy in the Pegasus constellation.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV186 An image of the Orion Nebula from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. The image's description on the website says it was provided by NASA. A still from the Debt Repayment Cinema in Pikmin 2. A stock image of the Orion Nebula can be seen in the background. Nebulae that can be seen in the Opening and Debt Repayment Cinemas in Pikmin 2. It is a photograph of the Orion Nebula.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV187 An image of the Orion Nebula from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. The image's description on the website says it was provided by NASA. A still from the Debt Repayment Cinema in Pikmin 2. A stock image of the Orion Nebula can be seen in the background, as well as a spiral galaxy. Nebulae that can be seen in the Opening and Debt Repayment Cinemas in Pikmin 2. It is a photograph of the Orion Nebula.
Vol. 24 大理石編

(Marbles)

SY089 An image of "Grigio Carnico" marble from Sozaijiten Vol. 24. The image has extra identifying details from the website: The texture for the Priceless Statue. The texture for the Priceless Statue and Worthless Statue. It is an image of Grigio Carnico marble.
Vol. 53 木目・組木・あじろ編

(Grain, Interlocked and Braided Wood)

CD123 An image of rosewood from Sozaijiten Vol. 53. The texture for the wooden base of the Shock Therapist. The texture used for the Shock Therapist's wooden base. It is an image of rosewood.
Vol. 53 木目・組木・あじろ編

(Grain, Interlocked and Braided Wood)

CD138 An image of 5-inch white oak from Sozaijiten Vol. 53. "Wflooring_mip_s3tc", the texture for the floor of the flooring VRBOX. Used for the flooring cave background. It is an image of 5-inch white oak flooring. Several planks of wood were stretched.

Bakku no Oni[edit]

An image of Bakku no Oni SABI 2.
An image of Bakku no Oni SABI 2.

Bakku no Oni (バックの鬼?, lit.: "Background Demon") is a series of stock image libraries that was distributed by A&P CO-ORDINATOR JAPAN. Its volumes were themed after specific types of aesthetics. Images from "Bakku no Oni SABI 2" were often used as textures for the caves in Pikmin 2.

List of Bakku no Oni textures used in Pikmin 2
Volume Name Source Image Texture/Screenshot Description
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-08 A preview of RUST-08 from Bakku no Oni SABI 2. "Plate1", used for a small metal plate in the center of room_hitode3x3_5_metal. Used for a small metal plate in the center of the room_hitode3x3_5_metal cave unit.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-27 A preview of RUST-27 from Bakku no Oni SABI 2. "SABI2_128", used for some metal cave units. Interestingly, the texture's internal name contains the name of the texture library it originates from, Bakku no Oni SABI 2. Used for the dark brown metal in many metallic cave units, and the top of the bucket in the room_big_kusachi garden cave unit.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-34 A preview of RUST-34 from Bakku no Oni SABI 2. "Sabi_red_256x256_s3tc", used in the center room of room_white14x12_metal. Interestingly, the texture's internal name contains the name of the texture library it originates from, Bakku no Oni SABI 2. Used as the center room's floor in room_white14x12_metal, the main cave unit in sublevel 3 of the White Flower Garden.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-36 A preview of RUST-36 from Bakku no Oni SABI 2. "Unit0401_s3tc", used for some metal cave units. The blue rusted metal used in many metallic cave units.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-41 A preview of RUST-41 from Bakku no Oni SABI 2. "sabi_brown256x256", used in the small path of room_white14x12_metal. Interestingly, the texture's internal name contains the name of the texture library it originates from, Bakku no Oni SABI 2. Used in the small path in room_white14x12_metal, and as the circular rim in the Titan Dweevil's arena, room_oootakara_tile.

VisualDisk[edit]

The front cover for VisualDisk M10 Leaves.
The front cover of VisualDisk M-10 Leaves.

VisualDisk is a series of stock image libraries that was distributed by dizáin. Similar in scope to Sozaijiten, there was a very large amount of volumes released and high variety in its content. However, it is used sparsely in Pikmin 2.

List of VisualDisk textures used in Pikmin 2
Volume Name Source Image Texture/Screenshot Description
M-02 Metals M2_01 A preview of M2_01 from VisualDisk M-02 Metals. "Baketu01_128x128_s3tc", used for the top of the bucket in room_big_kusachi. Used for the top of the bucket in the room_big_kusachi garden cave unit. It is mixed with "RUST-27" from Bakku no Oni SABI 2.
M-10 Leaves M10_05 A preview of M10_05 from VisualDisk M-10 Leaves. "Last_plant_momiji_s3tc", used in the first landing cutscene of the Wistful Wild. Used for various autumn leaves on Pikmin 2's title screen, and in the intro for the Wistful Wild when landing in the area for the first time.
M-10 Leaves M10_43 A preview of M10_43 from VisualDisk M-10 Leaves. "Last_plant_yellow_s3tc", a texture used for some plants in the Wistful Wild. Used for several plants in the Wistful Wild. The leaves have been edited to look like they are decaying.

Audio samples[edit]

Similar to graphics, creating game audio often involves the sampling of various sound libraries. The games within the Pikmin series are a good example, where a large amount of audio can be sourced back to a number of different commercially-released products. These products are used to create the individual instrument samples and sound effects in the games, as well as pieces of streamed music. All of the music in Pikmin, Pikmin 2, and Pikmin 3 use audio from digital instruments and synthesizers; instances of musicians performing live on real acoustic instruments are highly uncommon in the games. The new music composed by Babi for Pikmin 3 Deluxe is one of the very few occasions where this was done.[2]

Pikmin's music[edit]

Pikmin's soundtrack was composed by Hajime Wakai. He uses the Kurzweil K2500R and Roland SC-88 synthesizers, and the SampleCell II software. The two aforementioned synthesizers make up the vast majority of sounds heard in the soundtrack, though a few sample CD-ROMs are also seldom used; these CD-ROMs are formatted for SampleCell II, which serves the function of a sampler.

List of products used in the music of Pikmin
Product Image Year Format Details Demo
Roland SC-88 Image of a Roland SC-88. 1994 Hardware synthesizer MIDI sound module by Roland, used by Hajime Wakai.
Often used for acoustic instruments that the Kurzweil K2500R's sample set lacked.
Kurzweil
K2500R
An image of a Kurzweil K2500R. 1996 Hardware synthesizer Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, used by Hajime Wakai.
Dominates most of the soundtrack, alongside the Roland SC-88.
SampleCell II
CD-ROM Library
The front cover of Digidesign - SampleCell II CD-ROM Library #1. The image has been cropped and rotated. 1991 SampleCell CD-ROM A selection of sounds that came packaged with SampleCell II, by Digidesign.
Used for the classical guitar heard in The Impact Site.
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats
Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats. 1995 SampleCell CD-ROM Sample library by Spectrasonics.
Used for several sounds in Pikmin's main theme.
Best Service
Ultra Gigapack
The front cover of Best Service - Ultra Gigapack. 1995 SampleCell CD-ROM Sample library by Best Service.
Used for the piano in The Forest of Hope, and some percussion in Final Boss Battle.

Pikmin 2's music[edit]

Pikmin 2's soundtrack was composed by Hajime Wakai and Kazumi Totaka, and features a wider range of products used. The Kurzweil K2500R and Roland SC-88 are once again prominently used by Hajime Wakai. SampleCell II no longer sees any use by Hajime Wakai for this title; instead, sounds from InVision Lightware 1, East-West Drums + Percussion, and the AKAI CD3000 Sound Library can be heard, all of which came packaged with the AKAI CD3000 sampler. Kazumi Totaka uses the Yamaha S90 and a slew of different sample libraries for his music.

List of products used in the music of Pikmin 2
Product Image Year Format Details Demo
Roland SC-88 Image of a Roland SC-88. 1994 Hardware synthesizer MIDI sound module by Roland, used by Hajime Wakai.
Often used for acoustic instruments that the Kurzweil K2500R's sample set lacked.
Kurzweil
K2500R
An image of a Kurzweil K2500R. 1996 Hardware synthesizer Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, used by Hajime Wakai.
Dominates most of the soundtrack, alongside the Roland SC-88.
Yamaha S90 The Yamaha S90. 2002 Hardware synthesizer Professional synthesizer by Yamaha, used by Kazumi Totaka.
Its sound set can be expanded with plug-in boards.
Yamaha
PLG150-DX
The front cover for the Yamaha PLG150-DX's box. 1999 Plug-in board Plug-in board synthesizer, used by Kazumi Totaka with his Yamaha S90.
It comes with several sounds from the Yamaha DX7, and is present in several cave songs.
Yamaha
PLG150-VL
The front cover for the Yamaha PLG150-VL's box. 1999 Plug-in board Plug-in board synthesizer, used by Kazumi Totaka with his Yamaha S90.
The "Lite Pipe" sound was used for Concrete 2, and the bassoon is used in 2-Player Battle.
AKAI CD3000
Sound Library
The front cover of the AKAI CD3000 Sound Library. 1993 AKAI CD-ROM A selection of sounds by AKAI that came packaged with the CD3000.
It is used in the cutscene scores by Hajime Wakai.
Drums + Percussion
Special Edition
The front cover of EastWest - Drums + Percussion Special Edition, cropped from an online sale listing. 1993 AKAI CD-ROM A selection of sounds by East-West that came packaged with the CD3000.
It is used in the cutscene scores by Hajime Wakai.
InVision
Lightware 1
The front cover of InVision Lightware 1. 1993 AKAI CD-ROM A selection of sounds by InVision that came packaged with the CD3000.
It is used in the cutscene scores by Hajime Wakai.
Synclavier
Sampler Library
The front cover of ILIO Synclavier Sampler Library Percussion+ World & Orchestral. 1994 AKAI CD-ROM Sample library by Ilio, used by Kazumi Totaka.
A kalimba sample from the World and Orchestral disc is used in two cave themes.
Best Service
Advanced Orchestra
The front cover of Best Service - Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra. 1997 AKAI CD-ROM Renowned orchestral sample library distributed by Best Service.
It is used in Hajime Wakai's orchestral scores, and is also in a few songs by Kazumi Totaka.
SampleCell II
CD-ROM Library
The front cover of Digidesign - SampleCell II CD-ROM Library #1. The image has been cropped and rotated. 1991 SampleCell CD-ROM A selection of sounds that came packaged with SampleCell II, by Digidesign.
It has some minor usage by Kazumi Totaka.
Best Service
Ultra Gigapack
The front cover of Best Service - Ultra Gigapack. 1995 SampleCell CD-ROM Sample library by Best Service, used by Kazumi Totaka.
A number of sounds from this library are used in cave music.
Spectrasonics
Bass Legends
Front cover of Spectrasonics Bass Legends. 1994 CD-ROM Sample library by Spectrasonics, used by Kazumi Totaka.
The Jaco fretless bass is used in Concrete 2.
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats
Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats. 1995 CD-ROM Sample library by Spectrasonics, used by Kazumi Totaka.
Many percussion instruments heard in Kazumi Totaka's cave music are from this library.
Q-Up Arts
Voices of Istanbul
The front cover of Q-Up Arts - Voices of Istanbul, from Q-Up Arts' website. 2000 CD-ROM Sample library by Q-Up Arts, used by Kazumi Totaka.
The Turkish davul from this library was used in Concrete 2 and Grass.
Series 4000
Sound Effects
The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library. 1989 Audio CD-ROM Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.
Several sound effects are used in Hajime Wakai's and Kazumi Totaka's music.
Series 6000
Sound Effects
The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library. 1992 Audio CD-ROM Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.
Several sound effects are used in Hajime Wakai's and Kazumi Totaka's music.
Warner Bros.
Sound Effects
The front cover of Sound Ideas - Warner Bros. Sound Effects Library. 1992 Audio CD-ROM Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.
An anvil crash sound effect is used in Metal 2.

Pikmin 3's music[edit]

Pikmin 3's soundtrack was composed by Asuka Hayazaki, Atsuko Asahi, and Hajime Wakai. It was the first main title to have a soundtrack consisting wholly of streamed music; singular instrument samples do not exist individually within the game itself, although sampling can still occur within the music creation process. The Kurzweil K2500 is still prominent in this soundtrack, but it is being used by Asuka Hayazaki, alongside her KORG Triton Studio.

List of products used in the music of Pikmin 3
Product Image Year Format Details Demo
Roland SC-88 Image of a Roland SC-88. 1994 Hardware synthesizer MIDI sound module by Roland.
It has very minor usage in Pikmin 3.
Kurzweil
K2500R
An image of a Kurzweil K2500R. 1996 Hardware synthesizer Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, originally used by Hajime Wakai.
It is very prominent in Asuka Hayazaki's music for Pikmin 3.
KORG
Triton Studio
The KORG - TRITON STUDIO. 2002 Hardware synthesizer Professional synthesizer by KORG, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
It was often used alongside the Kurzweil K2500R.
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats
Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats. 1995 CD-ROM Sample library by Spectrasonics, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
Several percussive loops were used in the Tropical Wilds.
Best Service
Advanced Orchestra
The front cover of Best Service - Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra. 1997 CD-ROM Orchestral sample library distributed by Best Service, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
The snare drum is used in the boss battle music.
Series 4000
Sound Effects
The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library. 1989 Audio CD-ROM Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.
A cartoon horn toot was used in Bingo Battle's toy theme.
Series 6000
Sound Effects
The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library. 1992 Audio CD-ROM Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.
A cash register sound was used in Bingo Battle's toy theme.
Animal Trax Front cover of The Hollywood Edge - Animal Trax. 1996 Audio CD-ROM Sound effect library by Sound Ideas.
A faint sheep bleat from this library can be heard on the title screen.
ZERO-G
Ethnic Flavours
The front cover of ZERO-G - Creative Essentials Vol. 21 - Ethnic Flavours. 1996 Audio CD-ROM Sample library by ZERO-G, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
A West African flute riff is used in the music for the Tropical Wilds.
East-West
Symphonic Orchestra
The interface for East West Symphonic Orchestra. 2003 Software instrument Software instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki and Atsuko Asahi.
This library was a go-to for a variety of orchestral instruments.
East-West
Ra
The interface for East West Ra. 2005 Software instrument Software instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki and Atsuko Asahi.
A pan flute, gamelan, and kalimba from this library are used in some songs.
Steinberg
HALion One
Steinberg HALion One screenshot. 2006 Software instrument Software instrument included in earlier versions of Cubase by Steinberg, used by Atsuko Asahi.
East-West
Stormdrum 2
The interface for East West Stormdrum 2. 2007 Software instrument Software instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
A percussion sample from this library is featured in the Formidable Oak.
Spectrasonics
Omnisphere
The interface for Omnisphere. 2008 Software instrument Software instrument by Spectrasonics.
This robust synthesizer is in many parts of the soundtrack.
KONTAKT
Factory Library
Image for Native Instruments's KONTAKT Factory Library 2010 Software instrument A selection of sounds that came packaged with the full version of KONTAKT, by Native Instruments.
It was used by Atsuko Asahi.
Apple
Logic Pro X
Screenshot of the Logic Pro X interface (2013). 2004 DAW Digital audio workstation, used by Hajime Wakai, Soshi Abe, and Babi.
It can be heard often in the additional music of Pikmin 3 Deluxe.

Pikmin 4's music[edit]

Pikmin 4's soundtrack was composed by Asuka Hayazaki, Kenta Nagata, and Soshi Abe.

List of products used in the music of Pikmin 4
Product Image Year Format Details
Roland SC-88 Image of a Roland SC-88. 1994 Hardware synthesizer MIDI sound module by Roland.
It has very minor usage in the soundtrack.
Kurzweil
K2500R
An image of a Kurzweil K2500R. 1996 Hardware synthesizer Professional synthesizer by Kurzweil, originally used by Hajime Wakai.
It has minor usage in the soundtrack.
Best Service
Advanced Orchestra
The front cover of Best Service - Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra. 1997 CD-ROM Orchestral sample library distributed by Best Service.
The xylophone sample is used in some songs.
East-West
Symphonic Orchestra
The interface for East West Symphonic Orchestra. 2003 Software instrument Software instrument by East-West.
It is used in some of the boss battle themes.
Heavyocity
Evolve
An image of Heavyocity - Evolve. 2008 Software instrument Software instrument by Heavyocity.
It is used in some of the boss battle themes.
Soniccouture
Music Boxes
An image of the Soniccouture Music Boxes interface. 2011 Software instrument Free software instrument by Soniccouture.
It is used for the three music box treasures.

Hey! Pikmin's music[edit]

Hey! Pikmin's soundtrack was composed by Masato Kouda and Kento Hasegawa.

List of products used in the music of Hey! Pikmin
Product Image Year Format Details Demo
AMG
Now CD-ROM
An image of the AMG Now CD-ROM. 1994 CD-ROM Sample library by AMG.
Some sampled horn stabs are used in Over Wintry Mountains.
VSL Special
Edition Volume 1
An image of Vienna Symphonic Library Special Edition Volume 1, from its store page on Best Service's website. 2007 Software instrument Software instrument by Vienna Symphonic Library.
A vibraphone is used for the Brilliant Garden's theme.
Spectrasonics
Omnisphere
The interface for Omnisphere. 2008 Software instrument Software instrument by Spectrasonics.
This robust synthesizer is in many parts of the soundtrack.
Discovery Series:
West Africa
Logo for Native Instruments West Africa, from their website. 2010 Software instrument Software instrument by Native Instruments.
A djembe is used in "Lushlife Murk area - back side".
Best Service
Ethno World 5
An image of Best Service Ethno World 5. 2010 Software instrument Software instrument by Best Service.
Many exotic instruments from this collection are utilized in the soundtrack.
One notable and frequently-used instrument is the Dallape accordion.
Spectrasonics
Stylus RMX
Image of Spectrasonics Stylus RMX. 2010 Software instrument Software instrument by Spectrasonics.
A percussive loop titled "125-Evil Echo" is used for the Emperor Bulblax boss battle at The Last Lair.
Curiously, the loop listed right before it in the interface is called "125-Emperor".
Heavyocity
Damage
An image of Heavyocity Damage, from their website. 2011 Software instrument Software instrument by Heavyocity.
A synthetic loop is used during the "Inside the S.S. Dolphin II - boss found" cutscene theme.
MusicLab
RealGuitar 4
An image of MusicLab RealGuitar 4. 2015 Software instrument Software instrument by MusicLab.
The nylon fingered guitar is used for Ravaged Rustworks' theme.

Sound effects[edit]

Listed below are all currently known products used to create the sound effects within the Pikmin series.

List of products used for sound effects
Product Image Year Format Pikmin (game) icon.png Pikmin 2 icon.png Pikmin 3 icon.png Game icon for Pikmin 4 articles, from the September 13th, 2022 Nintendo Direct.
E-MU Proteus/2 Orchestral An image of an E-MU Proteus 2 sound module. 1990 Hardware synthesizer Used Used Absent Absent
E-MU Proteus/3 World An E-MU Proteus/3 module. 1991 Hardware synthesizer Used Absent Absent Absent
Roland SC-88 Image of a Roland SC-88. 1994 Hardware synthesizer Used Used Used Used
Kurzweil K2500R An image of a Kurzweil K2500R. 1996 Hardware synthesizer Used Used Used Used
SampleCell II CD-ROM Library The front cover of Digidesign - SampleCell II CD-ROM Library #1. The image has been cropped and rotated. 1991 SampleCell CD-ROM Used Used Absent Absent
Ultra Gigapack The front cover of Best Service - Ultra Gigapack. 1995 SampleCell CD-ROM Absent Used Absent Absent
Distorted Reality Front cover for Spectrasonics - Distorted Reality. 1995 CD-ROM Absent Used Absent Absent
Supreme Beats Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats. 1995 CD-ROM Used Used Used Used
Sound Ideas Sampler Library Front cover of the Sound Ideas Sampler Library. 1987 Audio CD-ROM Used Used Absent Absent
Series 4000 Sound Effects The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library. 1989 Audio CD-ROM Used Used Used Absent
Series 6000 Sound Effects The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library. 1992 Audio CD-ROM Used Used Used Used
Universal Studios Sound Effects A custom-made image of the box art for Sound Ideas - Universal Studios Sound Effects Library using an image from https://1000logos.net/universal-logo/. 1992 Audio CD-ROM Used Used Absent Absent
Warner Bros. Sound Effects The front cover of Sound Ideas - Warner Bros. Sound Effects Library. 1992 Audio CD-ROM Used Used Used Used
Omnisphere The interface for Omnisphere. 2008 Software instrument Absent Absent Used Absent

Synthesizers[edit]

Kurzweil K2500[edit]

An image of a Kurzweil K2500R.
The Kurzweil K2500R.
A cropped image of Hajime Wakai and some of his equipment, taken from the booklet for F-ZERO X's Original Soundtrack on CD. Behind him, his Kurzweil K2500R can be seen.
Hajime Wakai and his powered-on K2500R behind him.

The Kurzweil K2500 is a synthesizer manufactured by Kurzweil Music Systems in 1996. The Kurzweil K2500R is its rackmount variant, and the specific model that was owned and used by Hajime Wakai. Typically, rackmount versions of synthesizers are identical in functionality, but they lack a physical keyboard. This makes them more compact and easy to cram into a studio space; however, it is intended that they be connected to an external MIDI device, such as a musical keyboard, a computer, or some other MIDI-compatible instrument in order to use them.

A lesser-known synthesizer, it is the signature synth of Hajime Wakai, and a staple of the audio design in the Pikmin series as a whole. It is used in Pikmin, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, and Pikmin 4. In some parts of Pikmin 3, Asuka Hayazaki uses this synthesizer. Soshi Abe uses samples from it for Pikmin 3 Deluxe and Pikmin 4.

K2500 preview

A short demo of sounds from the K2500.

K2500 SFX preview

Two sounds from the K2500 that appear as sound effects in Pikmin.

Also used within the Pikmin games is the "K25 FARM". It is a collection of several hundred new programs for the K2500. These exclusive presets came on a floppy disk with brand new purchases of the synthesizer.

K25 FARM preview

A short demo of some sounds exclusive to the K25 FARM.

Roland SC-88[edit]

Image of a Roland SC-88.
The Roland SC-88.

The Roland SC-88 is a General MIDI-based synthesizer, manufactured by Roland in 1994. An entry in the Roland Sound Canvas series, it has 654 default instrument presets and 22 drumset presets that are designed to perfectly conform to the General MIDI standard, making it excellent for the playback of MIDI songs. It is still useful as a compositional tool; the sounds from the Roland Sound Canvas line of synthesizers are very common in video games. Compressed samples of audio from a SC-55 are even utilized for the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth, the default "soundfont" for MIDI playback on most computers.[3]

It is used primarily in the music of Pikmin and Pikmin 2, by Hajime Wakai. Alongside the Kurzweil K2500, these two synthesizers make up the vast majority of instrument samples in those games.

SC-88 preview

A short demo of sounds from the SC-88.

Yamaha S90[edit]

The Yamaha S90.
The Yamaha S90.

The Yamaha S90 is a synthesizer manufactured by Yamaha Corporation in 2002. It has 384 instrument presets and 48 drumset presets, and its acoustic instruments in particular are much more realistic than the older Kurzweil K2500R and Roland SC-88.

The Yamaha S90 is commonly used by Kazumi Totaka; in the Pikmin series, it has only been used in the music of Pikmin 2.

S90 preview

A short demo of sounds from the S90 that were used in Pikmin 2.
The Yamaha PLG150-DX plug-in board out of the box.
Image of one of the expansion boards, the PLG150-DX.

Expansion boards[edit]

Many of Yamaha's synthesizers produced around 1998 to 2003 featured support for the "Modular Synthesis Plug-in System". This allowed for the synthesizers's preset count to be expanded by plugging in an expansion board. In total, 12 of these boards were produced. A few of them contain just basic sets of waveforms, while others are fully-fledged synthesizers. The "PLG150-AN", for example, generates sound with analog synthesis.

Along with his Yamaha S90, Kazumi Totaka uses the PLG150-DX and PLG150-VL expansion boards for some songs for Pikmin 2. The two boards use FM synthesis and physical modelling synthesis respectively.

Fonts[edit]

Most of the fonts used in the Pikmin games are commercially-available fonts created by Dynacomware or Fontworks. Originally, they were sold bundled together with many other typefaces and distributed on CD-ROMs, but the individual fonts are still available online. Because of their availability, usage of these fonts in other media may be mistaken as a reference to the Pikmin series.

DF Craft Sumi[edit]

A preview of DFCraftSumi Std W9, a font used in the Pikmin series.
DFCraftSumi Std W9.

DF Craft Sumi is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFCraftSumi Std W9" is used in Pikmin and Pikmin 2 for the bubble-like letters that appear in some menus and cutscenes, and for the end credits in the Pikmin Short Movies. In Pikmin 3 and Hey! Pikmin, a modified version of this font is used.

DF POP 1[edit]

A preview of DFPOP1 Std W3, a font used in the Pikmin series.
DFPOP1 Std W3.

DF POP 1 is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFPOP1 Std W3" is used as the main text font in Pikmin, such as for Olimar's monologs.

Seurat[edit]

A preview of Seurat Pro DB, a font used in the Pikmin series.
Seurat Pro DB.

Seurat is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Seurat Pro DB" is used as the main text font in Pikmin 2 and Hey! Pikmin, as seen in the ship's dialogs and other various menu elements.

Rodin NTLG[edit]

A preview of Rodin NTLG Pro DB, a font used in the Pikmin series.
RodinNTLG Pro DB.

Rodin NTLG is a typeface created by Fontworks. It is one of the most commonly used typefaces by Nintendo, and has distinct usage within the Pikmin series:

RodinNTLG Pro DB is also the main text font in Pikmin 3. It is used for on-screen character dialog, text displayed on the KopPad, and other various menu elements.

New Rodin[edit]

A preview of New Rodin Pro DB, a font used in the Pikmin series.
NewRodin Pro DB.

New Rodin is a typeface created by Fontworks. "NewRodin Pro DB" is used in Pikmin 3 for the numbers in the countdown at sunset. In Pikmin 4, a modified version of the typeface is used commonly throughout the game.

DF Gothic P[edit]

Comparison between the font texture used for the staff roll in Pikmin 3, and the DFGothicP typeface.
A comparison between the font texture used for the staff roll in Pikmin 3, and the DFGothicP W3 font.

DF Gothic P is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFGothicP W3" is used for the staff credits in Pikmin 3. The characters have been resized so that they take up similar amounts of horizontal space.

Minor fonts[edit]

Chiaro[edit]

Texture for "File" and "1", "2", and "3" on the saved game selection menu.
The texture used on the saved game selection menu in Pikmin 2. It uses Chiaro Std B.

Chiaro is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Chiaro Std B" is used exclusively on the saved game selection menu in Pikmin and Pikmin 2.

Pop Fury[edit]

An unused font in Pikmin 1, testFont.txe, which was also "upscaled" in the Pikmin 1 Switch port.
The texture for an unused font used in Pikmin. It uses PopFury Std B.

Pop Fury is a typeface created by Fontworks. "PopFury Std B" is present in Pikmin as an unused font texture, testFont.txe.

Rowdy[edit]

Rowdy is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Rowdy Std EB" is used in Pikmin 3 for the icons of the +10 Pikmin and +5 Rare Pikmin Roulette Wheel items in Bingo Battle.

Proprietary fonts[edit]

Some text that appears in the games use fonts that are uniquely created for the Pikmin series itself.

Pikmin 3 bubble-like font[edit]

An updated variant of DFCraftSumi Std W9 is used in Pikmin 3 and Hey! Pikmin. It highly resembles the original typeface, but many minor changes have been made to improve readability, such as making the tails of certain characters longer and their widths more consistent.

A comparison between DFCraftSumi Std W9 and its look-alike in Pikmin 3.
A comparison between DFCraftSumi Std W9, and its smoother look-alike in Pikmin 3.

Hocotate Freight text[edit]

The logo for Hocotate Freight uses a uniquely designed font. It is alien-like, but still legible English.

Koppaite text[edit]

Main article: Koppaite text.

In Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 4, an in-universe written language appears very frequently on technology and as a background element throughout various in-game menus. The text appears as an assortment of illegible alien symbols, but these characters are actually translatable into the 26 letters in the English alphabet, which reveal some small secrets when various instances of the text are deciphered.

Trivia[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ YouTube video of footage from E3, where it is stated that some of the materials used in Pikmin are from around Shigeru Miyamoto's neighborhood (at 10:10)
  2. ^ Production credits on GRANDFUNK's website
  3. ^ YouTube video of a live comparison between the SC-55 (via the virtual SCVA plugin) and the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth
  4. ^ Detailed spreadsheet that documents sound sources used in the series, maintained by fans on Google Sheets