Will Pearl and Marina Return in Splatoon 3?
Yes, Pearl and Marina do indeed return in Splatoon 3, much to the delight of fans! While they don’t reprise their roles as the main news anchors as they did in Splatoon 2, their presence is still felt within the game. You’ll hear them singing familiar tunes like “Ebb and Flow,” “Shark Bytes,” and “Nasty Majesty,” which are played during matches. Furthermore, they are present in the game with brand-new designs, signaling their continued relevance within the Splatoon universe. Pearl is seen sporting a stylish new white coat, while Marina rocks an orange jacket and a set of eye-catching heels. This exciting return, albeit not in their usual news-anchoring capacity, proves their important place within the game’s story and fanbase.
Pearl and Marina’s Role in the Splatoon Universe
A Beloved Duo
Pearl and Marina, known collectively as Off the Hook, are more than just in-game announcers; they are integral characters in the Splatoon world. Their relationship has become a focal point for many players, with their contrasting personalities and dynamic interaction adding depth to the narrative. Pearl, the energetic and often brash Inkling, balances perfectly with the more reserved and technically savvy Octoling, Marina.
New Appearances, Same Dynamic
In Splatoon 3, their redesign showcases their continued evolution as characters. Pearl’s white coat adds a touch of sophistication, while Marina’s orange jacket and heels reflect her bold and stylish nature. Though they aren’t in the spotlight as much as they were in the second game, their appearances and musical contributions remind players of their continued presence and significance within the Splatoon world. Their music continues to energize and inspire the game’s battles, and their designs hint at continued involvement.
Pearl and Marina’s Relationship
The Strength of Their Bond
The bond between Pearl and Marina is a major element of their appeal. Pearl has expressed deep affection for Marina, notably stating that the best gift she ever received was “meeting Marina.” This shows the depth of her appreciation for their friendship. Pearl, though, appears to be completely oblivious to Marina’s crush on her, providing for some comedic and heartfelt moments within the series.
A Moment of Fluster
There was a single time where Pearl got a bit flustered, but the moment was used to put the spotlight on the romantic feelings that Marina held for her. The relationship between the two is left open to interpretation, but the deep care and obvious bond between them is undeniable. They also have nicknames for each other, with Marina calling Pearl “Pearlie”, and Pearl calling Marina “‘Rina”.
Mutual Affection
Their mutual affection is further demonstrated in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where the Off the Hook spirit showcases both Marina and Pearl together, along with a chat log where Pearl has a picture of Marina holding a plush version of her. Their relationship is one of the most popular in the franchise and one of the most discussed. The ending of the Octo Expansion includes a hug and cuddle between the two which was interpreted by some as romantic and is a fan favourite scene.
Splatoon 3: A New Chapter
Setting the Stage
Splatoon 3 takes place 5 years after the events of Splatoon 2, and 7 years after the original Splatoon. This time jump sets the stage for new challenges and adventures, which sees new and returning characters. Players join the Squidbeak Splatoon as the new Agent 3 after Captain Cuttlefish’s retirement, diving into the mysteries of Alterna and the Fuzzy Ooze.
Series Finale?
While Splatoon 3 is said to give the players the series finale, the world of Splatoon is ever-evolving. The game brings back the Inklings and Octolings to discover new secrets and battle new threats, ending a chapter but opening doors for further exploration and gameplay opportunities in future titles. It remains to be seen if the finale means that this is the end of the story, but the addition of downloadable content (DLC) for the game shows that Nintendo is invested in the continuing the Splatoon journey.
The Future of Splatoon
A Splatoon 4 is currently in development called, Splatoon: Splativerse or Splatoon ULTIMATE. This new title is being developed by Nightingale Labs and Nintendo for the 10th generation console, Nintendo Switch 2, and is planned for release in May 2025. This could be Nintendo’s move to continue the franchise with new ideas, concepts and characters in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old are Pearl and Marina in Splatoon?
Pearl is 21 years old, while Marina is 18 years old.
2. Are Pearl and Marina different species?
Yes, Pearl is an Inkling, and Marina is an Octoling.
3. What is Marina’s full name?
Marina’s full name is Marina Iida, combining her English and Japanese names.
4. Why is Pearl so short?
Pearl’s short stature is due to her being electrocuted as a child, which stunted her growth.
5. What is the relationship between Pearl and Marina?
They share a very close friendship, and the romantic aspects of their relationship are left open to player interpretation, however there are indications that Marina has a crush on Pearl.
6. What kind of music do Pearl and Marina sing?
They perform a variety of energetic and catchy tunes that blend pop, electronic, and hip-hop influences.
7. Will there be a Splatoon 4?
Yes, there will be Splatoon 4 called Splatoon: Splativerse, planned for release in May 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
8. Is Splatoon 3 the final game?
Splatoon 3 is said to be the series finale, but it remains to be seen how Nintendo will evolve the franchise in the future.
9. Will there be DLC for Splatoon 3?
Yes, Splatoon 3 has an expansion pass with a new single-player campaign called Side Order, which is set to release in spring 2024.
10. How many years have passed in the Splatoon timeline from the first game to Splatoon 3?
Splatoon 3 is set 7 years after the events of the first Splatoon game.
11. Is Splatoon appropriate for young children?
The game is rated suitable for players aged 7 and older due to the cartoon violence, and because of the online play capabilities.
12. What does DLC mean?
DLC stands for Downloadable Content. It refers to extra content you download for a video game after the initial release.
13. Is there swearing or other adult themes in Splatoon 2 or Splatoon 3?
The Splatoon series is generally considered family-friendly, with no overt swearing, sexual content, or drug and alcohol use present.
14. Does Marina’s have bioluminescence?
Yes, Marina seems to have bioluminescent qualities, with her glowing green finger/tentacle tips and light-up pants.
15. Is there a Splatoon movie?
Yes, DreamWorks Animation has teamed up with Nintendo to create a Splatoon Movie, currently in development.
In conclusion, Pearl and Marina’s return in Splatoon 3 is a welcome addition for fans of the series. While their roles are different from Splatoon 2, they continue to play a pivotal part in the game’s culture, adding to the fun and colourful universe of Splatoon.