WithPikmin 4officially revealed in September’s Nintendo Direct, players have already started speculating what the upcoming game’s story might entail and, in particular, how the fans' umibozu theory from Japanese folklore might tie in. Despite its adorable charm and unassuming design, thePikminseries has already had its fair share of strange and unsettling revelations, ranging from Louie potentially controlling the Titan Dweevil to PNF-404 being a future version of Earth. It’s therefore unsurprising that fans have managed to find out all sorts ofweird details about Pikmin, especially betweenPikminand vengeful spirits.
Built up across the threePikmingames, the umibozu theory takes after the yokai of the same name. In short, umibozu are the spirits of drowned priests that manifest out in calm oceans. Their appearance quickly turns the weather stormy, and the waves caused by their sudden emergence can capsize or even destroy ships. So linking umibozu to a fun game oficonic inch-tall astronautsroaming round a garden is undeniably odd, but as players have dug deeper into the theory, the more the connections take shape.
RELATED:The Case for Pikmin 4 to Go Open World
How Pikmin and Umibozu Connect
The umibozu theory formed somewhat retrospectively, as it was afterPikmin 2and further reinforced byPikmin 3when fans began to connect the dots between the games. The theory began with a focus on the Japanese names ofPikmin’smost memorable enemies, the Waterwraith and Plasm Wraith seen inPikmin 2and3respectively. The name"Amebouzu" given to both is a portmanteau of amoeba and, of course, umibozu. Catalyzing fans with possible hints to this strange creatures' origin and purpose, they began digging deeper into the Wraiths and how they might impact the bigger picture ofPikmin.
Small in-game details were scrutinized to reveal yet more connections to umibozu, with the most prominent example being how frequently ships seem to crash on PNF-404. Case in point, inPikminOlimar’s ship is struck by a meteorite, inPikmin 2he misses hitting another meteorite that could have done the same, and inPikmin 3the S.S. Drake inexplicably malfunctions and crashes. Since umibozu are known to intentionally shipwreck captains to capture or kill them, the theory suggests the Wraiths are targetingOlimar and his Pikminfor an unknown reason and intentionally causing passing ships to crash.
In one ofPikmin 3’sfour endings, this involvement is actually “confirmed.” The best ending, achieved when the player has obtained all 66 fruit, the narrator implies that the Drake’s malfunction that caused its crash may not have been accidental at all. Though it’s not explicitly stated if the Wraiths caused this or if it was just an accident, the uncanny link between this and the umibozu only strengthens the theory. WithPikmin 4on the horizon, the question on these fans' minds now is how will the umibozu manifest this time around.
RELATED:Pikmin 4 Should Retain Pikmin 3 Deluxe’s Best Feature
How Pikmin 4 and Umibozu Could Connect
Details aboutPikmin 4’splot are currently scarce. Currently, it does seem that players will be returning to PNF-404, though whether Olimar will feature remains to be seen as early images shows a possible Brittany fromPikmin 3or new female character fending off a bulborb. Despite this, since Olimar remains the series' most iconic character and is an integral part of the umibozu theory, fans are convinced that he will factor into the game somehow either as another lead protagonist or in anothersecondary side role likePikmin 3.
In terms of plot,Pikminhas always relied on fairly unassuming stories where players are tasked with recovering collectibles from ship parts to fruits, so even in spite ofPikmin 4’sten year hiatus, the game is unlikely to be any different. However, all the games do carry darker undertones, and withPikmin 3going further than any of its previous games in terms of world- and lore-building, its sequel should be on track to up the ante. Since the Plasm Wraith is shown to have survived the boss fight, Pikmin 4can follow up on this ideal opportunity to better explore the Wraiths' origins and intentions.
So far there are only two known Wraiths, leading fans to believe that the Waterwraith evolved into the Plasm Wraith, though this is loose speculation based on details such as a shared appearance and invincibility. However, this invincibility does tie to somethingPikmin 4could finally address. In-game dialogue for the Waterwraith implies that it’s an interdimensional entity, hence why it is possible thePlasm Wraith will be difficult to beatconventionally. Being from another dimension could also help explain their supernatural ability to crash ships, just like the umibozu spirits.
With the Plasm Wraith still alive on PNF-404, and players returning to the planet, it’s possible that they could once again come face-to-face with the strange entity. Between the different forms previously seen,Pikmin 4could likely see a new or even third stage to the Wraith’s evolution. Additionally, given that the series has only teased its umibozu ties before now,Pikmin 4should finally explore the Wraiths in greater detail and could confirm where they came from, how they ended up onPNF-404 and how it might connect to humanity’s fate, or what they ultimately want with Olimar.
Pikmin 4is set to release in 2023 exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
