Overview
"larva" is an original instrumental track by ガリガリさむし (Garigari Samushi), introduced to maimai as the first Challenge Track of the MiLK PLUS update on July 24, 2018. The song is widely regarded as a sequel to "PUPA," the well-known BMS composition by Morimori Atsushi that debuted in the GO BACK 2 YOUR ROOTS -THE BMS OF FIGHTERS 2004 RELOADED- contest. The identity of ガリガリさむし has been the subject of persistent community speculation: the alias is overwhelmingly believed to be Morimori Atsushi himself, a prolific composer and DJ whose credits include "PUPA" (G2R2014), "Re:End of a Dream" (BOFU2016, co-written), and numerous contributions to the rhythm-game and BMS scenes. While Morimori has publicly denied the connection with tongue-in-cheek responses, the theory gained enough traction to become an in-joke recognized by Sega themselves, culminating in an April Fools 2022 video on Morimori's official YouTube channel titled "ガリガリさむし、モリモリあつし説" (The Garigari Samushi = Morimori Atsushi Theory), which later became a playable collection title within maimai.
Videos
Charts
STD
BASIC
7(7)
307 notesDesigner: -|Tap 277Hold 11Slide 9Break 10
ADVANCED
9(9)
523 notesDesigner: -|Tap 458Hold 46Slide 8Break 11
EXPERT
12+(12.9)
767 notesDesigner: すきやき奉行|Tap 650Hold 40Slide 54Break 23
MASTER
14+(14.8)
1173 notesDesigner: Jack|Tap 939Hold 78Slide 82Break 74
Trivia
- The identity of ガリガリさむし is the most persistent fan theory surrounding the track, most evidence points to it being an alias of Morimori Atsushi, composer of 'PUPA' and 'Re:End of a Dream.'
- 'larva' is a direct sequel to 'PUPA,' which first appeared in the BMS event GO BACK 2 YOUR ROOTS -THE BMS OF FIGHTERS 2004 RELOADED- before being ported to multiple rhythm games.
- The song was the first Challenge Track released for maimai MiLK PLUS, debuting in a limited-time challenge period from July 24 to August 6, 2018, before becoming available by default.
- The MASTER chart was designed entirely by Jack, who stated it had been several years since he last created a top-tier boss chart alone.
- At the time of release, the MASTER chart held the record for most notes in its difficulty tier (1,150 notes), surpassing the previous record held by 'Glorious Crown.' The EASY chart also set a record with 219 notes.
- The music video was created by 花守ひろ (Hanamori Hiro), whose Twitter post about the song teasingly referenced 'モリ成分' (mori ingredients), further fueling the Morimori alias theory.
- The MASTER difficulty was originally rated 13 in MiLK PLUS through FiNALE, then adjusted to 13+ in でらっくす, 14+ from でらっくす PLUS onward, and settled at 14+ with a constant of 14.8.
- In maimai, playing 'PUPA' and 'larva' in the same credit unlocks the collection title '蛹' (pupa). A second title, 'ガリガリさむし、モリモリあつし説,' requires playing 'PUPA,' 'larva,' and 'Rising on the horizon' in one credit.
- The song was also featured in the 5th Tenkaichi Otogesai (天下一音ゲ祭) cross-rhythm-game event, appearing in CHUNITHM AMAZON as a Block Tournament unlockable, and later in ONGEKI R.E.D..
- The MASTER chart features technical patterns common to high-BPM boss songs of the era, 16th-note clusters with 1-3-1-8 note patterns in the A-melody section, and a mixed 12th+16th note guitar passage in the chorus break reminiscent of 'FUJIN Rumble.'
- Official communication from Sega during the Challenge Track period noted that the MASTER chart was designed to be 'strong and cool,' with a personal message from Jack encouraging players to play it many times.
- The song has no lyrics, it is a purely instrumental composition driven by aggressive synth leads and high-energy drum programming at 202 BPM.
FAQ
- Who composed larva in maimai?
- 'larva' was composed by ガリガリさむし (Garigari Samushi), an alias overwhelmingly believed by the community, and backed by substantial circumstantial evidence, to be Morimori Atsushi, the creator of 'PUPA' and 'Re:End of a Dream.'
- What version of maimai introduced larva?
- 'larva' debuted in maimai MiLK PLUS on July 24, 2018, as the first Challenge Track of that update. It became available by default on August 7, 2018.
- What difficulty is the MASTER chart of larva?
- The MASTER chart is rated 14+ with a difficulty constant of 14.8, making it one of the higher-tier boss charts in the game. It contains 1,173 total notes (939 Tap, 78 Hold, 82 Slide, 74 Break) and was designed by Jack.
- Is larva related to PUPA?
- Yes. 'larva' is considered a direct sequel to 'PUPA,' a BMS composition by Morimori Atsushi from the G2R2014 contest. The connection is reinforced by the in-game collection title '蛹' (pupa), earned by playing both songs in the same credit, and by the widely accepted theory that ガリガリさむし is Morimori Atsushi under a different alias.
- Who designed the larva charts in maimai?
- The EXPERT chart was designed by すきやき奉行 (Sukiyaki Bugyou), and the MASTER chart was designed by Jack. The MASTER chart notably was Jack's first solo-designed boss chart in several years.
- Does larva have lyrics?
- No, 'larva' is an instrumental track with no lyrics. The composition is driven by aggressive high-BPM synth work and drums at 202 BPM.
- What games besides maimai feature larva?
- Beyond maimai, 'larva' appears in CHUNITHM (added to AMAZON as part of the 5th Tenkaichi Otogesai event) and ONGEKI (added in R.E.D. on March 18, 2021).
- What is the BPM of larva?
- 'larva' has a BPM of 202, placing it among the faster tempo original tracks in the maimai library.
External Links
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