Splatoon is the most notable new IP to come out of Nintendo in recent times, blending ink-blasting action with a bizarre sense of style to make for a memorable experience that’s unlike any other. Of course, the project was a long time coming, and went through numerous iterations and prototypes before arriving at the squid/kid action game that we got today. Referencing this, Nintendo recently showed off some footage and concept art form the earliest days of Splatoon, giving us a glimpse at what could’ve been.
Interestingly enough, the first prototype characters were rabbits, as the developers reasoned that they are highly territorial and that their neutral colors would nicely contrast with the bright colors of the paint. However, the idea was scrapped after the developers couldn’t come up with a good reason for why rabbits would be shooting ink, eventually leading them to decide on squids. Also, before the rabbits were considered, the first draft of gameplay involved monochromatic tofu cubes shooting ink at each other, and you can see some footage of that below:
What do you think? Would you rather the team had stuck with rabbits? What do you think Splatoon 3 will be like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 31
Are you all at Nintendo Life suggesting Switch will be home to Splatoon 3?
-first
I'm a rabbit now, I'm tofu now... not so catchy.
@Dj64Mk7 I don't know if Mitch speaks for the whole of Nintendo Life, but he didn't say what platform Splatoon 3 would be on.
The only reason I could see Splatoon 3 not being released on the Switch is Nintendo updating the Splatoon 2 often enough it rides out the full console generation... that's a big ask.
They did reveal the tofu/rabbit bit in a past Iwata Asks article, and it's an interesting read.
http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/splatoon/0/0
Rabbits are actually my favorite animal. I would've liked the rabbit designs a lot, lol.
But I agree, it would not have made sense. I still love the squids, of course.
Kinda makes me think of that one gag from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.
"Hot rod flames!"
"BUNNIES!!!"
"Hot rod flames!"
"BUNNIES!!!"
"HOT. ROD. FLAMES!!!
"~Buuuunnniiiieeessss..."
One guy thought the tofu was funny 🙂
I honestly can't imagine Splatoon without the Squid (and other sea species) theme. But do those rabbits look cool. I'm sure they would have made them just as engaging as the Inklings.
@DanteSolablood maybe steal a few ideas from blizzard & valve or outright poach a few execs since they seem to have a lot of experience in that matter. the way people talk about 'this generation' of switch however makes me think we are in the ds cycle, and the next generation is the 3ds cycle.
"that they’re neutral colors would"
I am fairly sure you meant their, not they're
We've seen the tofu before and I know they said they tried rabbits before squids but this is the first we've seen of the rabbit designs, at least from what I'm aware of. Interesting how ideas evolve.
Rabbits will be the new enemies in Splatoon 3.
In terms of what I think Splatoon 3 would be like, my guess is it's going to be the same as the previous two games.
In terms of what I would like it to be like, I want it to follow more of a formula established by games like Halo and Call of Duty, where even if you have to get to the next objective, how you get there is up to you. You have a wide, expansive world to explore while still gunning down (or splatting) enemies.
The game would be more story-centric, with the Octarians launching a full-scale invasion of Inkling society, and are on the cusp of victory. It is up to Cap'n Cuttlefish and a new Squidbeak Splatoon to mount a last-ditch effort to repel the invasion.
The team would be made up of Inklings and Octolings who defected to the Inkling side, and the player character would be a male or female Inkling or Octoling (player's choice). Callie, Marie, and Cap'n Cuttlefish all take support roles, giving advice and item drops.
They go through the first-person shooter-like levels, working as a team to complete the mission objectives, and eventually repelling the Octarian forces once and for all.
That's how I would envision Splatoon 3. What do you guys think of my idea?
Splatoon X Rabbids?
@Dj64Mk7 That's a good question. I think it's a surefire thing that we're getting a third one, but who knows if it's on Switch?
Splatoon vs Rabbits Kingdom Battle.... coming soon!
The 'squid kids' definitely seem cooler than the original 'soy boys'.
Dont like the rabbits so im realy glad they changed it
Guys is this real?!?!?
Main Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1crqMP-4whM
Main Link: https://imgur.com/E8AltM9
This is from Feb 4, and it shows games revealed in this direct march 8th, and nindies direct.
http://letsplayvideogames.com/2018/03/have-the-next-two-years-of-switch-games-been-datamined-pokemon-diamond-pearl-remakes-new-zeldas-fortnite-and-more/
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2018/03/nintendo-switch-datamine-pokemon-remasters/?utm_source=mainrss
What do you think?
@NintendoKnight I think someone created a fake list and edited after the direct.
If Pokemon title making references to mass-murdering weapons isn't enough, the typo in Phoenix *W*right and no "working title" anywhere, despite including next years games and Smash which still is in working title stage, to me is a big LOL NO.
@TF-Warrior Don't forget Mickey Mouse himself and his "older brother" Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The first cartoon series made for TV also starred one ("Crusader Rabbit").
Rabbit seems to be the go-to animal for some reason. I'm pretty sure there's more action-y, violent or at least trickster rabbits in fiction than cute cuddly ones.
@RennanNT "Chemical" and "nuclear" can also refer to energy, not just bombs. But yeah, it would be pretty weird title choice. That whole thing is probably a load of hogwash.
They also used Yoshis in one prototype!
Either way, we still got a game where Mario and rabbits shoot things. What a world!
Does anyone have any footage/coverage of the ARMS panel?? I really wanna read that.
@SmaggTheSmug I know the words have other meanings, but bombs are what they're most associated with. Specially for Japaneses, I'd imagine.
Even if they have noble intentions, I really doubt those names would get the green light.
@RennanNT @SmaggTheSmug
That's a good point. It may be fake.
Those bunnies were pretty rocking, but the squids are much more original and thematically oppropriate.
Very interesting stuff all this though.
Too cool! I've read a bit about the early version of Splatoon, featuring rabbits, but it's nice to see concept art and hear more about it.
The Inklings have a clear resemblence to Bloopers. I always thought it would be neat of they had stuck with Mario-villain themed characters. But Nintendo really needed to add some new IPs to their line up, and it clearly stuck the landing perfectly in the end. Its got high enough brand recognition now days that wouldn't be surprised if we started to see spin off games using Splatoon themes in the near future.
I am so glad they did NOT stick with the rabbits. The final product is so much better.
"Also, before the rabbits were considered, the first draft of gameplay involved monochromatic tofu cubes shooting ink at each other"
That's Japanese tradition. The Last story also started of with tofu-blocks!
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