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:.

February


Breaking news! In this crazy squid society, “coolness” is apparently a pretty big deal. So much so, in fact, that the shopkeepers won’t even give you the time of day if you’re not cool enough. Battle it up to make sure you’re as fresh and fly as possible before trying to buy the latest gear.

2015-02-06



Participating in battles seems to be the key to earning experience and raising your rank. This rank is the yardstick by which your “coolness” will be measured!

2015-02-06



From sandals to boots and everything in between, Shrimp Kicks has the hottest selection of Inkling footwear. With such a delicious…I mean, uh, professional-looking salesman, it’s no wonder the store is so popular! If you see a pair of kicks you like, snap ‘em up before they’re sold out!

2015-02-06



This is Crusty Sean, the owner and proprieter of Shrimp Kicks. He’s got a mean shoe game and plenty of feet that he uses to model all of the hottest new styles. He might look like he’s fried to golden-brown perfection, but his breaded exterior is actually a slightly morbid designer jacket.

2015-02-07



You may notice some jellyfish wandering among the Inklings in the plaza. Jellyfish are the second-most common creature in the city, but they can’t speak the Inkling language. “Oh yeah? Then why can Jelonzo speak Inkling?!” you might ask, rather annoyingly. Well, Jelonzo is a special jellyfish from distant waters. No one knows how he learned Inkling, but the way he botches the language is kinda cute!

2015-02-07



This is Judd. He’s a cat, if you can’t tell. Long shrouded in mystery, details about Judd are just now beginning to trickle in. Firstly, we can confirm that he’s (probably) not a dog. Also, Judd was born with the incredible ability to judge turf area at a glance to separate the winners from the losers. And it may look like he’s wearing a snazzy cat tuxedo, but that’s actually just the naturally occuring pattern of his fur. Some cats have all the luck.

2015-02-13



Squid Research Special Report: Our findings indicate that Charger weapons are capable of firing blasts of ink over long distances. They can be used to snipe distant targets, but they also leave long trails of ink on the ground, making them useful for quickly creating ink paths for allies to swim through.

2015-02-13



Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day! We at Squid Research Lab have an important research question to ask you: Will you be our valentine? No pressure to say yes, but we got you this really sweet and expensive card.

Hmm… I wonder if Inklings give sweets to each other on Valentine’s Day. Do you think they like chocolate-covered shrimp?

2015-02-13



It’s time for another hot info nugget from Squid Research labs! The manhole you’ll find tucked in a corner of the plaza has been confirmed to lead to Octo Valley, the location of our campaign against the Octarian threat. It may be a lonely and desolate place, but such is the path a hero walks…

2015-02-16



This unreasonably attractive gentleman goes by the name of Cap'n Cuttlefish. He’s a decorated hero who fought in the Great Turf Wars of legend between the Inklings and Octarians. He now keeps solemn vigil over Octo Valley, watching for any fishy behavior. Though his clothes may be tattered, his heart is pure and nothing escapes his razor-sharp gaze. He also TOTALLY didn’t write this post.

2015-02-16



Squid Research Labs Special Report: Our findings indicate that roller weapons excel at inking territory while on the move, but they can also fling ink in a wide arc. Flinging ink is a short-range attack to be sure, but it can be quite a powerful tactic. Interestingly enough, a statistically significant percentage of test subjects reported that switching between flinging ink and rolling ink on the ground is more satisfying than one might think!

2015-02-18



This just in! Apparently there are a lot of highly reputable fashion brands in Inkling society. Some Inklings like to wear gear that’s all the same brand, while others like to mix and match to create their own custom style. Whatever sinks your boat!

2015-02-24

Another slow day here in the lab, so in lieu of any breaking news, I thought of a sweet squid knowledge bomb to drop on y'all! Back in the day, people used to use squid ink to write letters and such, but sunlight would fade the ink and cause it to turn light brown in color. Photos with a similarly faded-brown palette are called “sepia tone,” but the word “sepia” actually refers to a type of squid! The idea of sepia-toned memories sure sounds romantic, but faded-squid-ink-colored memories doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, does it…

2015-02-24



Boom! We’ve got some breaking news about one of the weapons used in Turf War battles. This here is the Splattershot! We’ve heard that it strikes the perfect balance between power, range, and rate of fire, making it the ultimate all-arounder. Easy to use but highly effective, it’s apparently the gold standard against which all other weapons are measured!

2015-02-25



This is Octo Valley, the jumping-off point for Splatoon’s single-player story mode. It’s also where Cap'n Cuttlefish has been keeping a solitary watch on the growing Octarian threat! Not the most social of pastimes, but the path walked by heroes is often a lonely one. To that end, it sounds like his grandkids haven’t been visiting as much lately. Not that I asked, but he told me anyway…

2015-02-27



Word on the street is that the Octarians’ secret lair is somewhere beneath Octo Valley. In fact, Cap'n Cuttlefish told one of our undercover interns that he’s fairly certain these teakettle-like thingies are the way in! He also told Meghan that he’s convinced the Octarians are planning some kind of trap, to never let her guard down, and that if he was only a few years younger, he’d take care of those Octojerks himself…

2015-02-28



These Octarian fighters were discovered a while ago, but we’ve just now learned their real name: Octolings! Like Inklings and their squid powers, these tricksters can switch between octopus and humanoid form at will. They apparently make up an elite corps of the Octarian forces. We’ve seen footage of them heavily armed with bombs and ink guns, so don’t go messing around with these suckers unless you have to!

2015-02-28



We’ve received new intel confirming that Octolings can appear in pairs or even larger teams from time to time. The thought of facing a solo Octoling makes me weak in the knees, so taking on two or more sounds like a one-way ticket to the danger zone! I had one of our undercover interns ask Cap'n Cuttlefish about this situation, and he said that back in the day, he took out a few Octoling squads by focusing his fire on one at a time. Seeing as he lived to tell this tale, sounds like some good advice!

2015-02-28

March


This is the .52 Gal shooter. Each shot uses a LOT of ink, so it packs a serious punch. It has a low rate of fire, but if you aim carefully you can splat your foes before they know what hit ‘em.

2015-03-05



When he’s not officiating a Turf War, Judd the cat can often be found sleeping at the base of Inkopolis Tower. They say cats sleep more the older they get, but just how old is this guy?

2015-03-05



Attention science lovers! We’ve received GROUNDBREAKING research footage of…Judd taking a catnap. Our camera crew has captured over 200 hours of video of this never-before-seen phenomenon. After analyzing this footage, we’ve discovered that, uh, Judd’s tail has a really weird shape! So don’t worry—your tax dollars are hard at work solving the mysteries of…cat stuff.

2015-03-06

https://youtu.be/BIGG3m-8ZMQ

BREAKING NEWS! The Octarian threat is real! Thank goodness that brave soul was there to contain the invasion!

2015-03-06



We’ve learned that a number of different fashion brands compete for the hearts and wallets of Inkopolis’s youth. Zekko brand streetwear is but one of those brands. Zekko’s clothes are known for a rough-around-the-edges look that’s popular with the skate-punk crowd. A lot of up-and-coming Turf War players wear this brand into battle!

2015-03-09



This weapon here is the Splat Roller. Its ability to ink the ground while on the move sometimes classifies it as a melee weapon, but you can also swing it to fling ink, making it effective at medium range too! It’s all about knowing when to roll and when to fling!

2015-03-10



This just in! One of our undercover interns captured some video footage of a Splat Roller being used in battle! Watching this should give you a pretty good idea of how these bad boys can be used in a Turf War. Check it out!

2015-03-10



This just in! These guys are called Octotroopers. Word on the street is that they’re the foot soldiers of the Octarian army. They seem to come in a variety of types, from hovercraft-riding attackers to sentries who guard specific spots!

2015-03-24



Our design intern just finished up this sweet card, which is apparently the other half of the one we posted on Valentine’s Day. Sorry it’s a bit late (he’s pretty lazy), but any day is a good day to spread the love, right? Happy Tuesday!

2015-03-24



We’ve just confirmed that this weapon is called a Blaster. It shoots special ink rounds that burst like fireworks once they’ve traveled a certain distance! Apparently these bursts can deal damage in a pretty wide area, so this weapon is great for exposing hidden foes.

2015-03-24



One of our interns just uploaded this video of a Blaster in action! This footage shows just how its special exploding rounds work. It looks like direct hits will also take out enemies in a single shot. Check it out!

2015-03-25



This here is a Shielded Octotrooper! The name’s a bit of a mouthful, but you guessed it: it’s an Octotrooper with a shield! These suckers will block any attacks from the front, so stay focused and do your best to outwit them. Hide out for a bit and then attack from behind, or maybe try and distract them with something!

2015-03-25



This big boy is none other than an Octobomber! These pesky pelters flutter through the air tossing bombs at anyone and anything they don’t like. Hide out and wait for a chance to strike, and then take ‘em out right quick!

2015-03-26



Special report! We mentioned in a previous report that stuff written in squid ink tends to change color over time, but we failed to provide solid proof. Well, we tested it out ourselves, and here’s the results! This picture was taken right after we wrote these characters…

2015-03-26



And here’s a picture of the same characters a month later! Viewing it here in the lab, I can definitely see some fading. But in the picture it hardly looks different at all… Let’s check back in on this after some more time has passed before drawing any conclusions.

2015-03-27

Super slow day here in the lab, but I didn’t wanna leave you guys hanging, so I’ve got a special treat: a squid joke! Why did the squid cancel its camping trip? It couldn’t find its tentacle!

2015-03-27



News flash! We’ve just confirmed that this weapon is called a Splat Charger. Apparently ink is pressurized in the tank and then fired off in powerful blasts that are super effective at hitting long-range targets. Sooo sweet!

2015-03-28



Ohhh, baby! We’ve just acquired some undercover footage of the Splat Charger in action. You gotta check this out! It looks like getting a feel for the timing of firing off maxed-out charges is the key to using this bad boy effectively.

2015-03-28



Call the fashion police! Because this Inkling is killing it in this down vest and these hiking boots by outdoor clothing label Inkline. While this brand specializes in high-quality all-weather gear, their look is also highly sought after by even the most fashionable squids, shrimp, and jellyfish.

2015-03-31



Octarian alert! One of our mail guys (he does some recon on the side) just confirmed that these bad dudes are called Twintacle Octotroopers. Sounds like they’re advanced Octarian troops who pack more of a punch than standard Octotroopers. If you look closely, you’ll notice (like Fred did) that these suckers use one tentacle to work their little steering joystick thingy and the other to mash their ink-shooting button. Wonder how many button presses these guys can fire off per second? Probably not as many as me! (I’m an old-school button-masher the likes of which you’ve probably never seen. Don’t step!)

2015-03-31

April


So…this whole time I thought “Splatoon” was going to be the name of the game, but it’s not. Splatoon is actually a hot new snack that’s coming out in May! You gotta be squiddin’ me! Now you can have your squid and eat it too! Unless you’re a squid, then…maybe don’t because that’s weird and kinda creepy. Maybe just eat a quesadilla. Yeah… Now you can have your squid and eat it too unless you’re a squid then just eat a freakin’ quesadilla!

2015-04-01

So…bad info. Splatoon is not a hot new snack product. Splatoon is a video game. The interns thought it would be “funny” to send me some “breaking news” because it was “April Fool’s Day.” Lesson: never trust an intern. Seriously, don’t ever.

2015-04-01



Mail guy Fred is on a serious roll now, as he’s identified yet another new Octarian baddie. This here is a Shielded Twintacle Octotrooper! Now that’s an enemy name. Try saying it five times fast. I dare you! (Seriously, try it.) Tryyy iiit. Impossible, right? Yup.

2015-04-01

https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ

Booyah! Our squid buddies were featured in the latest Nintendo Direct! Sounds like there was some exciting news about a variety of Inkling-related topics, from intense ranked battles to local 1-on-1 Battle Dojo matches to a bunch of other tasty squidbits! Be sure to check it out!

2015-04-01



BREAKING NEWS! I know I’ve said it before, but seriously you guys. Seriously. SERIOUSLY! This is some BREAKING. FREAKING. NEWS. Splatoon will be released on May 29th! THIS IS NOT A JOKE. BOOYAH, BABY! That’s less than two months away!

2015-04-01







Splatoon amiibo! Splatoooooooooon amiibooooooooooo! I can’t even. Looks like there’s gonna be three of these beauties, an Inkling boy, an Inkling girl, and an Inkling squid. I’m gonna need at least three of each. One to open, one to keep sealed, and one for…“research purposes.” I can not wait. Can’t wait!

2015-04-01

Splatoon for Wii U - Official Site

I’ve just gotten word that there’s some new footage available on something called the “official website.” I feel pretty official here in the lab, but apparently we’re not the only squid-news game in town (I guarantee we have better dental insurance, though. Seriously, we have a free in-house dentist here in the lab. You wouldn’t believe how much gummy candy and energy drinks these interns put away!). Anyway, this new footage apparently reviews all of the Splatoon information that’s been announced so far, so be sure to check it out!

2015-04-01



This here is the Splattershot Jr. It’s the first weapon new arrivals to Inkopolis get their hands on when getting their feet wet in Turf War. While not the greatest in terms of range or power, this bad boy has excellent rate of fire and solid ink efficiency. As the “Jr.” indicates, it’s a well-rounded weapon that’s just perfect for noobs.

2015-04-01



New footage just in! Check it out if you wanna see the Splattershot Jr. in sweet, sweet action. Just because it’s great for beginners doesn’t mean it’s wimpy. In the right hands, it can go toe to toe with any weapon on the market. Don’t sleep on it! Maybe “Jr.” actually stands for “just right”…

2015-04-02



Ranked battle report! Sounds like “ranked battle” is an intense multiplayer mode for Inklings who are super serious about tracking wins and losses and trying to improve their rank. We’ve also gotten word that the Turf War matches we’ve been talking a lot about will be officially classified as “regular battles.” Ranked or regular, both sound really rawesome to this researcher! Roo hoo!

2015-04-09



Splat Zones report! We’ve gotten some new intel about the ranked battle mode called Splat Zones. Apparently the goal is to splatter set areas, or “zones,” with enough ink to gain control (unlike Turf War, in which you’re fighting to ink everything in sight!). As the two teams fight for control of a stage’s Splat Zones, it sounds like things can get pretty intense! Sounds kinda like us here in lab fighting over the good stapler!

2015-04-09



Inkling girl amiibo report! This amiibo is just…so…beautiful… Look at her “hair” flowing in the breeze… Her mischievous eyes… Those sweet shoes… That stylish pose… The way she holds that Splattershot… Be still my heart!

2015-04-09



Inkling boy amiibo report! This amiibo is just…so…cool… Look at his focused gaze… Those rad shoes… His dashing good looks… What detail, what poise. I can’t wait to bring this dude home!

2015-04-10



Inkling squid amiibo report! This amiibo is just…so…exquisite… Look at those crazy eyes… The way it’s powering out of the ink… Those beautiful ink blobs… This thing is inkredible! Squid forever! Squid for president!

2015-04-10



Splatoon amiibo box report! So…check this out. This is kinda crazy. One of our interns discovered this amiibo box off in the corner of Inkopolis plaza! From what we’re hearing, using an Inkling amiibo in front of this thing will bring it to life in the game! Apparently each amiibo will offer 20 challenges that will really put your Octo Valley skills to the test! Oh, it’s on, amiibo. It. Is. ON!

2015-04-10



Splatoon amiibo challenge report! We’ve just confirmed that completing enough challenges will unlock a special challenge, and if you beat it, the amiibo will reward you with some exclusive in-game gear! Sounds like you can earn different weapons, headgear, and clothing from each Inkling amiibo. Brb gotta go take some deep breaths, this is way too exciting!

2015-04-11







Splat Zones exposed! Our IT guy’s daughter recently “hacked” into the Inkopolis mainframe and “illegally downloaded” a bunch of new intel about Splat Zones. In this ranked battle mode, players compete to ink specific zones, rather than splattering every last bit of ground with ink like in Turf War. These Splat Zones tend to be in the middle of the multiplayer stages, and teams need to ink the majority of a zone’s surface area to gain control!

Each team starts a Splat Zones battle with a 100-second counter. Once a team takes control of all of a stage’s zones (each stage can have one or two), its timer will start to count down, and the first team to tick their timer down to zero will claim victory! However, if neither team’s counter gets down to zero at the end of five minutes, the team with the lower counter will win.

Once a team has taken control of a zone, they’ll need to do everything in their power to defend it! Meanwhile, the other team will need to throw everything they’ve got at trying to neutralize the zone and seize control for themselves. Focusing the action into these hotly contested areas means there’s never a dull moment when you’re…IN THE ZONE!

2015-04-11



Ranked battle rank report! One of our interns recently dug through the trash cans behind Inkopolis Tower and found some interesting nuggets of info about how ranked battles work (he also found some actual nuggets of chicken!). It sounds like there are nine ranks you can earn, from C- to A+, and this rank will go up or down depending on your wins and losses. So basically, the higher a player’s rank, the more of a boss they are (either that, or they’re terrible but have their older brother play online for them a lot). Not to worry, though, it sounds like players of a similar rank will be grouped together on the battlefield! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m gonna shoot for a solid B minus.

2015-04-12



Ranked battle report redux! We’ve just intercepted a flurry of Jelonzo’s text messages (fyi he uses A LOT of emoji) that confirm, without a doubt, that Inklings must earn the right to fight in ranked battles by reaching Level 10. It sounds like the points required to raise one’s level are earned in both regular and ranked battles by one’s accomplishments and results on the battlefield. So new splatters with their sights set on ranked battles will need to hone their skills first in regular battles and get that level up! (As for me, it’s time to level up my sandwich with some of this spicy mayo I found in the office fridge.)

2015-04-12



Inkling fashion report! Check out this Inkling girl’s outfit. Cool, right? I told you fashion was paramount in Inkopolis! See how her hair color matches both her skirt and gun? That is some serious attention to detail! And look at how blinged-out her weapon is. Sooo cool! I’m suddenly questioning all of my own fashion choices. Maybe it’s time to move on from my usual sweatpants and Hawaiian shirt look…

2015-04-14



Octodiver report! Look at this doofus. As the name suggests, these suckers can dive into Octarian ink. So when you come across enemy ink in Octo Valley, be careful. One of these dudes could be waiting to pounce! Also, octopi can breathe underwater as far as I know, so…why the snorkel? Man these guys are dorks.

2015-04-15



Splatoon Hat StreetPass report! Hey—it’s our favorite squid buddy, and he’s making an appearance in StreetPass Mii Plaza! I can’t wait to get my head on this hat! I mean…this hat on my head! (My Mii’s head, that is.) Man, I would definitely buy one of these in real life if I could. Might have to talk to my gramma about knitting me something like this, actually…

2015-04-16



Classic Squiffer report! We’ve got some hot new info on a cool new weapon! This charger-class gun comes equipped with a miniaturized ink compression tank. Apparently the charge time is short, but it still packs a serious punch! Sounds like the range leaves a little to be desired, though. Also, despite the fact that the ink tank looks like a recycled cleaning-spray bottle, we haven’t been able to confirm whether or not this weapon is good for attacking household surfaces. I’m guessing not, but who knows… Maybe it can cut grease and shine your kitchen counters in addition to blasting Turf War opponents!

2015-04-16



Classic Squiffer exposed! One of our undercover pizza delivery guys recently used his “thumb drives” to “download” this video of the Classic Squiffer into his “pockets.” Compared to the Splat Charger, you’ll see a noticeable difference here in both charge time and splat range. And while this may not seem like much at first, it can make all the difference when things get crazy on the battlefield! Squiffers unite!

2015-04-17



Octosniper report! These suckers are apparently notorious for posting up and blasting powerful ink shots at enemies from long distance. If you find yourself under heavy Octosniper fire, find some cover and then try to advance your position by swimming in your own ink. I’m not sure if I’m a bad enough dude to take these guys down, but I bet some of you folks out there will master the art!

2015-04-20



Squid ink report! Remember our little experiment? Well, after a month or so, the color has faded a bit, but there’s still not much of a change. It looks like this is gonna take a while… I’d better order another pizza.

2015-04-20



Squid ink report redux! I started thinking, hey…squid ink is an oil-based liquid, so does that mean it’s also waterproof? Well, I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about it. So check it out: I tried spilling a little water on my squid-ink writing, and…nothing happened! These colors don’t run! It smelled pretty funky until it dried up, though…

2015-04-21



Splatoon bundle report! Omg, you guys. Splatoon is getting a Wii U bundle! And it looks like this sweet baby will only be available at Best Buy and BestBuy.com. I guess I know where I’m stopping on the way home from the lab on May 29th! Booyah! I can pick up some new CDs for my car, too. And some new rechargeable batteries for the squidtrifuge! In addition to the Wii U system and Splatoon, looks like it also comes with Nintendo Land, all for just $299.99! Inkredible! Somebody pinch me! (Except you, giant crab locked up in our research cage. You stay put!)

2015-04-21



Splatoon ART CONTEST report! So…turns out our senior squid artist quit like two months ago and didn’t tell anyone. And now we need a bunch of sketches ASAP for our quarterly report, but when I checked his old desk drawers, all I found was a snorkel and a bunch of those little red sticks that come with the cheese-and-cracker packs that you use to spread the cheese. Remember those things? Anyway, I was in a full-blown panic until I thought of you guys! I bet some of you can draw some cool Splatoon art. Squid Research Lab needs your help!

Here’s what I’m thinking: Post your awesomest, most squidtastic Splatoon-themed artwork on Tumblr and tag it with #Splatoon, #GetInked and #NintendoContestEntry so we can find it. We’ll even give out some cool prizes for the ones we like best! The report is due on May 29, so you’ve got until then to show us what you’ve got. Y’all are the best! Oh, and the contest starts…RIGHT NOW!

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. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

2015-04-27

May


Those Octarians look all emo with their swooping head tentacles. But darn if they don’t make fascinating artistic subjects. I mean, we’re still gonna splatter their octo-hides with ink.

What part of Splatoon do you think makes for a compelling piece of artwork? Create something, post it to Tumblr with #Splatoon, #GetInked and #NintendoContestEntry and you might win some prizes.

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/6139A9PF Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

2015-05-04

https://youtu.be/kQsZPYB0vMw

So, be honest—how inkredible was that Splatoon Direct the other day? It felt great to present the results of our research. I think it’s safe to say we now have a pretty good understanding of these mysterious squid creatures. Make sure to check out the Nintendo Direct if you haven’t already!

2015-05-08



If you haven’t heard, we’re hosting an upcoming Splatoon Global Testfire demo event! Those of you with a Nintendo Wii U can join us, the Squid Research team, as we ink it up today and tomorrow (May 8th and 9th)! Scientifically speaking, it will be most splatacular!

2015-05-08

Splatoon Global Testfire Alert!!!

We’ve received word that the Splatoon Global Testfire demo can be downloaded from Nintendo eShop, like, RIGHT NOW! Make sure to get it early to maximize your splatting once the Testfire goes live!

The first session of the Splatoon Global Testfire will take place Friday, May 8th from 8:00-9:00 PM (PDT). At the same time, you can tune into Twitch for a live broadcast of the event. For those without a Nintendo Wii U, this broadcast will be a great way to tune catch all of the hot splatting action. Oh, and Squid Research will be there in full effect!



2015-05-08



We’ve learned which locations will be available in the Splatoon Global Testfire. First, we’ve got Walleye Warehouse, which has been previously explored by our colleagues in an off-site lab called the Treehouse. The second stage is called Saltspray Rig. Our research indicates that the stage you play will be chosen at random.

2015-05-08



Saltspray Rig features multiple levels of verticality and a network of tight corridors. The central high ground tends to be a hot spot for battles, but it also has a number of paths that lead to it, so keep an eye on where the action is when choosing your strategy. That said, our research also shows that ignoring the lower areas is a quick way to lose the lead to your opponents!

2015-05-08



Sorry for the avalanche of information, but we’ve just learned so much about tonight’s Splatoon Global Testfire!! This just in! There’ll be four weapons available for use during the Splatoon Global Testfire:


 * Splattershot Jr.
 * Splattershot
 * Splat Roller
 * Splat Charger

That’s a good selection of well-rounded weapons right there. That Splattershot Jr. in particular is a good choice for first-timers.

The four weapons you’ll be able to use in the upcoming Testfire event are just the tip of the ink-gun iceberg. The full game will feature a dazzling array of inkredible armaments. The different speeds and strengths of these weapons make for a huge variety of play styles as well. Check out the Weapon Shop section of the Fresh Gear page on the official Splatoon website to see what I mean!

2015-05-08



It’s common knowledge that when Inkling factions go to war, the only one who can remain impartial is an oversized cat. Like, duh. Judd here always has to tell it like it is, but you’re allowed to get creative. Create something artistic, post it to Tumblr with #Splatoon, #GetInked and #NintendoContestEntry and you might win some prizes. Note: Judd will not be judging your artwork.

Splatoon is rated E 10+ with Cartoon Violence.

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. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

2015-05-11



THIS JUST IN! The Splatoon Global Testfire is returning for one final splatterrific round! Turf War fans around the world will have a single hour to test their skills, starting at 3PM PDT on Saturday, May 23rd. This second Testfire will feature the same weapons and stages from the first Testfire event. We encourage any aspiring squid researchers that may have missed the first event to splattend!

2015-05-15



Don’t make an enemy of an anemone! Whew! We need to go rest our tongues! But don’t rest your artistic fingers. Time is running out! Enter your creative artwork in our contest by May 29. Just post it to Tumblr and use hashtags #Splatoon, #GetInked and #NintendoContestEntry. Simple!

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/61307CVG Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

2015-05-18

Iwata Asks

It appears that a squid research report has been published online in something called “Iwata Asks.” I think the guy in the suit is a squid researcher, and all those guys wearing the same T-shirt are developers who showed us those amazing squid snacks earlier. There are some inkredible stories here about how the squids we know and love came to be. A must for squid fans!

2015-05-22



We’ve just received a new research image. I’m all for new squid pics, but what’s the deal with the number?

2015-05-22



This building here is the Battle Dojo. In the Battle Dojo, two players can face off in a 1 vs. 1 battle using a Wii U GamePad and Wii U Pro Controller! The rules are different from those in online battles, but it’s a great place to practice your skills. Or so we’re told.

2015-05-22



The goal of Battle Dojo is to pop more balloons than your opponent before time runs out. Balloons will appear at set locations in each stage as the match progresses. Players can see the location of the upcoming balloons before they appear though, so expect a fight if you get there early!

2015-05-22



Pop one balloon in Battle Dojo to earn a point. But watch out—evidence suggests that you can lose a ton of points if you get splatted by your opponent. This can be splatastrophic…unless you’re the one doing the splatting, of course. In the final minute, each balloon is worth two points, so keep on poppin’ until the battle is over!

2015-05-22



In a follow-up to yesterday’s report, we’ve received another mysterious research image. From the look of it, this image has less numbers and more squids… What does it all mean?!

2015-05-23

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