Music in Pikmin 4: Difference between revisions

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The [[title screen]] theme of ''Pikmin 4'' is almost entirely solo piano, with only a few notes on a distant bell-like sound. It starts with a high-pitched fanfare before entering the main section of the piece in a 6/8 time signature. While the chords are mostly consonant, occasional out-of-key notes add an uneasy feel to the piece. After a minute and a half, the main Pikmin motif can be heard. The piece ends on a long note, and loops back to the beginning only after the note has completely faded out (though the fanfare is skipped on repeats).

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMI9CAGw-n8&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=87

Heard when the first Red Pikmin is plucked. Like ''Pikmin 2'' and ''Pikmin 3'', this theme is an arrangement of the main Pikmin motif played twice, accompanied by several quirky instruments indicating the nature of the Pikmin as a whole. However, unlike past games, each Pikmin type has a different track playing when it is discovered, though they all share the exact same structure, with the only difference being the instruments used.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYan9h-T124&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=93

Heard when the first Ice Pikmin is discovered. Arrangement of the main Pikmin motif in the same structure that the discovery theme for the Red Pikmin, with instruments indicating the icy nature of the Ice Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW-cbSXU2Ao&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=89

Heard when the first Yellow Pikmin is discovered. Folowing the other Pikmin discovery tracks, this version of the theme is arranged with instruments fitting with the electric nature of the Yellow Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPB1QNcfnvc&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=91

Heard when the first Blue Pikmin is discovered. As with the other Pikmin types, this arrangement of the track features a selection of instruments that coincide with the aquatic nature of the Blue Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG7jWQVEsa8&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=187

Heard when the first Purple Pikmin is discovered. As with the other Pikmin types, this arrangement of the track features a selection of instruments that go along with the heavy nature of the Purple Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nder38dr1WU&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=184

Heard when the first White Pikmin is discovered. As with the other Pikmin types, this arrangement of the track features a selection of instruments that harmonize with the poisonous nature of the White Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9H8zJLBkKE&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=188

Heard when the first Rock Pikmin is discovered. As with the other Pikmin types, this arrangement of the track features a selection of instruments that correspond with the rocky nature of the Rock Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnApHvSOHx4&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=192

Heard when the first Winged Pikmin is discovered. As with the other Pikmin types, this arrangement of the track features a selection of instruments that synchronize with the nature of the Winged Pikmin.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZDECVSqNdw&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=190

Heard when the first Glow Pikmin is discovered during [[Night expedition]]. As with the other Pikmin types, this arrangement of the track features a selection of instruments that mesh together with the nature of the Glow Pikmin.

|name = New Pikmin type

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5bxT4fHJVw&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=107

After any of the previous jingles play when a certain Pikmin type is discovered, all of them are followed by a common looping track to ambient the Rescue Corps members' discussion on the discovered creature, which echoes in several segments the main Pikmin motif.

{{clear}}

{{infobox track

|name = Enter cave

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIQiTvv6x-s&list=PLjyLjyXJQJUN4UhbEcZqaTriDJgJbXKTk&index=124

Heard when a cave is entered. A new rendition of [[Music in Pikmin 2#Enter cave|the equivalent theme in ''Pikmin 2'']], it is a new arrangement of the Hocotate motif, also setting an adventurous mood for exploration.

 

The base layer of the [[Sun-Speckled Terrace]]'s theme is very sparse, with various piano notes, some of which are repeated for a while or have a delay effect. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions.

The [[Blossoming Arcadia]]'s theme is quite cLalming and peaceful. Mostly in a slow triple meter, this piece hangs around F major and features lush strings above bouncy mallet percussion, with flutes playing a simple supportive ostinato between the two. It can be compared musically to Pikmin 1's Forest of Hope and Pikmin 3's Garden of Hope. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions.

|name = Serene Shoes

The music of the [[Serene Shoes]] uses lots of space and is more textural rather than melodic. It plays in a moderate 12/8 time with what sounds like a shekere accenting the second beat of every measure. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2yhWoQ3650

[[Hero's Hideaway]]'s theme is very lively, with various piano notes, pots and pans clanging, and an accordion, some of which are repeated for a while. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions, like when battling [[Moss]].

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTsk1Y2wOSs&list=PLVk7-4qy_GtSw2l41UPWNs-pjNsmuFsJU&index=7

The music of the [[Giant's Hearth]] theme consists of a guitar, sounding like a western desert theme. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTsk1Y2wOSs&list=PLVk7-4qy_GtSw2l41UPWNs-pjNsmuFsJU&index=7

The theme of the [[Primordial Thicket]] combines low woodwind sounds with both pitched and non-pitched percussion to drive motion forward. A bright-sounding aerophone carries the tune above the other instruments. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions. [[The Forest Navel]] theme can be heard in this area as they contain similar attributes, such as the [[Puffstool]] and [[Baldy Long Legs]] returning as the bosses of the Primordial Thicket (however the [[Baldy Long Legs]] is a replacement for the [[Beady Long Legs]] of [[The Forest Navel]]), the environment is also similar between the areas as the both have mushrooms, but the mushrooms of the [[Primordial Thicket]] do not glow during night expeditions like the ones in [[The Forest Navel]] and are present because of the [[Startle Spore]]'s in the area.

{{clear}}

|name = Olimar's boss battle

This theme can be heard when battling any of the bosses during Olimar's Shipwreck Tale and is first heard when fighting the [[Porquillion]] at the top of the [[Hero's Hideaway]] with [[Olimar]] at the start of the game. Just like the [[Music in Pikmin 3#Mid-bosses|mid-boss theme from ''Pikmin 3'']], this track is a new arrangement on the [[Music in Pikmin 2#Common boss battle|boss battle theme from ''Pikmin 2'']]. The cues remain the relatively similar from Pikmin 3 to Pikmin 4, however more research must be done.

|name = Area boss battle

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_GwNgYfny4

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the Porquillion at the top of Sun-Speckled Terrace. This theme features a fast collection of drum-like sounds, seemingly from classic Japanese percussion instruments, with a bell-like melody playing in the background at some point. It comes with a "boss defeated" cue when the health of the creature reaches zero. It is unknown if this track is featured anywhere else in the game. (You can hear the music during the battle)

|name = Area boss battle (Drumline Cadence)

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1N12cPx6eM

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling a mini-boss (Like the Snagret). This theme features a fast collection of drum-like sounds, seemingly from classic Japanese percussion instruments, with certain music playing in the background matching the setting of where you battle. It comes with a "boss defeated" cue when the health of the creature reaches zero.

|name = Cave boss battle

|link =  

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Tusked Blowhog]] at the last sublevel of [[Hectic Hollows]]. It is played by several bongos and deep-sounding drum instruments. It also plays a "boss defeated" cue when the enemy is defeated. It is unknown if this track is featured anywhere else in the game.

|name = Groovy Long Legs Theme

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu8S0ufZgf8

This theme can be heard when battling the [[Groovy Long Legs]] at the last sublevel of [[Below-Grade Discotheque]]. It is played by techno noises and an air-horn. It also plays a "boss defeated" cue when the enemy is defeated. There are several additional layers that can be added on top in various conditions. Uniquely, it is the only boss theme that plays when engaging a boss in the Piklopedia, lending credence to the theory that it is being played by the Groovy Long Legs itself.  

|name = Giant Breadbug Theme

So far, this theme can only be heard when battling the [[Giant Breadbug]] at the last sublevel of [[Plunder Palace]] and is a remixed version of its theme from ''Pikmin 2''. It is played by distorted music and something that sounds like the Giant Breadbug. It also stops playing after the 2 bosses are defeated unlike in ''Pikmin 2'' whereas it keeps playing even if the Giant Breadbug has been defeated.

As in its appearance in ''Pikmin 2'', the [[Waterwraith]] has a unique dynamic boss theme. All cues are remixed versions of the ones present in ''Pikmin 2'' except the vulnerable theme, which has been replaced with a more abstract theme.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1IAyioAzCs (At 00:06)

A remixed version of the theme in ''Pikmin 2''. Heard when the Waterwraith first appears in the story mode of ''Pikmin 4'', played in the background of an introductory cutscene. Like ''Pikmin 2'', the cutscene begins with the normal ''Pikmin 2'' boss battle intro, but then lapses into a looping music bed as Collin warns of the Waterwraith's threat. This bed contains echoing textures of dissonant marimba, percussive underpinnings from a gong and bell, and most importantly, atonal drones from a double bass {{w|Double bass#C extension|with extension}}. The combined effect sounds quite alien, like the mood set by the Waterwraith.

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1IAyioAzCs (At 00:40)

A remixed version of the theme in ''Pikmin 2''. When the Waterwraith appears in the [[Engulfed Castle]] on sublevels 1-4, the music changes drastically. In 5/4 time signature and including a full string section and brass stabs, the soundtrack is reminiscent of thriller soundtracks with #9 chords and tri-tones in the bass. The music now conveys a great intensity and sense of urgency, and is not dynamic since there is no way to attack the Waterwraith at that time.

 

A new theme that replaces the vulnerable theme heard in ''Pikmin 2''. When the Waterwraith appears on the Engulfed Castle's final sublevel, the normal boss theme plays as long as the Waterwraith has its rollers; the special attack cue chimes in whenever the Waterwraith shakes Pikmin off. But when the rollers are defeated, the music suddenly shifts to an abstract theme with chimes signaling that the threat of this boss has been nullified. The theme seems to slightly reference the [[Plasm Wraith]]'s theme from ''Pikmin 3''.

|name = Final Boss Theme

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Ancient Sirehound]] at the last sublevel of [[Cavern for a King]]. It is played mainly by an electric guitar and intensely graduates the farther you are in the battle. It also plays a "boss defeated" cue when the enemy is defeated.

|name = Final Boss Theme (Ice Phase)

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Ancient Sirehound]] at the last sublevel of [[Cavern for a King]]. It is played mainly by an electric guitar and adds onto the first phase.

|name = Final Boss Theme (Electricity Phase)

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Ancient Sirehound]] at the last sublevel of [[Cavern for a King]]. It is played mainly by an electric guitar and adds onto the second phase.

|name = Final Boss Theme (Fire Phase)

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Ancient Sirehound]] at the last sublevel of [[Cavern for a King]]. It is played mainly by an electric guitar and adds onto the third phase.

|name = Final Boss Theme (Gloom Phase)

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Ancient Sirehound]] at the last sublevel of [[Cavern for a King]]. It is played mainly by an electric guitar and adds onto the fourth phase.

|name = Final Boss Theme (Vulnerable)

So far, this theme has only been heard when battling the [[Ancient Sirehound]] at the last sublevel of [[Cavern for a King]]. It is played mainly by an electric guitar, drums, a xylophone and intensely graduates the farther you are in the battle.

|name = Hero's Hideaway (Olimar)

|link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVphsGNDMmM

This area theme reuses many sounds from the its main story mode counterpart; it even uses a melody similar to the one heard during the game's initial tutorial with [[Captain Olimar]].

*The Pikmin in the group may randomly sing either a long theme without a distinguishing melody, or a short theme with a distinguishable melody. Among the short themes with melody, the Pikmin can sing themes from areas from past games. So far, the Pikmin have been spotted singing the [[Awakening Wood]], [[Perplexing Pool]], and [[Waterwraith]] battle themes from {{P2}} and the [[Garden of Hope]] theme from {{P3}}, plus a theme with a melody that doesn't seem to align with any previous area theme. In overworld areas, Pikmin can seemingly sing a short tune while there are uncollected treasures in the area, though it is unknown if they can sing long tunes. Inside of caves, Pikmin seemingly can only sing long tunes if there is still uncollected treasure in the current sublevel, and then only sing short tunes after all of the treasure has been collected from the sublevel. It is yet unknown how many Pikmin are required to be in the group for them to sing something.

==See also==

*[[Music in Pikmin|Music in ''Pikmin'']]

*[[Music in Pikmin 2|Music in ''Pikmin 2'']]