S.S. Drake is the ship used in Pikmin 3.
Appearance[]
This is the main ship in Pikmin 3. It was built by Alph's grandfather. Much like the other ships from the Pikmin series, it serves as the main storage unit for all the gathered objects found by the captains. Its other purpose is to transport the captains from place to place. Charlie is its captain and Alph is its engineer. The Drake was named after Alph's grandfather, who is also called Drake.
The Drake is very different from the ships in Pikmin and Pikmin 2 in design, as it appears to be more technologically advanced. The cockpit is also different in that it is capable of holding more people, and may also be used as an access hatch.
As they arrive at PNF-404, something goes wrong as the Drake attempts to enter the atmosphere, and it ejects the three occupants onto the planet below, all of which who land on different locations on the planet's surface. During the crash, the Drake loses an important mechanism, the Cosmic-drive Key.
Charlie awakes in a snowy world, where he discovers Yellow Pikmin. However, his side of the story is cut short as he is soon abducted by the Vehemoth Phosbat.
After landing in a pool of water, Alph regains consciousness to see a damaged the Drake overhead, struggling to land safely. The sight startles him enough to wake him up fully, and he begins exploration of the surrounding area alone. Eventually, he comes across the Red Pikmin and their Onion, and using their help, is able to recover his KopPad device and relocate the Drake, which was able to land safely.
In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[]
The Drake appears in the background of the Wii U Pikmin-themed stage, Garden of Hope. It doesn't appear to have any other function on the stage, however. It is in the spot where a Waddlepus and a Burgeoning Spiderwort are in Pikmin 3.
Trophy description[]
While its name might remind you of the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, this ship is actually named after Alph's grandfather. After the S.S. Drake crash-lands, Alph finds his way back to it and soon gets it working. However, the crew must locate the cosmic-drive key before the vessel can return to Koppai.
- Wii U - Pikmin 3 (08/2013)