Why Do Playable Octolings Look Different?
Playable Octolings, the agile and ink-slinging cephalopods of the Splatoon universe, stand apart from their Octarian counterparts in several key aspects. The core reason for these visual differences lies in their societal standing and unique biology within the game’s lore. Playable Octolings are designed to be individuals within a more integrated, less militarized culture, whereas Octarian Octolings are primarily depicted as soldiers or minions under the control of DJ Octavio. This distinction manifests in noticeable differences in their physical attributes, clothing, and even underlying biological structure. Their single-sided waste excretion tube, as opposed to two, contributes to this key difference. This affects how the head tentacles move, allowing them more independence and a different overall aesthetic.
The Nuances of Octoling Design
Biological Differences
One of the most significant differentiators is the tentacle structure. Playable Octolings have a total of eight tentacles, a typical characteristic of octopuses, and these tentacles have distinctive ring patterns on their tips and head. Moreover, each head tentacle can move independently, akin to limbs, showcasing a greater degree of flexibility and fine motor control. This is contrasted with the often ragged and elongated tentacles of the Octarian Octolings who are generally portrayed as more uniform in their forms. This independence in tentacle movement is a direct link to their anatomy. As an octopus has one single tube that secretes waste on one side of its body, not two, these anatomical differences explain why the tentacles move more freely and independently from one another.
Gender and Form
Playable Octolings have a more diverse range of forms and expressions. Notably, they can be either male or female, each with their unique design cues. Male Octolings feature a half-oval eyebrow shape, while female Octolings have a curved, droplet-shaped brow. Their facial markings around the eyes also differ, with a dash added to female markings compared to the sharp edges and thick underline found in males. In contrast, Octarian Octolings typically exhibit a more feminine shape, suggesting differences in their reproduction and societal structure. This distinction highlights the more personalized nature of the playable characters versus the more uniform structure of the Octarian forces.
Clothing and Aesthetics
Clothing choices and overall aesthetics also play a crucial role in distinguishing between playable and Octarian Octolings. Playable Octolings are often seen in stylish, black, tight-fitting clothing that exposes their midriff. Their attire is further enhanced with metal plating, belts, and black boots, highlighting their individual style and freedom of expression. Octarian Octolings, on the other hand, primarily wear black boots and attire related to their roles within the Octarian military, such as Octodivers with snorkels or Octocopters with propeller helmets. This difference in clothing reflects the very different roles they occupy in the Splatoon world, whether it’s a personalized free character or an Octarian soldier.
Ink Colors and Other Visual Cues
While both playable and Octarian Octolings can wield ink-based weaponry, there are subtle visual differences. The fingers of playable Octolings are pointed, similar to their Octarian counterparts, but they lack the distinctive ink-colored tint found in the Octarian’s finger points. This small detail is yet another marker separating the two groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Octolings smarter than Inklings?
Yes, based on the information available, it’s generally considered that Octolings are more intelligent than Inklings. This might stem from their more militaristic upbringing and the Octarian society’s focus on technology and complex strategies.
2. Are Inklings non-binary?
Yes, in the Splatoon universe, both Inklings and Octolings are now considered non-binary. This means their gender is not strictly defined as either male or female, and their gender identity is not fixed. This was made clear in Splatoon 3 where the language was changed to accommodate this.
3. What are Fuzzy Octarians?
Fuzzy Octarians are Octarians that have been exposed to Fuzzy Ooze, a substance that causes them to resemble mammals by sprouting fur and altering their eyes. They serve as the primary enemies in Splatoon 3’s “Return of the Mammalians” campaign. This process represents a shift toward a more mammalian form.
4. Why did the Octarians lose the Great Turf War?
The Octarians lost the Great Turf War primarily because of a simple but crucial mistake – a plug was pulled from its socket, disrupting their strategic advantage and eventually leading to their defeat. The Inkling side is considered to have won due to a superior number of limbs. This ultimately forced the Octarians underground.
5. Do Octolings dissolve in water?
Yes, both Inklings and Octolings dissolve when they come into contact with water in the game. This is a recurring gameplay mechanic in various stages and missions, where avoiding water is key to survival.
6. Is DJ Octavio an Octoling or an Octarian?
DJ Octavio is technically an Octoling, although he is unable to transform out of his octopus form due to injuries from the Great Turf War. His size and dulled red-violet ink distinguish him from most Octarians, further solidifying the difference between both groups of cephalopods.
7. How do Octolings get sanitized?
Sanitized Octarians are created through a process of sterilization using blended ink created by Commander Tartar. Candidates for this process are tested in underground Kamabo Co. research facilities, where they are cleansed of life’s energies and brainwashed.
8. Why do Inklings have black eyes?
Inklings’ eyes have an expanded coloring organ that allows them to display a wide range of colors. In squid form, their eyes merge with these colors, leading to a gray-black color, which is their most common squid eye color.
9. How old is Frye in Splatoon 3?
In concept art from The Art of Splatoon 3, Frye was noted to be 22 years old. Her keen sense of smell and preference for Splatanas also add to her unique character traits.
10. Why do Octolings wear goggles?
The Octoleet Goggles serve as an in-game item in Splatoon that comes with a random primary ability. These goggles also cannot be used in tandem with certain abilities that are exclusive to headgear.
11. Did any humans survive in Splatoon?
While most of humanity perished in a cataclysmic event, no humans are known to have survived to the present day in the Splatoon world. Artifacts and relics of their civilization are found and studied by the current dominant species.
12. Why did the Octarians steal the Zapfish?
The Octarians stole the Great Zapfish as an act of revenge for their loss in the Great Turf War. This theft is a key plot point that drives the story in the single-player mode.
13. When did humans go extinct in Splatoon?
Humans are believed to have gone extinct around 12,000 years ago before the start of the Mollusc Era. Rising sea levels caused by a massive war and volcanic activity are thought to have led to their demise.
14. Why does Smallfry glow in Splatoon 3?
Smallfry may glow with a yellow light when near a loot anchor, alerting the player to its presence. A red exclamation mark also appears above Smallfry’s head when it is near one of these loot anchors, making it easier for the player to locate hidden items.
15. Do Splatoon Inklings lay eggs?
Yes, Inklings are known to lay eggs in their squid form. This egg then becomes a juvenile inkling who then turns into a squid form to grow and eventually become a playable Inkling. This life cycle is fundamental to their existence.
By understanding these differences and the lore surrounding them, we can appreciate the complexity and depth of character design in the Splatoon universe and how these distinctions impact the gameplay and narrative. Playable Octolings represent an integration into a society while Octarian Octolings represent a militaristic force under the control of DJ Octavio.