TheSplatoonfranchise is a lot of things, though few would describe it as being similar toSuper Mario Bros.These two franchises occupy separate ends of Nintendo’s franchise list, withMariobeing one of the oldestand most prestigious IPs in the gaming industry, whileSplatoonis the new hotness that is built for younger Nintendo fans.Splatoon 3continues the successful legacy of the squid kids in the chaotic Splatsville, and this year it seems to be holding down the fort in the absence of Nintendo’s biggest franchises.
That’s not to say that the classics have been left behind. While it’s unclear what’s happening with Mario right now apart from his upcoming animated film andRabbids-focused spin-off,Splatoon 3has made sure that he’s still relevant in the public’s thoughts. The game is hiding some surprising references toMario’s 3D efforts, most of them dripping with reverence for the older games.Super Mario Sunshineand theSuper Mario Galaxytitles seem to be particular targets of adoration, although explaining how will involve discussingSPOILERS FORSPLATOON 3.
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How Splatoon 3 Parallels Super Mario Sunshine
In a way,Splatoon 3feels like the sequel toSuper Mario Sunshine. The two games are essentially different sides of the same coin, with one using water to clean toxic paint as the other sprays paint everywhere while cleaning up other goop. It doesn’t take much inspection to imagine that key developers of theSplatoontrilogy played a lot ofMario Sunshinea couple of decades prior. Even the two settings bear some resemblance, with the vibrant vacation spot that is Isle Delfino serving as a good comparison to the various colorful cities, arenas, and levels acrossSplatoon.
However, after years of this comparison being at the back of many players' minds,Splatoon 3has finally acknowledged it in a big way. Three of the new Hero Mode’s boss fights are against the band Deep Cut, with the third against the manta ray Big Man. Unlike anything the player has seen, he sinks into the ground and spreads his silhouette across the floor as a familiar green-blue and yellow paint appears. Those who haven’t already connected the dots are quickly informed by a subtitle that this is a reference to theinfamous Manta Storm level fromSuper Mario Sunshine. The fact that Phantamanta has been converted into a popularSplatooncharacter almost feels like a called shot by the developers, but either way,Sunshinefans are overjoyed to see this unique fight recreated in another game — just a lot easier.
Splatoon 3 Draws Inspiration From Super Mario Galaxy
While the fight against Big Man is a clear homage toMario Sunshine’s Phantamanta fight,Splatoon 3’s links withSuper Mario Galaxyare a little less apparent.Splatoon 3does introduce a small assistant Salmonid roughly the size of Mario’s Luma, but they serve very different gameplay roles. Little resemblesMario Galaxyuntil the player reachesSplatoon 3’s final confrontation with Mr. Grizzin outer space. It isn’t far from Earth, but the first phase of the fight does feature a rotating platform that recalls some ofMario Galaxy’s gravity shenanigans. It also ends with a flight segment against a giant burly villain, slightly reminiscent of the final fight with Bowser inSuper Mario Galaxy 2.
TheMario Galaxycomparisons really kick into overdrive once a player completesSplatoon 3’s Hero Mode. After every level is beaten, a final secret Kettle unlocks, bringing the player into an ultimate test of their skills. It’s unlocked the same wayGalaxy 1’s Grand Finale Galaxy andGalaxy 2’s Grandmaster Galaxy, the latter of which began the tradition of a monstrously hard level appearing after completing a 3DMariogame.Splatoon 3even shares Grandmaster Galaxy’s multi-segment structure with no checkpoints, and the freedomSplatoon 3offers with selecting different levels parallels howMario Galaxyoften lets players pick and choose what stars they want. It’s heartwarming to see one of Nintendo’s newest franchises learning from one of its oldest, and hopefully this love and appreciation forMariogames continues asSplatoonblasts off to ever greater heights.
