How Boss Music Works in Pikmin 3 Deluxe 

Thanks to several commenters for clarifying this to me: the loop of music I call "unused" in this video actually *is* used in the game! Details contain spoilers for Pikmin 3's bosses, so click to expand this comment... The Scornet Maestro uses the loop when it commands its Scornets into a formation, right before they attack! I suppose I see why I didn't catch it, since that's usually the time I distract the Scornets with one leader while attacking with the other. Nevertheless, I feel sheepish for not finding it! It's probably not the last discovery to be made about these adaptive systems, but thanks again for helping me clear that up!

My interest for adaptive audio only rises

I just realized that you didn’t show a single clip from Pikmin 3 and animated it instead that’s amazing good work.

It's because of these videos that i even decided to buy pikmin 3 for my switch when it released, im having a really good time!! Stuck on the final boss though... I'll get there eventually I find it hilarious how you can just. Leave a battle sometimes. You can just turn around and walk right back out the entrance. Idk why i find that so amusing.

My 5 year-old, who happens to be autistic and annihilated this game, was gluuuuued to your video. I was surprised that it kept his attention because of all the explanations. But we sat through the whole thing and then he told me he loved it so much. I did, too. Very awesome and interesting video, sir :)

He bestows unto us more music juice so that we may understand the funny carrot people on a level we’ve never understood them before

When scruffy uploads: WOOOOO yeah baby! It’s pikmin: *WOOOO YEAH BABY!!!*

Whenever the Sandbelching Meerslug is vulnerable and the music changes, it reminds me of the Molduga fight in Breath of the Wild and how the music gets more frantic once you blow it up with a remote bomb.

I really love the effort to make all of the music sound “natural”. They rarely get credit.

Its always made me sad that no pikmin battle music is in smash. I like the main theme and all but pikmin needs a little more musical representation.

I'm so glad I wasn't the only one to notice this. The Pikmin 3 boss music is one of the most adaptive and complex video game musics I've seen/heard. I was just listening to the boss musics the other day and loved how indepth they were. Also, Olimar12345 is a cool dude, him uploading the songs and separating the parts is a dedicating task.

You really should analyze Spelunky 2's procedural music

Scruffy is actually a sound file in pikmin, hence his devout interest in this specific subject

I'll be honest, when playing i never noticed all these changes The fact the changes never occurred to me seems to me like really good design, if it felt so natural I never noticed

I remember the Titan Dweevil in Pikmin 2 has a branching song, just like 2’s boss theme / 3’s mini-boss theme. I remember trying to use the musical cues to figure out which weapon it was about to use, and then messing up because the weapons activate faster than I thought lol

14:36 There’s no mystery :) That cue is from the Scornet Maestro fight :D When she plays the harp, they lower the instruments so you can hear the harp clearly, you can hear it in this instrumental version of the fight I edited : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XsgGFEYNqto.html

There are not many better feelings than: "I wish (RU-vidr) would upload soon, I really enjoy their content!" and you check your recommended and see a new video from 30 min ago.

7:28 reminds me a lot of Mario galaxy’s ghost levels, especially the long drones in it, very cool to hear it in used well even if I couldn’t hear it during the game over my panicked running!

5:27 I love how he made it look like the logo for the game Hey! Pikmin. xD

11:40 is the equivalent of the player saying *"LOCK FASTER DAMMIT."*

14:30 This is conjecture based solely on how the music makes me feel, but I'm inclined to believe this is a sort of "waiting" or "searching" track where the boss has, somehow, lost track of you. You're not in imminent danger, but the boss is still present and lumbering around. The biggest hole in this idea is that none of the current bosses (except maybe phosbat) should really be able to lose you in their arenas. Then again, it seems to be inaccessible in normal gameplay, and if it's derived from the main boss theme, it would have been easy enough to make that they might have had it earlier on in development.

I was so excited when I heard the boss theme at the end of the epilogue. All the music in the side stories is fantastic, but that last little punch of nostalgia was the icing on the cake. Almost made it feel like a teeny tiny Pikmin 3.5.

I've also put the two tracks I arranged for this video up on BandCamp! They're both from Pikmin 3's Mission Mode, and they really livened up my intro and outro in the video! scruffymusic.bandcamp.com/album/soundtrack-how-boss-music-works-in-pikmin-3-deluxe

I always liked how unique Pikmin 3’s boss music was, but god damn I never appreciated just HOW complex it was

Scruffy your'e a LEGEND! I could listen to you talk about Pikmin forever, what a fascinating video! Thank you

I’d love to see a video where you try to mathematically prove how many possible variations there can be of Pikmin 2’s soundtrack. There’s low health music, Olimar and Louie/President variations, sunset, near enemy, battling, working, and carrying variations. Not to mention the gaggles of dungeon music. It’d be an interesting video!

It’s a crime this doesn’t have a million views yet

2:34 I have been playing Pikmin for so long that when this played I actually looked around in panic.

15:19 yeah I should have stopped at the spoiler alert lol

"feel free to pause the video!" me reading that directly after pausing my video: dont mind if i do then

all i hear from pikmin music is condensed stress

You missed a bit. The Boss Flee loop has a “counter attack” state in Pikmin 2

I'm terrified of the Plasm Wraith just by the mere thought of fighting it and hearing the _"Rescue Olimar!"_ track if i screw up.

I knew the boss music changed throughout the fight, but I never realized how complex it could be. Thanks for the great videos Scruffy, I absolutely adore these Pikmin vids.

we do not speak about “Hey! Pikmin.”

Anyone else realize that the plasm wraith's final fight theme was used for the first trailer of pikmin 3 deluxe

I don't know why, but this boss theme gave me incredible nostalgia - not Pikmin nostalgia, mind you; for some reason, it reminded me of Psychonauts. My heart ached remembering the good ol' times of innocent childhood, before everything got so hard

10:40 “and a timpani roll; that’s cute” Anyone else get all warm and fuzzy when Scruffy says that and find that hella cute? No? Just me? Oh okay...

Guess what, Scruffy? I found something interesting! This video was so well done that it made me want to go back and watch the bosses again. I already noticed all these changes with the adaptive music but it's so cool to see you talk about them. BUT, there is one thing that I noticed watching the bosses again: on the part with the version of the boss music that doesn't have the main melody and you thought it went unused, turns out it wasn't! I was only able to find it being used in the Scornet Maestro fight. The default boss music seamlessly shifts into it when the Maestro is creating the attack formations with the little Scornets. And then, when it sends the formation flying at you, the "attack loop" plays. Go watch a video of the fight and listen closely. You will see what I mean. I thought that meant the "main melody-less" version was reserved for when the bosses were preparing to do their big attack, but that doesn't seem to be the case, I checked with the other bosses and that version doesn't play. So yeah, that piece of music is not unused, just wish it was used more often.

The "mysterious creature" theme, both the regular and the "warning, close by" gave me some serious chills, i don't believe i'll be able to play that part when i buy the game hahaha

What do you know, I was just watching a Pikmin video of yours! This is rather welcome.

I didn't even notice a lot of those little transitions! This game is seriously masterful with its soundtrack.

I love how the different themes represent the battle styles of the bosses, mainly the mawdad and phosbat, the phosbat is anxiety inducing while the mawdad is just pure panic

I like how the big battle theme sounds like you're trying to single-handedly kill the entire brass section, and they're not taking that sitting down. genre of music I will call "tuba concussion"

Who wants some Popcorn? Selling it fresh here in the comments.

the theme for when the mysterious life form is near olimar kinda sound like the train warning signal

I haven't played pikmin 3 deluxe yet, but hearing that Pikmin 1 theme during a battle theme is actually one of the most cool things I've heard in a while. This probably just inspired me to finally pick it up.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has adaptive boss themes as well.

13:00 "every pikmin is worth protecting" You dropped this, king 👑

Just hearing the boss music paired with the illustrations of the mawdad terrifies me. I've never played pikman, but I might have to now to get a taste of the music in action

I have found out that the “open menu” theme is used for the Scornet Maestro when it’s gathering Scornets to attack your pikmin.

Gotta say, I absolutely love the video. The diagrams were super detailed and informative while keeping a nice charm to the explanations. I never realized how nuanced the Pikmin OST was. It really makes you appreciate it much more now.

It's really similar at how boss music works in The legend of Zelda : Twilight Princess That's neat !

This is so well done, much like all of your other work - you're able to visualize ideas like these so freaking well, it amazes me!

This is really cool, I'm learning to code and planing on making a game. I'm going to try to make music like this

I hope Scruffy does an analysis on Pikmin 4's music, especially for the Groovy Long Legs.

What an incredible video. My favorite part, of course, is the last theme he goes over, and the mid-boss theme (though I will always miss the mid-boss long attack music). Excellent work, Scruffy!

The danger type loop is very helpful to know for ultra spicy mode so you know to focus attacks on the mandibles to break them

This really makes you appreciate the soundtrack even more. I wish the bosses weren’t so easy so you had more time to appreciate it !

the pellet number on the drum? i love it, that's such a great detail, my god

I never knew the pikmin music was so complicated! You did an amazing job showing it, and the band did just as good!

I loooove adaptive audio, it does wonders for immersion.

The music piece at 14:12 is actually used ingame! It's used by the Scornet Maestro right after it calls its swarm for an attack formation and is getting ready to attack.

I can’t get over that perfect intro animation. I know you’ve been using it for a while now but it’s probably my favorite channel intro on the platform.

That reincorporation of the Pikmin 1 theme in that side stories section is just so triumphant and nostalgic. Love it.

God I love your videos so much, I was never even interested in sound design but your animations and the way you sound so interested in it just makes it a joy for me to watch your videos

Your best video yet. I love everything about it, from the sound design to all the very clear and helpful diagrams throughout. Thanks for this.

You deserve so much support and goodwill. Your videos are the perfect combination of high production value and simplicity and I can't get enough. Keep up the amazing work!

I've never seen or played pikmin before myself, but this is just so charming! I plan to watch a playthrough now, just because of how funky and dynamic the music sounds. Thank you for always making musical education entertaining and fun! It makes it easy for people like myself to pay attention. Keep doing what you do :D

I will forever watch this channel. That "What I Love" theme is the best!!

This was a fantastic watch. I love hearing about adaptive music systems in games and I really enjoyed Pikmin 3. The flow-charts demonstrating the patterning of music within game action were really helpful visual aids and they were pleasing to follow through and observe. I also really appreciate the hiding of the Deluxe content for all those curious, but wanting to also learn. Thanks for another brilliant lesson, Scruffy.

amazing, i knew the composers of these games were amazing but holy cow there so much more than that. so much complexity and the way the music explainly exactly whats going on in the game with no words is simply genius. Love these videos man keep it up !

doesnt the "menu open" theme play when you open your koppad?

Thank you for the 18:06 Deluxe spoiler warning! I got so engrossed I nearly watched into spoilers :P Trying to go into the new version blind but haven't had a chance to play it yet!

I have watched this video so many times. Aside from the fantastic editing, voiceover, and tone. The entire concept of the video is right up my alley. I love breakdowns of unique systems in video games, but I love how you break them down and talk about them representing things in the game and what the devs/composers were trying to imply with them. It’s just such a well put together and fun video to watch and rewatch

How did I not notice you in youtube before? Absolutely amazing man keep up the work

something i’ve noticed is that portal (1 and 2, both) sort of does this as well. the music changes if you, say, go through a portal. or soar through the air. or are in danger. etc.

Holy shit, I haven't played this game in about 7 years and this music brought upon a whole wave of nostalgia for me

Just beat this game recently! You are the main reason I even picked it up and I absolutely love both the gameplay and the music. Thank you!

I'm amazed, you are the first ever youtuber I subscribed to after listening only 1 video, this is really neat content and understanding inner functioning of a game is super cool. Thx bro!

It's almost as elaborate as all the music transitions in Monkey Island 2.

this is incredible and blowing my mind. all this specific music that I didn't notice, I guess that means it worked? awesome video! PLEASE keep them coming

You’re videos are always a joy to watch, they’re so charming! Thank you ❤️

Fantastic video, well put together and engaging despite its highly auditory focus. There’s visual aids which are either simple, interesting or both constantly, but it’s perfectly supplementary; if you’re just an audio listener, this video works just fine on its own (for the most part).

I honestly think that the person going ham on the snare drum in that last song shows just how hardened and tough olimar is, and also shows just how much faith he has in his little Pikmin soldiers

I've never been really good at detecting these changes in audio and this video just made me sit down and appreciate it. Wonderful video dude :)

I heavily appreciate your video aesthetic and its super neat the things you do in this

I keep coming back to this

"just watching this video and sharing it around means a lot to me" - well, your works mean a lot to us!!! 😭 also, I hope this isn't a common question/request so that I'm not being too much of a bother lmao but have you by any chance played Pokémon Sword/Shield? I just got back into it with the release of the Crown Tundra DLC and now that I'm a fan of your channel, I keep wondering what you'd have to say about the music (or just the sound design in general)! I've always been really into Pokémon music, but there's just something different about this gen. especially tracks like the battle music for "mysterious being," max raids, and gym leaders - I hear all three of them A Lot and for long stretches of time as I take on the Battle Tower or a Dynamax Adventure and each time I can't stop hopping my head along 😔 there's even a hint of adaptive audio in the gym leader track! I wouldn't have even noticed that if it weren't for your channel! anyway, I'm so sorry if that's super obnoxious of me to comment :') I'm just so interested in your takes on my favorite things lmao. I'm still excitedly waiting for your next video, whatever the topic may be!!!

Your editing is phenomenal!!! And I love all the pikmin content. I think you'd also like the music from the kirby series, it often reuses one theme mutiple times during a game and the final boss themes have many little nods to past songs/games hidden in there

Ughh Pikmin gives me chills....its so good and thank you for continuing to put fourth so much effort into these videos. We owe you a lot dude.

Loved how you broke down the new boss theme with its Pikmin 1 leitmotifs, it also uses some parts from the Beady Long Leg’s theme from Pikmin 1 called Impending Doom. Not to mention the intro uses the Titan Dweevil’s defeat theme.

I feel like his videos are easier to watch anytime, because he talks so calmly and clearly at the same time.

Wow. Another great video. Good work scruffy and olimar!

I've waited for you to talk about pikmin 3 deluxe! I always enjoy when you talk about pikmin and/or music! And this is awesome!

Honestly, I always dread the final boss fight, not because the puzzles are hard, but because the music and atmosphere is so unbelievably stressful, and I think the music mostly contributes to that, which imo is pretty amazing sound design. Also SPOILERS: I’m SO glad you talked about the new boss music in the side stories, I had a big dumb smile on my face when I heard the theme for the first time

I can’t believe that content this amazing is free.

15:19: This little jingle is a nice touch and I love it. 17:06: Mmm. Nice choice making the wraith's color palette a little different from the box--the rim lighting looks really nice also.

I really like your pikmin videos! i could listen to you talking about pikmin music or models or soundeffects for HOURS

Still listening to your end of the day A cappella what a bop, makes me happy to see the pikmin fan base alive and well