Music in Pikmin 2: Difference between revisions

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 from the first game, used as complements to the harmony.

*'''Enemy mix''': Modified harpsichord sample.

*'''Main version''': Bell synthesizer, '''piano''', electric guitar (chorus effect), '''vocal synthesizer''', and triangle.

*'''Enemy mix''': Modified harpsichord sample.

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. It should also be noted that the same tabla groove from "[[#Fire|Fire]]" is used here, but it is now an electronic sound. The bass tabla from the aforementioned song has been replaced by the same bass sound used in ''[[#Emergence Cave 2|Emergence Cave 2]]''.

As another example of synthetic instruments mimicking their real-life counterparts, the main melodic wind instrument in this piece is 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''': Choked cymbal and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BON1hkygaw davul].

In the main game, this theme is exclusive to the [[Frontier Cavern]]. This theme's noticable 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''': Tuned steel shell.

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

This interesting piece 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. This piece seems to be in a 3/4 time signature, which is supported by the timing of the drum and mellotron in the task mix, and the repeated gestures from the vibraphone.

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

Named after this theme's simultaneous debut with the first [[Jellyfloat family|Jellyfloat]] encounter in the [[Shower Room]]. The unwavering gesture played on electric piano and the utilization of a 7/4 time signature gives it a sort of airiness that goes well with its 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. Like "Tile", the task mix seems to suggest this piece's time signature to be in 3/4.

<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 looming [[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. Two synthesized brass instruments are featured as the main randomized element of the piece. Both of them play in unison, one of them being detuned slightly, resulting in the chorus effect heard in-game. 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''', '''trombone-like synthesizers''', and '''synth bass'''.

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 droning bass instrument, 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 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 rendition of the [[#Challenge Mode menu|Challenge Mode menu theme]] is also fitting for the steady solving a puzzle. As there is no time limit, nor any uncertain danger from moving enemies, the music does not need to change its intensity in this instance either; a loss is usually the result of hasty planning from the player.

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'', but in puzzle-like format. The e-Reader's simplified instrument set also helps portray these mini-games as non-serious.

Heard in any of the "Connecting Pikmin" mini-games. Originally playing upon the snowy landscape, the complex progression of the [[#Valley of Repose|Valley of Repose's theme]] is repurposed to help convey some uncertainty regarding the Pikmin's safety, as the stages in these mini-games can contain wandering enemies.