Track of the Week: Wistful Wild (Pikmin 2)

As we move into the final weeks of autumn and the fiery reds and yellows of the leaves give way to cold, earthy browns, it’s hard not to think ahead to all of the great, new releases looming on the horizon. November has traditionally been an exciting time for gamers, as most video game publishers typically reserve their biggest titles for the all-important holiday season. To celebrate its arrival and the bountiful gaming harvest that’ll come with it, for this week’s track we’ve selected a tune that perfectly captures the essence of autumn:

While many of the locales in Pikmin 2 are directly based upon those found in the first game, each one also represents a specific season. Players begin the adventure by crash landing in the snow-covered Valley of Repose, before moving on to the vernal beauty of the Awakening Wood and the summertime tranquility of the Perplexing Pool. It’s only until they salvage enough treasure to repay Hocotate Freight’s debt, however, that they gain access to the game’s final location: the Wistful Wild, an autumnal wood tucked away in the far corner of the planet.

Being the last area that players get to explore, the Wistful Wild is home to some of Pikmin 2’s most devious challenges, but its warm autumn colors also make it one of the most serene levels in the game. Despite the dangerous creatures lurking about, it’s hard not to feel at peace as you explore the Wild’s leaf-strewn pathways, while the above melody drifts in and out of the background like a gentle fall breeze.

What video game tunes do you associate with fall? Share them with us in the comments section!