Pikmin: Infection in Progress

Plot
It was a slow night at Hocotate Freight. The President, anxious for something to pass the time with, had been sitting at his desk for what seemed like an eternity. He then made the sudden realization that he had stored a telescope in his office trunk for just an occasion. The President quickly jumped out of his seat and scrambled over to a large wooden chest in the corner of his office to retrieve his telescope. Slowly opening the creaky lid of the trunk, the President rummaged through his dusty belongings until he finally came upon the device. He carefully removed the telescope from the old chest and set it up in a jiffy. The sight of the telescope beckoned to him. The President reminisced having joined his employee Captain Olimar on the quest to find his co-worker Louie years before. He recalled seeing the extraordinary lifeforms present on the Distant Planet that he longed to visit in the near future. The President was extremely tempted to take a peek at PNF-404 to view its current appearance. He lifted up the telescope to his eye, and what he saw made him gasp audibly. What had been the colorful Planet of the Pikmin was nothing short of a memory. The previously vibrant green surface of the planet is now pale and gloomy. Once vivid oceans are now dark and thick with pollution. Ultimately, a thick fog hovers over the dreary atmosphere. What once was the Pikmin Planet was no more. The President quickly donned his protective space suit and darted out of the building in a desperate attempt to save the Distant Planet before it was too late to recover what beauty it had once possessed. He quickly boarded The Ship, and set course towards the decaying planet. What will become of the planet is up to the President.

Controls
The Wii U Gamepad screen has a minimap identical to Pikmin 3's. Above table based off of the controls table for Pikmin V.

Modes
Story Mode: Venture forth as the President to banish the dreaded plague that ravages the Pikmin Planet.

Nightmare Mode: Plays through exactly as Story Mode does. However, enemies have stronger attacks and increased health. Pikmin are more likely to become infected as well, with a one in five chance of infection instead of a one in eight chance of infection.

Areas
Because of the infection, all exterior areas have become polluted, and the wildlife have been altered.

Overrun Laboratory
Although it once served as a secret research base for Hocotations, Koppaites, and Pikmin nestled deep within the depths of The Forest Navel, the infection still seeped in. The Overrun Laboratory can be accessed from deep within Fungal Grotto through a large busted blast door. Scientists and Pikmin that have fallen victim to the infection can be found outside of the Overrun Laboratory in small quantities, and many more can be found inside. Very few signs of life other than the zombified inhabitants can be found inside, although a secret boss can be fought and defeated.

Fungal Grotto
Fungal Grotto, previously known as The Forest Navel from Pikmin 1, also possessed trivial defense against the infection. Fungi, such as the Spotcap and Common Glowcap, have grown rampant throughout cavern due to the infection's unique properties. Mushroom Pikmin are only naturally encountered here as well.

Noxious Expanse
Previously known as the Distant Tundra from Pikmin 3, the Noxious Expanse has also proven itself inferior against the infection. What used to be its freezing and clear waters are now polluted. Not only do the waters of the Noxious Expanse seem increasingly frigid, but the water is now murky and hazardous to all but the infected. Noxious Expanse is not entirely desolate, however; victims of the infection continue to wander the arctic wasteland, endlessly searching for their next victim.

Polluted Creek
Originally known as Twilight River from Pikmin 3, the Polluted Creek has fallen into incredible disrepair due to the infection. The clear river that once carried luscious green Lily Pads and had banks that thrived with life are now little more than a distant memory. The river is dark and still, the Lily Pads are rotten and deteriorating, and the plant life on the riverbank are as rotten as its altered inhabitants.

Toxic Barrens
Previously known as Tropical Wilds from Pikmin 3, Toxic Barrens has also grown submissive to the infection. What used to be its fresh and clear waters are now polluted and dreary. The once sunny atmosphere that accompanied this location is also absent; a heavy fog constantly lingers overhead. What used to be the exotic wildlife are now nothing more that mindless zombies patrolling the shores on the Barrens.

Withering Terrace
Once known as the Garden of Hope from Pikmin 3, Withering Terrace is the initial breeding ground for the cryptic Ujadani. Mutated beasts wander within the once fascinating foliage. Withering Terrace is the first area the President lands, and discovers a group of Red Pikmin that are both immune to the infection and terrified.