Squid Research Lab/Archive/2015

This is an archive of all the posts from the Live from Squid Research Lab Tumblr. It is a direct copy of the source material, and as such, any errors are retained. Tumblr tags are designated with a box around it:.

May
So, I bought some dried squid snacks at the corner store. They’re pretty delish, but they’re too tough for most peoples’ taste. Here’s a pro-tip: dried squid is pretty hard to chew with your molars, so try grinding it up with your front teeth until it gets softer. How is this going to help you in Splatoon? I dunno, but it tastes great!

2015-05-23



And here we’ve got another cryptic image. It appears to be a rendering of a Turf War battle in progress…but just what is the meaning of these mysterious numbers?

2015-05-24



Here’s some graffiti we discovered on a wall in Inkopolis Plaza. From what we can discern, this is actually an image posted in something called Miiverse. If you drop a handwritten note in the mailbox outside of Inkopolis Tower, your note just might show up in someone else’s plaza. Better brush up on those art skills!

2015-05-24



Another mystery image has arrived, and this one is just as—

Oh, wait! I’VE GOT IT! There are four squids, so the number is 4! Or…wait. Maybe not.

Whatever the case, somebody must be really motivated to send us this image on a holiday.

2015-05-25



Pressing the ZR Button while in the plaza will zoom the camera in. Try zooming in on a piece of Miiverse “graffiti” and you’ll be able to give that post a “Yeah!” Be a good squidizen and give a “Yeah!” to images you like. Also, we’re told the zoom-in camera may also have another use…

2015-05-25



We received another image. They just keep coming!

2015-05-26



You amazing artists are on a roll! Get it? Because there’s a big Splat Roller!

But seriously, check out all the amazing Splatoon artwork people have dreamed up. If the contest slipped your mind, don’t worry – just hurry! May 29 is the last day to post it to Tumblr with hashtags #Splatoon, #GetInked and #NintendoContestEntry. And then the prizes shall flow like saltwater.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Must be a legal resident of US (incl. DC) or Canada (excl. Quebec) 18+. Deadline: 5/29/15. 1 Grand Prize winner will receive one (1) Wii U system and one (1) Splatoon video game (ARV $359.98). 5 First Prize winners each receive one (1) Splatoon video game (ARV $59.99 each). Additional terms and conditions apply. Click here for official rules: http://Ninten.do/6135CL47 Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

2015-05-26



Another one? This is just getting silly.

2015-05-27



You’ve gotta be squidding me! Splatoon is apparently coming out for the Nintendo Wii U on May 29th! So THAT’s what these countdown numbers are all about! Whew, glad I was able to crack the case.

2015-05-28

Dear Journal,

I fear my heart’s been squidnapped by these lovable creatures. They’ll soon abandon me to star in that Splatoon game, but my love for them still grows with each passing day. And thus I vow to continuing researching these squids, and I’ll proudly relay my findings to the public, even after the game comes out. I only hope the world won’t turn their backs on us.

2015-05-28



I can’t believe it’s here. Today is launch day for Splatoon, available for the Nintendo Wii U! The game retails for $59.99 plus tax. The game is also available for digital download from the Nintend eShop for Wii U.

2015-05-29



Ranked Battles are objective-based game modes that only the freshest squids can handle. You’ll earn the right to join in the fun once you’ve reached level 10, but there’s also a global condition that must be met—Ranked Battles won’t be unlocked until enough players around the world have reached level 10!

2015-05-29



Players with mad squid skills will want to jump into Ranked Battles as soon as possible, but they’ll need to wait until enough players worldwide have reached level 10. I’ve got an inkling that we’ll see regular updates on the progress of this meter. With all the skilled splatterers out there, I don’t think it will take long.

2015-05-29



The Ranked Splatometer is getting fuller by the minute! Now that the game is out in North America and Europe, the meter’s really starting to jump!

2015-05-29



One of our scientists has made a rather stunning discovery! From early reports, it appears to be a means of adding motion control to the controller of the player playing on the TV screen in Battle Dojo. On the controller selection screen for Battle Dojo, press and hold down on the +Control Pad, press and hold B, and then press ZR and ZL.

It seems a Wii Remote Plus is necessary to perform this incredible feat. This technique also appears to be possible when using a Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro! When using a Wii U Pro Controller, first press ZL and ZR to select that as your controller, and then press the 2 Button on the Wii Remote Plus to activate it.

2015-05-29



With players from around the world joining in now, the Ranked Splatometer is filling at blazing speed! It’s already passed half way! If you haven’t reached Level 10 yet, get busy this weekend and do your part!

2015-05-29

June


A new stage called Port Mackerel has been added to Splatoon! When viewed from above, the pathways in this stage look a bit like a graph. The three main parallel routes afford great visibility, but if you get carried away and blaze trails down them, you’re liable to get ambushed from one of the side paths. Think carefully about your plan of attack before diving into the inevitable inkstorm.

Port Mackerel will open tonight at 7 PM PT!

2015-06-01



A new weapon called the N-ZAP ‘85 has been added to Splatoon! It’s apparently based on the design of something called the NES Zapper that was released in 1985? Doesn’t ring a bell. While it’s not the most powerful weapon out there, it’s got a great rate of fire and it comes in a set with Splat Bombs and the Echolocator.

2015-06-01



BREAKING NEWS from the Ranked Splatomter! IT IS FULL! I’m frankly surprised about how quickly it happened! Who knew there were so many skilled splatterers out there!?

Sounds like Ranked Battle will be available to play tonight after 7 PM PT!

2015-06-01

Also being added to the mix today at 7 PM PT is the Custom Dual Squelcher. It’s got range, rapid fire, and Squid Beakons to give your squid buds a place to Super Jump to. And with the Killer Wail special you can zone your enemies for days!

2015-06-26



Tomorrow, on 7/1 at 7 PM PT, a new Ranked Battle will be added to the game! This new mode is called Tower Control. Hop aboard the tower placed in the middle of the map, and ride it to your opponent’s goal. stay sharp—you’ll have to protect whoever’s riding the tower from enemy attacks!

Once someone jumps onto the tower, it starts moving along a set path toward the other team’s goal. If the tower doesn’t arrive at either goal before time runs out, the team that’s moved it closest toward their opponent’s goal wins. Ride the tower all the way into the other team’s goal though, and you’ll get a decisive knockout victory.

Oh, and if you want a little early look at Tower Control, you can join the intrepid researchers of Nintendo Treehouse as they go on a fact finding mission in Nintendo Treehouse: Live with Splatoon Tower Control this afternoon at 3 PM PT. Tune into twitch.tv/nintendo for your early look at the new Ranked Battle!

2015-06-30

July


This group of squid punks is the Squid Squad. They’re one of Inkopolis’s hottest acts, and their tracks can be heard as background music during many of the Inkling Turf Wars. Sadly, their shows sell out instantly and they’re always being mobbed by fans, so they don’t make public appearances very often.

2015-07-01



This guy handles lead vocals and guitar in the Squid Squad, and he writes most of the music and lyrics, too. Welll, he never actually learned to read music, but he’s got a gift for rippin’ phat guitar riffs, and most importantly he’s got that rockstar charm to inspire the other members to greatness.

2015-07-01



The keyboardist is the group’s only girl. The melodies she weaves reveal a foundation in deep-sea squid funk that’s truly on another level.

2015-07-01



The bass player is the group’s oldest member. He’s one cool customer who doesn’t show much emotion, but make no mistake, he’s the backbone of this band. He’s always the first one at soundcheck, and the last one to leave the stage at the end of the encore.

2015-07-01



The dummer’s a bit rough around the edges. They call him wild child for a reason. This youngster’s sense of rhythm is uncanny, and when it matters most, his sticks are always there to lead the way with a wicked beat barrage. He really gives his all on stage—if you look closely you might catch him weeping during a drum solo.

2015-07-01





BREAKING NEWS - Good things must come in twos (that’s a thing, right?), because also coming to Splatoon tonight is the Range Blaster! As the name suggests, the Range Blaster is a Blaster with shots that travel farther before exploding. It has a lower rate of fire, but who cares when you’re taking people out from clear across the battle field!? The Range Blaster comes complete with the Splash Wall and Inkstrike.

2015-07-31



THIS JUST IN - With the August update, the level cap appears to be increasing from level 20 to 50! For level 20 onward, both points you earn from inking and points from winning a match will go toward raising your rank. Also, you’ll earn a bit of a reward for every 5th level you earn, so get ready to battle!

2015-07-31



Greetings from the great outdoors! As soon as Camp Triggerfish was discovered, we just knew that we needed to take a Squid Research Lab company camping trip. We’ve all been in agreement about how great camping is, but have run into one little problem: we can’t seem to decide what to roast over the campfire.

Intern Milton is all like, “HOT DOGS!” and Intern Stephenie all like, “MARSHMALLOWS.” We only have so many pointy sticks to use to roast things so we’re going to need to come to an agreement on this. We’ve decided to let the next Splatfest decide for us! Head to the Pledge Board and vote Marshmallow or Hot Dog and then fight for your team from 8/7 at 9 PM PT to 8/8 at 9 PM PT.

2015-07-31



Ranks for Ranked Battle are also getting an upgrade! While A+ is the current highest rank, you’ll now be able to reach the rank of S and S+. You’ll still need victory points to raise your rank, but keeping S or S+ once you’re there is no easy feat! Keep in mind that wins and losses in Squad Battle won’t affect your rank when you’ve reached S or S+ - it’s every squid for himself!

2015-07-31

August


More breaking update news! The Splatling is a new main weapon type. After charging up Splatling weapons, they can spray a rapid-fire barrage of ink at blinding speed. While this charge time can be tricky to account for, few can compete with their attack power and shot range.

2015-08-03



SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIE– Er, I mean, check out this footage of a Splatling Weapon that Intern Jared was able to capture.

2015-08-03

https://youtu.be/X9EweSk-IAw

The intrepid squid researchers at GameXplain were able to capture this amazing footage of the Splatoon updates coming tomorrow. The construction on Urchin Underpass seems to be coming along quite nicely!

2015-08-04



Attention aspiring squid researchers! We’ve just been informed that there’s a Splatoon-themed drawing contest taking place in the Art Academy Miiverse community! You can get the full details on Miiverse.

2015-08-04



Whodda thunk we’d have so much to post the day before the August update hit?! All of you? Oh. Fine then. Regardless, we’re happy to report that there will be about 40 new pieces of gear added in the August update.

From what we’re hearing, some of these items will be found in the shops at the Booyah Base, while others can only be acquired by meeting certain conditions. You can dress yourself from head to toe in new gear, or mix some of the new items in with old favorites. We can’t wait to see everyone’s fresh new get-ups. Just look at the swag the Inkling in the middle is bringing to the table. If you traveled back in time to before I made this post and told me that one day a fashion visionary would successfully combine a bucket hat, a vest, and a look that screams “blue steel,” I wouldn’t have believed you.

2015-08-04









HAPPY UPDATE DAY, SQUIDS! Tonight at 7 PM PT, the Heavy Splatling enters the game! This baby packs six barrels full of ink. Charge it up and let your enemies have it! Need some cover? Not a problem. Throw down your Splash Wall! This bad boy also comes with the Inkzooka Inkstrike (Sorry squidfriends, I am too excited to read properly) as a special weapon. It might just be the best weapon for squids that have watched too many 80′s action movies!

2015-08-05









Also entering the game at 7 PM PT tonight is the Slosher. This might look like an ordinary bucket, but it’s actually a weapons-grade bucket! Hurl ink straight ahead over an impressive range, and adjust your angles to hit opponents above you or behind walls. The Slosher comes with Burst Bombs and the special is a hot pastrami on rye! Er, wait. Sorry. I mean Inkstrike. Got a little excited about today’s lunch delivery.

2015-08-05



GATHER ROUND, KIDS AND/OR SQUIDS! Let’s have a quick huddle to talk logistics for the update. The Splatoon servers will be offline from 5:50 PM PT - 7:00 PM PT for a bit of maintenance and to, ya know, add the update! You won’t be able to play online during this period. Once the servers are back up, you’ll be able to play the update! Let’s go over what’s coming tonight, shall we?


 * More than 40 pieces of new gear
 * Two new weapon types, the Slosher and Splatling
 * Squad Battles
 * Private Battles
 * Level Cap Increase
 * Ranked Battle Level Increase
 * Updates to Urchin Underpass
 * New Music

I don’t know about you, but this squid researcher is jumping for joy about all the new things coming tonight.

2015-08-05

https://youtu.be/xsfg8FOKxBs

These guys are the Chirpy Chips. With their sea anenome lead singer and a sparkling electronic sound, this unique four-piece has been setting the Inkopolis Top 40 on fire! Take a listen to their latest single, Shellfie, which is also the background music you’ll be hearing during battles now!

2015-08-06





It appears that gear has shown up in Splatoon! From what we’re hearing, this new Squid Girl gear will show up in the Booyah Base now that the August update is live!

2015-08-06





The Japanese branch of the Squid Research Lab recently informed us that a Squid Fashion Contest was held in Famitsu Magazine. The winning outfit, a sushi chef outfit, is available in the Booyah Base as part of the new update!

This was the illustration of the sushi chef outfit for the Squid Fashion Contest. It’s an image overflowing with Japanese aesthetics and sensibility as seen in the calligraphic brush style. The headband gives the look a festive appearance, and the whole thing comes together so well.

2015-08-06



The Bamboozler 14 Mk I is a reissue of a weapon used during the Great Turf War. It charges up extremely quickly and boasts great range even when not fully charged. If you’re looking for a weapon that your great-great-great-great-great-great grandsquid would have been comfortable sportin’, check it out in Sheldon’s shop tonight at 7 PM PT.

2015-08-28







The L-3 Nozzlenose D is a specially designed L-3 Nozzlenose with an adorable logo on it. The sub weapon lets you finish off opponents who are still standing, and the special allows you to strike from up close. It’ll be available tonight at 7 PM PT.

2015-08-28



This just in - Inklings have been spotted in Seattle, presumably to stop by the Nintendo booth at PAX to play Splatoon!

2015-08-28



Dispatch from PAX Prime - check oh these amazing cosplayers! If this isn’t the definition of staying fresh, I don’t know what is!

2015-08-28



Inklings… Roll out! The next Splatfest is just around the corner, and this time we’re pitting Team AUTOBOT versus Team DECEPTICON! From 9 PM PT on 8/28 through 9 PM PT on 8/29, join the fun, choose a @TRANSFORMERS faction and start inking to support your team!

2015-08-28

September
BREAKING NEWS: An update to Splatoon is coming at 7:00 PM tonight. (Ver. 2.1.0). Accompanying the release of this new data, the server will be undergoing maintenance from 5:50 PM until 7:00 PM PT, preventing online play during that time. For details, please see the following pages:

http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14842/p/431

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/network/en_na/network_status.jsp

There are further updates planned for Splatoon, so keep your eyes out!

2015-09-01

The Splatoon servers are back up, but unfortunately Callie and Marie were misinformed that it included new gear. Sorry for any confusion!

2015-09-01



During last week’s Splatfest, squid researchers were asked to post their highlights from the Art vs. Science Splatfest. Check out some of their findings!

2015-09-25

October




Happy Squid Inktober, everyone! One of our Senior Squid Researchers provided us with this super fresh sketch to kick off the month of October. If you’re participating in Inktober and draw anything Splatoon related, tag it with Squid Inktober so that we can see!

2015-10-01





Har har, me hardies! (And whatever Ninjas say?)

Splatfest draws near! Don’t forget to pick your team and get to splatting tonight! It’s a Halloween Splatfest - spooky scary!

2015-10-30



Happy Halloween! May all your treat bags overflow with calamari!

2015-10-31

November




Things we’re thankful for:


 * The musical stylings of Callie & Marie
 * All the fresh new gear in the shops
 * Meatball Subs (Not related to Splatoon, we just eat a lot of meatball subs here in the Squid Research Lab)
 * The fact that the Slosher Deco will be available tonight at 6 PM PT!

2015-11-24









You want a Black Friday deal? We’ve got your Black Friday deal! The Sloshing Machine goes on sale tonight at 6 PM PT.

2015-11-27



Welcome back from Turkey Day break, Squids! As you might have noticed, a new Splatfest was announced while we were slacking off over the break. This one’s a real doozy and we’re predicting that friendships will end over this one: Burgers vs. Pizza!

Head to the Inkopolis plaza to vote, and then head to your nearest restaurant for a snack - this Splatfest is gonna make you hungry!

2015-11-30



Are you guys getting pumped up for the Splatournament?! The Squid Research Lab will be your source for info. You can tune into twitch.tv/Nintendo on Wednesday at 11 AM PT to watch the tournament go down.

We’ll have info on the teams for you tomorrow so you guys can pick who to cheer for!

2015-11-30



And now for something completely different…

A budding squid researcher at the Food Network cooked up two Splatoon-inspired dishes! You can watch the episode of Foodie Call here!

2015-11-30

December


We just finished seeding the teams for tomorrow’s Splatournament! Don’t forget to join us tomorrow at 11 AM PT - you can watch here - and keep your eyes glued to the Squid Research Lab to learn more about the teams!

2015-12-01



Team Name: Squid Jam

Team Members: Daniel, Yosh-ika, Ed, David, Dutch

Team Strategy: Get buckets.

Captain’s Log: Dutch

Burgers or Pizza? Pizza!

Callie or Marie? Marie!

Favorite Map: Museum D’Alfonsino

Favorite Mode: Rainmaker

Favorite Weapon: N-ZAP ‘85

2015-12-01



Team Name: Splatterpunks

Team Members: Lars, Galia, Rich, Mike, Terry

Team Strategy: Veni, vidi, squidi.

Captain’s Log: Galia

Burgers or Pizza? Pizza!

Callie or Marie? Marie!

Favorite Map: Kelp Dome

Favorite Mode: Turf War

Favorite Weapon: Sploosh-O-Matic

2015-12-01



Team Name: Judd Dread (Editor’s Note: Apologies for the previous misspelling. I’m apparently a bigger dork than necessary.)

Team Members: Dan, Morgan, Noriko, Erik, Nate?

Team Strategy: Ink Hard 2: Ink Harder

Captain’s Log: Morgan

Burgers or Pizza? Cats! (Editor’s Note: MOOOOORGAAAAAN!)

Callie or Marie? Waterslides! (Editor’s Note: *shakes fist*)

Favorite Map: Camp Triggerfish

Favorite Mode: Tower Control

Favorite Weapon: Splattershot Jr.

2015-12-01



Team Name: The Squidiots

Team Members: Rob, Eric, Ethan, Lindsey, JC (Not Pictured - or is he?)

Team Strategy: Brute force.

Captain’s Log: Eric

Burgers or Pizza? Pizza

Callie or Marie? Callie

Favorite Map: Flounder Heights

Favorite Mode: Turf War

Favorite Weapon: Tentatek Splattershot

2015-12-01



Team Name: Pain & Puffering

Team Members: Dan, Billy, Demetrius, Ali, Gil

Team Strategy: Stay fresh, have fun and love one another.

Captain’s Log: Ali

Burgers or Pizza? Pizza

Callie or Marie? Marie

Favorite Map: Saltspray Rig

Favorite Mode: Splat Zones

Favorite Weapon: Carbon Roller Deco

2015-12-01



Team Name: Tentacle Difficulties

Team Members: Bill, Corey, Ryo, Billy, John

Team Strategy: Git gud or dye tryin’.

Captain’s Log: Corey

Burgers or Pizza? Whataburger

Callie or Marie? Marie

Favorite Map: Flounder Heights

Favorite Mode: Rainmaker

Favorite Weapon: Slosher Deco

2015-12-01



The Splatournament starts in less than an hour! The Squidiots and Tentacle Difficulties head into the Splatournament as top seeds, but it’s any kid’s (or squid’s) game today. Tune in at live.nintendo.com to watch the action and see who will come out as the cephalochampion!

2015-12-02



HO HO HO! MERRY SQUIDMAS! You have been such good little squids this year that we talked Sheldon into releasing the Rapid Blaster Pro Deco today!

2015-12-25

@nymo

2015-12-25

@katiebetter

Mmm… lunch.

2015-12-25

@gomigomipomi

2015-12-25

@thatabird

2015-12-25

@bbtheoctoling

2015-12-25