Editing Music in Pikmin 2

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

All the compositions of this game consist wholly of synthesized sounds or samples attempting to mimic real instruments. Although compared with [[Pikmin (game)|the previous game]], the technology used to mimic these instruments is more advanced and can cover a wider collection and range.

*Hajime Wakai and Kazumi Totaka's differing equipment can be used to determine which of the two composers was responsible for each particular song, as their songs will use samples recorded from their respective synthesizers. Hajime Wakai uses the [[Assets used in the Pikmin series#Kurzweil K2500|Kurzweil K2500]] and [[Assets used in the Pikmin series#Roland SC-88|Roland SC-88]] synthesizers, while Kazumi Totaka primarily uses samples from the [[Assets used in the Pikmin series#Yamaha S90|Yamaha S90]].{{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|rname=spreadsheet}}

*''Pikmin 2''{{'s}} sequenced music uses a bank system to hold instrument programs. Songs exclusively use instruments from either bank 4 or bank 5, belonging to Hajime Wakai and Kazumi Totaka respectively. Samples from the Roland SC-88 and Kurzweil K2500 exist exclusively in bank 4, while the Yamaha S90's instruments are within bank 5.

Using evidence obtained from all of the methods above, every song's composer has been identified, and listed within this article.

Heard in the [[Piklopedia and Treasure Hoard menu]] screens. This quiet theme in 5/8 time signature has a low melody on fretless bass, enhancing its subtlety. As the theme goes on, the bass gets more ornamental in its style, but the piece mainly stays at one intensity level, so as not to distract from the articles to be read. This theme also contains instances of the same [[Music in Pikmin#The Distant Spring|synthesized cymbal]] instrument heard in the first game, used as complements to the harmony.

Heard when [[The Key]] is collected. This unique rendition of the treasure collection theme replaces the winds with a harpsichord and ringing bell, enhancing the image of the golden key with an element of class, suggesting a feeling of luxury, or even wealth.

*'''Enemy mix''': Harpsichord.

At the beginning of the first day, no music plays in the area. After [[Louie]] first plucks a [[Red Pikmin]], the area theme plays, but as a completely non-dynamic version of the Olimar version of the area's sunset theme. After the two leaders are reunited, the area's theme plays as it normally does on any other day.

*'''Main version''': Bell synthesizer, '''piano''', chorused electric guitar, '''vocal synthesizer''', and triangle.

The [[Wistful Wild]] has a wistful march for its theme, if anything representing the struggle the leaders are going through to rescue Louie. The drone in C, the acoustic guitar rhythms, and the sitar resemble [[Music in Pikmin#The Forest Navel|The Forest Navel's theme]], but without percussion and with a somber melody on a contrabass this theme becomes less exploratory. The theme is almost threatening, to warn the player of the more dangerous fauna present in this area.

*'''Combat mix''': Timpani, and distorted snare drum, timbale shell, and tom-tom samples.

*'''Task mix''': Pulse-waves (with a modulating wah-wah filter added).

*'''Enemy mix''': Harpsichord.

Caves often tend to include more purposely synthetic-sounding instruments, since the landscape is likewise more unfamiliar than general [[area]] terrain. Although instruments in cave themes may sound like a particular natural instrument, there are timbres that distinguish this instrument as synthesized. For example, the main instrument here mimics a trombone, but still has enough differences in attack and cutoff to be an independent sound. This theme also uses the same tabla groove from "[[#Fire|Fire]]", though the tabla has been swapped for an electronic one, and the bass tabla has been replaced by the same bass instrument used in ''[[#Emergence Cave 2|Emergence Cave 2]]''.

As another example of synthetic instruments mimicking their real-life counterparts, this theme's main melodic wind instrument was created with {{w|physical modeling synthesis}}, which is a unique form of sound synthesis that attempts to replicate the natural noise and intricacies of real-life acoustic instruments. Although this lead may not be designed to sound like any exact blown instrument, the timbre does slightly resemble a sort of single-reed.

 

A pulse is implied in this piece, but a meter to organize that pulse is not as definable, especially when the percussion is randomly ordered. The highly varied instrumentation and erratic timing of patterns may influence the mixed and random selection of enemies on these floors.

*'''Combat mix''': Metal bowl and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BON1hkygaw davul].

In the main game, this theme is exclusive to the [[Frontier Cavern]]. This theme's noticeable waltz rhythm is rigidly defined by a strict harmony in harp-like synthesizer. The structure is also very rigid, consisting of a randomly selected gesture from the flute, and a randomly selected response from harpsichord.

*'''Enemy mix''': Pitched metallic "bong" sound effects.

*'''Combat mix''': Hand cymbals, and Native American drum and shaker.

This interesting piece in a 3/4 time signature is tied with ''[[#Concrete 3|Concrete 3]]'' for most popular, and is only heard in tile-themed sublevels. This piece actually uses water drop samples as percussion, and not only steady percussion but a randomized percussion solo, as though the drop samples are a pitched instrument. Meanwhile the melody is based off of random tri-tones, the interval made by splitting the octave in half.

*'''Main version''': '''Steel drum''', water drop samples, and electric piano synthesizer.

|linko    = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvsOXzKYqs4&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=56

|linkl    = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp9mFAYQG1k&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=57

Named after this theme's simultaneous debut with the first [[Jellyfloat family|Jellyfloat]] encounter in the [[Shower Room]]. This theme is in 7/4 time signature, punched in by an electric piano playing a repetitious gesture that seems to mimic the movement of this theme's associated floating enemy. Some random notes on the electric piano are sustained, and the melody this time is quite noticeable since the general texture is easy to follow and repeats often the same way.

In the main game, this theme only occurs in room-based sublevels with wooden block layouts. The music is once again intentionally overcomplicated, and this time the multiple colors used in the music complement the unusual and toy-based landscape. Although the texture is thin, the ensemble for this theme is rather sizeable, for a cave theme. This theme is also in 3/4 time signature, best established by the task and combat mixes.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jba2WjhHZAM&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGP4hZDf_mvHbXZUA5wb0O3r&index=36 variation of this theme] plays exclusively on the fourth sublevel of the [[Glutton's Kitchen]], with the internal name <code>new_08_1.cnd</code>. This version replaces the bell sound effect with a rapidly oscillating FM sound that occasionally skips notes. This unique corruption upon the original theme effectively removes its strongest tie to the railroad motif, and instead scores the presence of the sublevel's threatening [[Spotty Bulbear]].

This theme is very similar to "[[#Jellyfloat|Jellyfloat]]", with a mostly synthesized ensemble and an irregular time signature conveyed by one repeating gesture. Although the scenery of the sublevel, an underground submerged stump, does help this particular synthetic theme feel more organic. Interestingly, the tempo, drum kit, and tablas (along with their groove pattern) are identical to what's used in "[[#Fire|Fire]]". The shared instruments superimpose a 4/4 rhythm on the irregular gesture played by sine-waves.

*'''Main version''': '''Sine-wave''', '''two chorused trombone-like synthesizers''', and '''synth bass'''.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>The bass drum can only be heard if the current sublevel's song was either  ''[[#Soil 1|Soil 1]]'', ''[[#Soil 2|Soil 2]]'' or ''[[#Soil 3|Soil 3]]''. Due to an oversight, the bass drum sample is not automatically loaded into memory within Challenge Mode, so it must have already been loaded in from the previous song for it to sound.

Heard when visiting the level selection menu for any of the three different mini-game types. This theme is very similar to the music for the [[#Area selection|area selection menu]] in ''Pikmin 2'', sporting a drone and even a snare drum pattern identical to the one in the aforementioned theme. A rendition of this song with the instruments from ''Pikmin 2'' also partially appears in an obscure [https://youtu.be/-QYR86VMF4w?t=75 Japanese trailer] for the game.

Heard in any of the "Plucking Pikmin" mini-games. This is simply a rendition of the [[#Challenge Mode menu|Challenge Mode menu theme]]. The mini-games lack the threat of a clock and allow the player to complete the puzzles at their own pace, so a dynamic theme that changes intensity throughout likely isn't desired.

Heard in any of the "Marching Pikmin" mini-games. Used here is a simpler rendition of the [[#Awakening Wood|Awakening Wood's theme]], once again depicting the commanding of ''Pikmin''. The e-Reader's crude instrument set also helps depict these mini-games as more playful.

Heard in any of the "Connecting Pikmin" mini-games. These mini-games reuse the [[#Valley of Repose|Valley of Repose's theme]]. Since wandering enemies are uniquely present in these levels, the theme's complex progression helps convey some uncertainty.