Splatoon 3is headed back to Inkopolis, and a series of comparison images is showing how the city has changed and evolved over time. With less than a week to go untilSplatoon 3’s Expansion Pass releases, long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike will be able to visit the city where it all started.
Splatoon 3’s battles and Splatfests are held inSplatsville, a new city that was introduced in the game. However, the series started out in Inkopolis, with idols Callie and Marie holding the news and performing at Splatfests.Splatoon 3’s Expansion Pass will be adding a new story component in Side Order, but first is Wave 1, which will allow players to return to Inkopolis and even enjoy the original style of Splatfest performances again.
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ASplatoonfan has compiled a series of images from the original Wii USplatoongame and the version of Inkopolis that’s been previewed inSplatoon 3. Shared online by Mr_Markstar, the differences are interesting. While much of the city remains the same, a few things have changed that are piquing players' interest. Most notable among these is the statues appearing over the Inkopolis Plaza. While the statues themselves look about the same, their colors have been swapped. In addition, during Splatfests, it looks like the tower that the Great Zapfish clings to has changed to the color red. These changes have led some to theorize that the Zapfish may be filling in as the representative of the third team, usually led bySplatoon 3’s Big Man.
Additional comparison images can be seen on theoriginal post.
Another image shows thatGrizzcohas moved into what previously looked like an unoccupied building. An arcade game in front has been moved and cordoned off, seemingly now out of order. The amiibo box has been moved slightly, with its original placement taken over by a tree. Perhaps most interesting of all, though, is the fact that Nintendo has yet to show where the new general store is, and who will be manning it. All of the main shops that existed in bothSplatoon1 and3have been featured, and a few feature new shopkeepers. However, while the icon to quick-switch to the general store is present, no one yet knows what the shop will look like or who will be running it.
Some have criticizedSplatoon 3’s Expansion Passfor adding what arguably amounts to a lobby skin. However, with the originalSplatoonbeing on the ill-fated and poorly selling Wii U, many players never got the chance to explore Inkopolis Plaza or see the Squid Sisters perform. Those players will likely enjoy the chance to visit the iconic area, and for those who aren’t interested, there’s still the promise of Side Order’s story.
