A love letter to Splatoon 2
Two years after the release of Splatoon 2 on Switch and the results of the final Splatfest are in. While this marks the end of post-release content from Nintendo, for some gamers it came with another revelation.
For the uninitiated, Splatfests are limited time events in Splatoon 2 where players across the globe choose a side and then battle to determine the winning outcome: ketchup vs mayo, ice cream vs cake, invisibility vs flight. For this final Splatfest, chaos won over order. What that means for the game’s future is unknown.
As with the rest of the game, the Splatfests are hosted by in-game music idols Pearl and Marina, whose banter-filled Off The Hook commentary adds much to the game’s personality. Yet the presentation of the results was a little…well…queer.
After announcing the result, the pair reminisce on their time together, with Pearl initiating what initially seems like a break-up. “I can’t shake the feeling that we’re missing out on other experiences,” she says. “It’s time for Off The Hook to break…into new genres of music”.
“What? So Off The Hook isn’t breaking up?!” replies Marina. No, they’re not! “You and me are gonna rock the mic together until the end of time,” says Pearl, before declaring “It’s you and me against the universe, ‘Rina!”
On the surface, this is all just a reference to their music act. But many fans have read into this exchange that the pair are in fact an item. It’s like inkling Thelma & Louise.
Of course, it’s quite possible this is all just a mix up and the idols are just friends. But if they did turn out to be lesbians, it would make Splatoon 2 amongst the most progressive of Nintendo’s IPs. They are, sadly, not a company known for their open diversity.
But that’s not the only achievement of Splatoon 2. While the first game is amongst the best-selling on the Wii U, Splatoon 2 has likewise become the sixth best selling game on the Switch, almost doubling sales of the first game. In Japan, it’s the top selling game on the console, out-selling the likes of Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart and Breath of the Wild – a remarkable achievement for a brand new IP.
After all, this is a bizarre game about “inklings” who can morph between human and squid form, the latter allowing them to swim through ink literally splatted around the environment. It’s Nintendo’s take on the online shooter genre, exemplary of their ability to put their own weird twist on familiar gameplay. The aim is to defeat the opposing team by simply having more of your coloured ink strewn Pollock-like across the map. It’s vibrant and youthful, yet full of nuance and depth.
It’s also a game that makes a strong case for motion controls. Movement and camera are controlled by the twin sticks, but more precise aiming is possible through moving the controller. It’s not exactly a game known for requiring accuracy, but the controls add a tactile feel that feels right at home on the Switch.
There are some frustrations when teaming up online. Nintendo’s approach to voice chat is…limited, meaning genuine teamwork is often tricky. And the matchmaking isn’t perfect, meaning it’s easy to get stuck in a string of defeats. Either that or I just really need to practice more.
Yet even when losing, Splatoon 2 is just so much fun. Maybe it’s that childish silliness that comes with “splatting”. Maybe it’s the simple gameplay that’s given so many fun variations. Maybe it’s the game’s unique sense of clothing style and catchy J-pop soundtrack. Or maybe it’s the ability to play with the music effects during the lobby.
Either way, Splatoon 2 is a game for everyone, no matter what age, gender, or whatever else. Having two queer female characters as its cover stars? That’s just the salt and pepper sprinkling on the top of a delicious plate of calamari.
About The Author
