Assets used in thePikmin series

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

ThePikmin 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 toNintendo, 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.

Contents

Stock photography[edit]

Since the objects and environments within thePikmin 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 ofPikmin andPikmin 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 ofSozaijiten Vol. 6, one of the CD-ROMs used in thePikmin 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. ForPikmin andPikmin 2, photographs and artwork fromSozaijiten are used very often and in a myriad of ways.

OnSozaijiten'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 ofSozaijiten textures used inPikmin
VolumeNameSource ImageTexture/ScreenshotDescription
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF085An 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 forPikmin. It is an image of somehorsetails, taken inAtsuta, Hokkaido.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF097An image of a leaf from Sozaijiten Vol. 6.Captain Olimar and some Pikmin on plant leaves.The background to a piece of promotional artwork forPikmin.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF122A 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 thearea selection menu. It is a photograph ofMount Kamui andLake Mashū.

The approximate location is viewablehere.

Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF164A 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 inShakotan, Hokkaido.

The approximate location is viewablehere.

Vol. 13 葉・葉脈編

(Leaves and Leaf Veins)

SM054An 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 theThe Impact Site. It is a photograph of anelderberry's leaves.
Vol. 16 皮・年輪編

(Wood Textures)

SQ166An 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 inThe Distant Spring.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV002An image of Earth from Sozaijiten Vol. 21. The website credits NASA for providing the photo.PNF-404 as seen in the Pikmin credits..PNF-404, during thecredits ofPikmin. It is a photograph of Earth.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV007An 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 thegood ending cutscene ofPikmin. It is a photograph of Earth.
List ofSozaijiten textures used inPikmin 2
VolumeNameSource ImageTexture/ScreenshotDescription
Vol. 1 テクスチャー・石編

(Stone Textures)

SA068An 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 theEmergence Cave.
Vol. 2 紙・布・木編

(Paper, Cloth, and Wood Textures)

SB108An image of knitted fabric from Sozaijiten Vol. 2.The texture for the Five-man Napsack.The fabric for theFive-man Napsack.
Vol. 5 空・雲編

(Sky and Clouds)

SE074An 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 thearea selection menu ofPikmin 2.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF122A 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 ofMount Kamui andLake Mashū.

The approximate location is viewablehere.

Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF164A 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 inShakotan, Hokkaido.

The approximate location is viewablehere.

Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF190An image of a snowy field from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The image's description on the website says it was taken in Otaru, Hokkaido.ValleyofReposeTrees.pngSnow used for theValley of Repose's background image. The image was taken on a beach inOtaru.
Vol. 6 四季・自然編

(Seasons and Nature)

SF191An image of a snowy forest from Sozaijiten Vol. 6. The image's description on the website says it was taken in Shikaoi, Hokkaido.ValleyofReposeTrees.pngTrees used for the Valley of Repose's background image. The image was taken inShikaoi, Hokkaido.
Vol. 8 壁・土編

(Walls and Soils)

SH071An image of a wall from Sozaijiten Vol. 8."Bc_s3tc", the texture for the walls of the build VRBOX.Used for thebuildcave background. It has been flipped horizontally.
Vol. 8 壁・土編

(Walls and Soils)

SH096An 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 thePerplexing Pool.
Vol. 13 葉・葉脈編

(Leaves and Leaf Veins)

SM074An 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 ofGalax.
Vol. 16 皮・年輪編

(Wood Textures)

SQ166An 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 theHole of Heroes.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV001An 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 from Pikmin 2, scanned and cropped from the Shogakukan Pikmin 2 Official Guidebook.PNF-404, in the JapanesePikmin 2 Guidebook. It is a photograph of Earth. It is also used forKoppai in the opening ofPikmin 3.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV161An 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 theDebt Repayment Cinema inPikmin 2. It is a photograph ofNGC 7331.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV186An 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 theOpening and Debt Repayment Cinemas inPikmin 2. It is a photograph of theOrion Nebula.
Vol. 21 宇宙・惑星編

(Space and Planets)

SV187An 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 inPikmin 2. It is a photograph of theOrion Nebula.
Vol. 24 大理石編

(Marbles)

SY089An 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 thePriceless Statue andWorthless Statue. It is an image of Grigio Carnico marble.
Vol. 53 木目・組木・あじろ編

(Grain, Interlocked and Braided Wood)

CD123An image of rosewood from Sozaijiten Vol. 53.The texture for the wooden base of the Shock Therapist.The texture used for theShock Therapist's wooden base. It is an image ofrosewood.
Vol. 53 木目・組木・あじろ編

(Grain, Interlocked and Braided Wood)

CD138An image of 5-inch white oak from Sozaijiten Vol. 53."Wflooring_mip_s3tc", the texture for the floor of the flooring VRBOX.Used for theflooring cave background. It is an image of 5-inchwhite oak flooring. Several planks of wood were stretched.

Bakku no Oni[edit]

An image of Bakku no Oni SABI 2.
An image ofBakku 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 thecaves inPikmin 2.

List ofBakku no Oni textures used inPikmin 2
VolumeNameSource ImageTexture/ScreenshotDescription
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-08A 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 theroom_hitode3x3_5_metalcave unit.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-27A 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."Baketu01_128x128_s3tc", used for the top of the bucket in room_big_kusachi.Used for the dark brown metal in many metallic cave units, and the top of the bucket in theroom_big_kusachi garden cave unit.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-34A 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 inroom_white14x12_metal, the main cave unit in sublevel 3 of theWhite Flower Garden.
寂2

(SABI 2)

RUST-36A 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-41A 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 inroom_white14x12_metal, and as the circular rim in theTitan Dweevil's arena,room_oootakara_tile.

VisualDisk[edit]

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

VisualDisk is a series of stock image libraries that were made by ISHII. Similar in scope toSozaijiten, there was a very large amount of volumes released and high variety in its content. However, it is used sparsely inPikmin 2.

List ofVisualDisk textures used inPikmin 2
VolumeNameSource ImageTexture/ScreenshotDescription
M-02 MetalsM2_01A 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 theroom_big_kusachi garden cave unit. It is mixed with "RUST-27" fromBakku no Oni SABI 2.
M-10 LeavesM10_05A 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 onPikmin 2's title screen, and in the intro for theWistful Wild when landing in the area for the first time.
M-10 LeavesM10_43A 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 thePikmin 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 inPikmin,Pikmin 2, andPikmin 3 use audio from digital instruments and synthesizers; instances of musicians performing live on real acoustic instruments are highly uncommon in the games. Thenew music composed by Babi forPikmin 3 Deluxe is one of the very few occasions where this was done.[2]

Pikmin's music[edit]

Hajime Wakai used theKurzweil K2500R, theRoland SC-88, and theSampleCell II software to create thesoundtrack toPikmin. The Kurzweil K2500R is the premier synthesizer ofPikmin, being Hajime Wakai's first choice for any instrumentation in the soundtrack, especially for anything highly synthetic or exotic. With some exceptions, such as its string ensemble, marimba, guitar, flute, or trumpet, the K2500R however lacks some important acoustic sounds - the Roland SC-88 would assist the K2500R in filling any gaps in the sonic palette, such as whenever oboe, timpani, or any other orchestral sounds were needed.

The two aforementioned synthesizers make up the vast majority of the soundtrack, though some sample library CD-ROMs are also seldom used. These CD-ROMs were formatted for SampleCell II, a software sampler which waspopular among Nintendo's composers. SampleCell II would also prove an excellent tool for building the MIDI instruments used in the soundtrack. A singular sample of a trumpet playing a high A#, taken from the K2500R, could be re-pitched and mapped across a keyboard. This would allow playable instruments from the K2500R or SC-88 to exist on a computer, albeit in a more rudimentary fashion. The many banks of instrument programs that exist inPikmin's data, used for in-game sequenced music, were likely to have been mapped and created by Hajime Wakai in SampleCell II, before their implementation.[3]

List of products used in the music ofPikmin
ProductImageYearFormatDetailsDemo
Roland SC-88Image of a Roland SC-88.1994Hardware synthesizerMIDI 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.1996Hardware synthesizerProfessional 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.1991SampleCell CD-ROMA selection of sounds that came packaged with SampleCell II, by Digidesign.
Used for the classical guitar heard inThe Impact Site.
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats		Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats.1995SampleCell CD-ROMSample library by Spectrasonics.
Used for several sounds inPikmin'smain theme.
Best Service
Ultra Gigapack		The front cover of Best Service - Ultra Gigapack.1995SampleCell CD-ROMSample library by Best Service.
Used for the piano inThe Forest of Hope, and some percussion inFinal Boss Battle.

Pikmin 2's music[edit]

Kazumi Totaka and Hajime Wakai, from an interview with the Pikmin 2 audio staff.
Kazumi Totaka and Hajime Wakai.

Themusic forPikmin 2 was composed by the duo of Kazumi Totaka and Hajime Wakai, and this is reflected in the soundtrack's substantially splayed instrumentation. Hajime Wakai's music is still recognizable from the two signature synthesizers of the previous game, the Kurzweil K2500 and Roland SC-88. In place of SampleCell II however is anAKAI CD3000. "Lightware 1" and "Drums + Percussion" came bundled with the CD3000, whereas the three SampleCell II libraries from the previous game are nowhere to be seen in his music, suggesting that his primary choice of sampler changed sometime between 2001 and 2004. Instruments from Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra for the AKAI sampler would greatly enhance the cutscene scores.

Kazumi Totaka used aYamaha S90 often in his music for Pikmin 2, potentially the first soundtrack by Kazumi Totaka to utilize the synthesizer. It is expanded with aPLG150-DX andPLG150-VL, which see some use in cave music and the 2-Player Battle theme. Beyond this synthesizer, Totaka used a massive slew of different sample CD libraries. Some of the utilized samples also appear to have been repurposed from previous games he has worked on.

List of products used in the music ofPikmin 2
ProductImageYearFormatDetailsDemo
Roland SC-88Image of a Roland SC-88.1994Hardware synthesizerMIDI 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.1996Hardware synthesizerProfessional synthesizer by Kurzweil, used by Hajime Wakai.
Dominates most of the soundtrack, alongside the Roland SC-88.
Yamaha S90The Yamaha S90.2002Hardware synthesizerProfessional 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.1999Plug-in boardPlug-in board synthesizer, used by Kazumi Totaka with his Yamaha S90.
It comes with several sounds from theYamaha DX7, and is present in several cave songs.
Yamaha
PLG150-VL		The front cover for the Yamaha PLG150-VL's box.1999Plug-in boardPlug-in board synthesizer, used by Kazumi Totaka with his Yamaha S90.
The "Lite Pipe" sound was used forConcrete 2, and the bassoon is used in2-Player Battle.
AKAI CD3000
Sound Library		The front cover of the AKAI CD3000 Sound Library.1993AKAI CD-ROMA 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.1993AKAI CD-ROMA 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 1.1993AKAI CD-ROMA 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.1994AKAI CD-ROMSample 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.1997AKAI CD-ROMRenowned 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.1991SampleCell CD-ROMA 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.1995SampleCell CD-ROMSample 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.1994CD-ROMSample library by Spectrasonics, used by Kazumi Totaka.
The Jaco fretless bass is used inConcrete 2.
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats		Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats.1995CD-ROMSample 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.2000CD-ROMSample library by Q-Up Arts, used by Kazumi Totaka.
The Turkish davul from this library was used inConcrete 2 andGrass.
Series 4000
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library.1989Audio CD-ROMSound 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.1992Audio CD-ROMSound 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.1992Audio CD-ROMSound effect library by Sound Ideas.
An anvil crash sound effect is used inMetal 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 herKORG Triton Studio.

List of products used in the music ofPikmin 3
ProductImageYearFormatDetailsDemo
Roland SC-88Image of a Roland SC-88.1994Hardware synthesizerMIDI sound module by Roland.
It has very minor usage inPikmin 3.
Kurzweil
K2500R		An image of a Kurzweil K2500R.1996Hardware synthesizerProfessional synthesizer by Kurzweil, originally used by Hajime Wakai.
It is very prominent in Asuka Hayazaki's music forPikmin 3.
KORG
Triton Studio		The KORG - TRITON STUDIO.2002Hardware synthesizerProfessional synthesizer by KORG, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
It was often used alongside the Kurzweil K2500R.
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats		Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats.1995CD-ROMSample library by Spectrasonics, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
Several percussive loops were used in theTropical Wilds.
Best Service
Advanced Orchestra		The front cover of Best Service - Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra.1997CD-ROMOrchestral sample library distributed by Best Service, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
The snare drum is used in theboss battle music.
Series 4000
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library.1989Audio CD-ROMSound effect library by Sound Ideas.
A cartoon horn toot was used in Bingo Battle'stoy theme.
Series 6000
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library.1992Audio CD-ROMSound effect library by Sound Ideas.
A cash register sound was used in Bingo Battle'stoy theme.
Animal TraxFront cover of The Hollywood Edge - Animal Trax.1996Audio CD-ROMSound 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.1996Audio CD-ROMSample 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.2003Software instrumentSoftware 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.2005Software instrumentSoftware 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.2006Software instrumentSoftware instrument included in earlier versions of Cubase by Steinberg, used by Atsuko Asahi.
East-West
Stormdrum 2		The interface for East West Stormdrum 2.2007Software instrumentSoftware instrument by East-West, used by Asuka Hayazaki.
A percussion sample from this library is featured in theFormidable Oak.
Spectrasonics
Omnisphere		The interface for Omnisphere.2008Software instrumentSoftware instrument by Spectrasonics.
This robust synthesizer is in many parts of the soundtrack.
KONTAKT
Factory Library		Image for Native Instruments's KONTAKT Factory Library2010Software instrumentA 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).2004DAWDigital audio workstation, used by Hajime Wakai, Soshi Abe, and Babi.
It can be heard often in the additional music ofPikmin 3 Deluxe.

Pikmin 4's music[edit]

Pikmin 4's soundtrack was composed by Asuka Hayazaki, Kenta Nagata, and Soshi Abe. Due to the recency of this soundtrack, it is the most subject to complex sampling techniques and higher sound design standards. The majority of the instruments used are also now software instruments. Although a few old sounds from the Kurzweil K2500 and Roland SC-88 are still occasionally used, every instance of a preset is merely a singular sample; no evidence suggests these hardware synths were physically present during production.

List of products used in the music ofPikmin 4
ProductImageYearFormatDetails
Roland SC-88Image of a Roland SC-88.1994Hardware synthesizerMIDI sound module by Roland.
It has very minor usage in the soundtrack.
Kurzweil
K2500R		An image of a Kurzweil K2500R.1996Hardware synthesizerProfessional 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.1997CD-ROMOrchestral 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.2003Software instrumentSoftware instrument by East-West.
It is used in some of the boss battle themes.
Heavyocity
Evolve		An image of Heavyocity - Evolve.2008Software instrumentSoftware instrument by Heavyocity.
It is used in some of the boss battle themes.
Spectrasonics
Omnisphere		The interface for Omnisphere.2008Software instrumentSoftware instrument by Spectrasonics.
This robust synthesizer is in many parts of the soundtrack.
Soniccouture
Music Boxes		An image of the Soniccouture Music Boxes interface.2011Software instrumentFree software instrument by Soniccouture.
It is used for the three music box treasures.
Native Instruments
Cuba		Image for Native Instruments's "Cuba" library, from the Spotlight Collection2013Software instrumentSoftware instrument by Native Instruments.
The hand percussion ensemble is heard when theWaterwraith is vulnerable.
Apple
Logic Pro X		Screenshot of the Logic Pro X interface (2013).2004DAWDigital audio workstation, used by Soshi Abe.
Apple Loops from the software's Loop Browser have been used.

Hey! Pikmin's music[edit]

Hey! Pikmin's soundtrack was composed by Masato Kouda and Kento Hasegawa. Since these two composers are unique to this title, the utilized libraries are also notably unique to this soundtrack. Similarly toPikmin 3, its soundtrack is streamed, though the absence of older hardware synthesizers marks a turning point in the desired fidelity of instruments; this game's musical compositions mainly consist of software instruments, and this preference over older, less realistic hardware instruments can be further examined in the music ofPikmin 4.

List of products used in the music ofHey! Pikmin
ProductImageYearFormatDetailsDemo
AMG
Now CD-ROM		An image of the AMG Now CD-ROM.1994CD-ROMSample library by AMG.
Some sampled horn stabs are used inOver 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.2007Software instrumentSoftware instrument by Vienna Symphonic Library.
A vibraphone is used for theBrilliant Garden's theme.
Spectrasonics
Omnisphere		The interface for Omnisphere.2008Software instrumentSoftware 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.2010Software instrumentSoftware 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 5.2010Software instrumentSoftware 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.2010Software instrumentSoftware instrument by Spectrasonics.
A percussive loop titled "125-Evil Echo" is used for theEmperor Bulblax boss battle atThe 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.2011Software instrumentSoftware 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 4.2015Software instrumentSoftware instrument by MusicLab.
The nylon fingered guitar is used forRavaged Rustworks' theme.

Sound effects[edit]

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

List of products used for sound effects[4]
ProductImageYearFormatGame icon for Pikmin articles.Game icon for Pikmin 2 articles.Game icon for Pikmin 3 articles.Game icon for Pikmin 4 articles.
E-MU
Proteus/2 Orchestral		An image of an E-MU Proteus 2 sound module.1990Hardware synthesizerUsedUsedAbsentAbsent
E-MU
Proteus/3 World		An E-MU Proteus/3 module.1991Hardware synthesizerUsedAbsentAbsentAbsent
Roland SC-88Image of a Roland SC-88.1994Hardware synthesizerUsedUsedUsedUsed
Kurzweil
K2500R		An image of a Kurzweil K2500R.1996Hardware synthesizerUsedUsedUsedUsed
SampleCell II
CD-ROM Library		The front cover of Digidesign - SampleCell II CD-ROM Library #1. The image has been cropped and rotated.1991SampleCell CD-ROMUsedUsedAbsentAbsent
Best Service
Ultra Gigapack		The front cover of Best Service - Ultra Gigapack.1995SampleCell CD-ROMAbsentUsedAbsentAbsent
Spectrasonics
Distorted Reality		Front cover for Spectrasonics - Distorted Reality.1995CD-ROMAbsentUsedAbsentAbsent
Spectrasonics
Supreme Beats		Front cover for Spectrasonics - Supreme Beats.1995CD-ROMUsedUsedUsedUsed
Best Service
Advanced Orchestra		The front cover of Best Service - Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra.1997CD-ROMAbsentAbsentUsedAbsent
Series 1000
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 1000 Sound Effects Library.1983Audio CD-ROMAbsentAbsentAbsentUsed
Sound Ideas
Sampler Library		Front cover of the Sound Ideas Sampler Library.1987Audio CD-ROMUsedUsedAbsentAbsent
Series 4000
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 4000 Hollywood Sound Effects Library.1989Audio CD-ROMUsedUsedUsedAbsent
Series 6000
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Series 6000 The General Sound Effects Library.1992Audio CD-ROMUsedUsedUsedUsed
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/.1992Audio CD-ROMUsedUsedAbsentAbsent
Warner Bros.
Sound Effects		The front cover of Sound Ideas - Warner Bros. Sound Effects Library.1992Audio CD-ROMUsedUsedUsedUsed
Spectrasonics
Omnisphere		The interface for Omnisphere.2008Software instrumentAbsentAbsentUsedAbsent

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.

TheKurzweil 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 byHajime 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 thePikmin series as a whole. It is used inPikmin,Pikmin 2,Pikmin 3,Pikmin 3 Deluxe, andPikmin 4. In some parts ofPikmin 3, Asuka Hayazaki uses this synthesizer. Soshi Abe uses samples from it forPikmin 3 Deluxe andPikmin 4.

K2500 preview
A short demo of sounds from the K2500.
K2500 SFX preview
Two sounds from the K2500 that appear as sound effects inPikmin.

Also used within thePikmin 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.

TheRoland 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.[5]

It is used primarily in the music ofPikmin andPikmin 2, by Hajime Wakai. Alongside theKurzweil K2500, these two synthesizers make up thevast 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.

TheYamaha 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 olderKurzweil K2500R andRoland SC-88.

The Yamaha S90 is commonly used byKazumi Totaka; in thePikmin series, it has only been used in the music ofPikmin 2.

S90 preview
A short demo of sounds from the S90 that were used inPikmin 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 additional samples, while others are fully-fledged synthesizers.

Along with his Yamaha S90, Kazumi Totaka uses the PLG150-DX and PLG150-VL expansion boards for some songs forPikmin 2. The two boards useFM synthesis andphysical modelling synthesis respectively.

Fonts[edit]

Most of the fonts used in thePikmin 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 areference to thePikmin 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 inPikmin andPikmin 2 for the bubble-like letters that appear in some menus and cutscenes, and for the end credits in thePikmin Short Movies. InPikmin 3 andHey! Pikmin, amodified 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 inPikmin, such as forOlimar'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 inPikmin 2 andHey! Pikmin, as seen in theship'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 byNintendo, and has distinct usage within thePikmin series:

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

VDL Logona[edit]

A preview of VDL Logona R, a font used in the Pikmin series.
VDL Logona R.

VDL Logona is a typeface created by Visual Design Laboratory. It is used heavily throughoutPikmin 4, seen in on-screen dialog and on thetablet.

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 inPikmin 2. It uses Chiaro Std B.

Chiaro is a typeface created by Fontworks. "Chiaro Std B" is used exclusively on thesaved game selection menu inPikmin andPikmin 2.

  • The saved game selection menu in Pikmin.

    The saved game selection menu inPikmin.

  • The saved game selection menu in Pikmin 2.

    The saved game selection menu inPikmin 2.

DF Craft Yu[edit]

A preview of DFCraftYu Std W7, a font used in the Pikmin series.
DFCraftYu Std W7.

DF Craft Yu is a typeface created by Dynacomware. "DFCraftYu Std W7" is used for thestaff credits inPikmin 2.

  • Text from the credits sequence in Pikmin 2.

    Text from the credits sequence inPikmin 2.

  • Text from the credits sequence in the Nintendo Switch port.

    Text from the credits sequence in theNintendo Switch port.

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 inPikmin 3, and the DFGothicP W3 font.

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

  • A scene from the credits in Pikmin 3.

    A scene from the credits inPikmin 3.

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 inPikmin 3 for the numbers in the countdown at sunset.

  • The countdown sequence at sunset in Pikmin 3.

    The countdown sequence at sunset inPikmin 3.

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 inPikmin. It uses PopFury Std B.

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

Rowdy[edit]

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

  • The +10 Pikmin texture for the Roulette Wheel.

    The +10 Pikmin texture for the Roulette Wheel.

  • The +5 Rare Pikmin texture for the Roulette Wheel

    The +5 Rare Pikmin texture for the Roulette Wheel

Proprietary fonts[edit]

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

Pikmin 3 bubble-like font[edit]

An updated variant of DFCraftSumi Std W9 is used inPikmin 3 andHey! 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 inPikmin 3.

Hocotate Freight text[edit]

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

  • The Hocotate Freight logo in the Pikmin 2 intro cutscene.

    The Hocotate Freight logo in thePikmin 2 intro cutscene.

  • A sign bearing Hocotate Freight's logo.

    A sign bearing Hocotate Freight's logo.

Interstellar alphabet[edit]

Main article:Interstellar alphabet.

InPikmin 3 andPikmin 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]

  • TheKurzweil K2500R andRoland SC-88 alone make up nearly 90% of the soundtrack forPikmin, and over 55% of the soundtrack forPikmin 2.[4]
  • The in-game instruments that play the sequenced music ofPikmin 1 andPikmin 2 useenvelopes, of which there exist four types with different attenuations. There exists a basic "Linear", "Square", and "SquareRoot" attenuation, but only the fourth type gets used, curiously named "SampleCell".[3] This fourth envelope type is similar to the SampleCell II software's instrument attenuation, suggesting that the instruments may have been programmed and designed in this software, prior to their in-game implementation.

References[edit]

  1. ^YouTube video of footage from E3, where it is stated that some of the materials used inPikmin are from around Shigeru Miyamoto's neighborhood (at 10:10)
  2. ^Production credits on GRANDFUNK's website
  3. ^abFrom instruction0x80478be0 of the US Demo 17Pikmin 2 DOL; functionJASOscillator::relTableSampleCell with debugging symbols.
  4. ^abDetailed spreadsheet that documents sound sources used in the series, maintained by fans on Google Sheets
  5. ^YouTube video of a live comparison between the SC-55 (via the virtual SCVA plugin) and the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth
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