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[DizzyCrow]

So, I'm at work, and one of my employees comes in and says, "I was at the mall yesterday, and someone came up and asked me to do a marketing survey and I said, as long as I don't have to try any gross food, but they said it was for video games. They had me play this game called Splatoon or something."

I was like, what!!?! Are you kidding? He seemed surprised I'd heard of it. He said they had him play a single player map, he said it was fun and pretty easy to play. They showed him two of the character designs and asked him how he thought they compared to other Nintendo characters. He also mentioned that they asked some odd marketing questions like, "What gaming system wouldn't you play?"

If anyone has any questions, I'll ask him, but don't expect much, he's kind of a moderate/casual gamer -- plays PS3 a lot, but not hugely into it.

Just thought you guys might want to know. FYI, this was in the Tampa, FL, area.

He said he played two maps. The first looked like it was on top of platforms or crates -- it was a really flat open map. The second sounded a lot like the one we've seen -- he said it was really multi-dimensional with stairs and gaps and curved walls. Two of the things he remembered most was a Gatling-like gun someone was manning. Then he said on one of the maps there was a paint sprayer that moved over an area like a carriage in a car wash that obliterated a character when they got doused.

He said it was cool, but he wasn't that good at the controls because he doesn't play those kinds of games often ... But even though the controls has a slight learning curve, he felt he was picking it up pretty fast. He said he thought his daughter would love it.

He said he thought the characters were cool, very Nintendo. In his uninformed way he said they were very Japanese, like Final Fantasy characters -- he's familiar with the 3DS, so I think he's comparing the kind of chibi appearance there. They showed him the Orange and purple characters - he picked orange as his favorite lol maybe they're determining who to lead with for advertising.

And people think I'm not serious when I say that Nintendo will try to turn this game the next MK/Smash, even Miyamoto was using a Splatoon shirt during all the interviews with youtubers.

 

[Roo]

So how many maps we know so far?

 

[Dr. Buni]

The squids dissolving in water reminds me of Yoshi's in Mario Sunshine.

I hate that in Mario Sunshine.

And people think I'm not serious when I say that Nintendo will try to turn this game the next MK/Smash, even Miyamoto was using a Splatoon shirt during all the interviews with youtubers.

Well, didn't someone at Nintendo say they want Splatoon to be the Mario Kart of the shooters?

 

[Scoops]

So, I'm at work, and one of my employees comes in and says, "I was at the mall yesterday, and someone came up and asked me to do a marketing survey and I said, as long as I don't have to try any gross food, but they said it was for video games. They had me play this game called Splatoon or something."

I was like, what!!?! Are you kidding? He seemed surprised I'd heard of it. He said they had him play a single player map, he said it was fun and pretty easy to play. They showed him two of the character designs and asked him how he thought they compared to other Nintendo characters. He also mentioned that they asked some odd marketing questions like, "What gaming system wouldn't you play?"

If anyone has any questions, I'll ask him, but don't expect much, he's kind of a moderate/casual gamer -- plays PS3 a lot, but not hugely into it.

Just thought you guys might want to know. FYI, this was in the Tampa, FL, area.

Wish they had interviewed me. I'm in Tampa.

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

New info.

Please give me this game

 

[phanphare]

And people think I'm not serious when I say that Nintendo will try to turn this game the next MK/Smash, even Miyamoto was using a Splatoon shirt during all the interviews with youtubers.

 

[JohnTinker]

Just thought you guys might want to know. FYI, this was in the Tampa, FL, area.

That has to be Citrus Park Mall, right?

I'll check that out tomorrow.

 

[Zalman]

My dream is to have NoA employees ask me for feedback on upcoming games and character designs.

 

[Bulbasaur]

I dig the new image with water environments. It looks to me like falling in the water is not a good idea?

 

[pinkurocket]

Wow that Nintendo is already testing this IP through surveys with random people in malls is interesting. Trying to get that market appeal down, that's awesome! And also #TeamOrangeSquid for poster girl!

 

[StreetsAhead]

I'm pretty sure the map in that pic is the camp/board walk map from the recent(ish) single-player trailer.

 

[ThatRandomCliff]

I'm pretty sure the map in that pic is the camp/board walk map from the recent(ish) single-player trailer.

Probably is. That's what it looks like anyways.

 

[Geg]

Why are they asking about stuff like how the character designs compare to other Nintendo characters and stuff? They're not going to try redesigns this late into development are they?

 

[Dr. Buni]

They are clearly asking that because of the eventual Inkling DLC for Super Smash Bros. They need to know if people like the Inkling designs first.

 

[MisterGrey3000]

New
info.

Looks great (almost Pikmin-esque as some have mentioned), I hope we get a few more nature-based environments with interesting mechanics!

 

[Neiteio]

Is Shiggy trying to pantomime to her, "Show me your tits?"

 

[TheMoon]

Is Shiggy trying to pantomime to her, "Show me your tits?"

Spoiler

had to.

 

[Briarios]

That has to be Citrus Park Mall, right?

I'll check that out tomorrow.

He said he was over at Countryside. They paid him $7 to do the survey and play the game lol

 

[DaBoss]

Why are they asking about stuff like how the character designs compare to other Nintendo characters and stuff? They're not going to try redesigns this late into development are they?

To see if they are marketable? They would have to have some "stock/default" designs for advertising purposes and they could change those more easily.

 

[twothunder]

http://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/107608490289/breaking-news-one-of-our-interns-recently-saw-a#notes

Splatoon US translation:

"Breaking news! One of our interns recently saw a squid guy fall into a creek during a turf war, and guess what?! The squid dissolved! This suggests that these creatures can’t maintain a solid form when submerged in water. Does this mean that they’re actually made of liquid? The mystery deepens…"

They confused the inkling girl for a guy...
Didn't they see the ponytentacles?

 

[Capra]

I got the impression the inkling girl was the main mascot for Splatoon. I'll be super disappointed now if they end up marketing with a more generic squid dude. But hey, whatever it takes to make this Nintendo's next big multiplayer franchise and not just a fondly-remembered commercial failure is alright with me.

Also I would do unspeakable things for that shirt.

 

[TheMoon]

I got the impression the inkling girl was the main mascot for Splatoon.

She is. Miyamoto said so just last month.

 

[twothunder]

I got the impression the inkling girl was the main mascot for Splatoon. I'll be super disappointed now if they end up marketing with a more generic squid dude. .

That's going a little far for now.
Seems like just a stupid mistranslation to me.

One of the tumblr comments even pointed out it was a girl so it was pretty obvious.

 

[JB-the-Hunter]

Guy doesn't have to mean male.

 

[Capra]

I was actually referring to them asking around about the marketability of certain characters/designs over others. One of the things I love the most about what we've seen thus far is the fantastic, unique character design. Also the diversity of the roster thus far and the push for the female inkings as the face of Splatoon are really exciting to witness in an industry that often falls short in both regards.

Which actually reminds me: Do we know whether the inklings have entirely predetermined designs, or is there some sort of character creation system in place? I think custom outfits and hats have been confirmed so I'm wondering whether that extends to the characters themselves.

 

[Hiltz]

I was actually referring to them asking around about the marketability of certain characters/designs over others. One of the things I love the most about what we've seen thus far is the fantastic, unique character design. Also the diversity of the roster thus far and the push for the female inkings as the face of Splatoon are really exciting to witness in an industry that often falls short in both regards.

Which actually reminds me: Do we know whether the inklings have entirely predetermined designs, or is there some sort of character creation system in place? I think custom outfits and hats have been confirmed so I'm wondering whether that extends to the characters themselves.

I thought I read something from Nintendo somewhere that Splatoon would include more costumes and stuff.

 

[twothunder]

I was actually referring to them asking around about the marketability of certain characters/designs over others. One of the things I love the most about what we've seen thus far is the fantastic, unique character design. Also the diversity of the roster thus far and the push for the female inkings as the face of Splatoon are really exciting to witness in an industry that often falls short in both regards.

I like both inkling designs but.. yeah. I like the inkling girl design more.
If they want a face for the game. I'd prefer the girl.
The other designs like the the octopus enemies are pretty good too.

Which actually reminds me: Do we know whether the inklings have entirely predetermined designs, or is there some sort of character creation system in place? I think custom outfits and hats have been confirmed so I'm wondering whether that extends to the characters themselves.

I think we get two set characters (boy and girl) and can customiza their clothes etc.
Don't think you can change the characters themselves aside from skin color.
Not that I know at least.

Guy doesn't have to mean male.

Maybe if you mean welcoming a bunch a male and female friends with "hey guys" or something.
Otherwise. It does.

 

[Dr. Buni]

Guy doesn't have to mean male.

Yes, it does.

 

[Crayolan]

I got the impression the inkling girl was the main mascot for Splatoon. I'll be super disappointed now if they end up marketing with a more generic squid dude. But hey, whatever it takes to make this Nintendo's next big multiplayer franchise and not just a fondly-remembered commercial failure is alright with me.

Also I would do unspeakable things for that shirt.

Miyamoto himself said the female inkling is supposed to be the face of Splatoon, and it would be unlike Nintendo to go against that for marketing purposes. They're probably just collecting data for ideas on how to market it to the public when it comes time for getting the word out and advertising.

 

[K-A-Deman]

He said he was over at Countryside. They paid him $7 to do the survey and play the game lol

I'm over there a lot when I'm running shippments (Usually stop in for food at Villa or a pretzel if I have time.) Maybe I should try going on my off time again...

 

[ThatRandomCliff]

Nintendo isn't going to change the face of the game. They are simply collecting data.

 

[black_clavus]

New Tweet, Guys!

調査員から１枚の写真が送られてきた。
見たところ、石油採掘のための海上プラントのようだ。
頂上のスペースをめぐるバトルがアツいらしい。
しかし、わざわざこんな海の上まで来てバトルしなくてもいいのに……。
カナヅチなんだから。

*back to direct hype train

 

[Aostia]

I really hope to see the game in the Direct tomorrow

 

[twothunder]

New Tweet, Guys!

*back to direct hype train

Let me add a link and poor google translation to that.

https://twitter.com/SplatoonJP/status/554946631057956864

"調査員から１枚の写真が送られてきた。 見たところ、石油採掘のための海上プラントのようだ。 頂上のスペースをめぐるバトルがアツいらしい。 しかし、わざわざこんな海の上まで来てバトルしなくてもいいのに……。 カナヅチなんだから。 "

"One photo from the investigator has been sent. Apparently, it seems maritime plant for oil drilling. Battle over the space of the top is seems hot. However, it is ...... and I wish even without battle to come all the way to the top of this sea. Because hammer that do."

 

[ugoo18]

New Tweet, Guys!

*back to direct hype train

Is it just me or has this improved visually a lot more than i expected it to.

 

[KingSnake]

I like this map, it looks really complex, with different heights and a lot of hiding places.

And it looks like graphics are improved, indeed, but that's to be expected from a Nintendo game closer to the release.

 

[Aostia]

I like this map, it looks really complex, with different heights and a lot of hiding places.

And it looks like graphics are improved, indeed, but that's to be expected from a Nintendo game closer to the release.

yep
I wonder if people will be concerned forever about pre-release Nintendo footages ;p

 

[ugoo18]

I like this map, it looks really complex, with different heights and a lot of hiding places.

And it looks like graphics are improved, indeed, but that's to be expected from a Nintendo game closer to the release.

Oh i expected it to improve visually but that last screenshot is actually a pretty suprising jump overall to me lol.

 

[abstract alien]

This is going to look so crisp at 60fps. Damn I can't wait to see it in person.

 

[delaneya]

So far this is one of my most anticipated games. I just hope its going to be a success with a decent online community.

From the screenshots and the videos we have seen the game looks very visually appealing to me. cannot wait to see more. Hoping there will be a splatoon amiibo. Would buy that in a second.

 

[Jintor]

"調査員から１枚の写真が送られてきた。 見たところ、石油採掘のための海上プラントのようだ。 頂上のスペースをめぐるバトルがアツいらしい。 しかし、わざわざこんな海の上まで来てバトルしなくてもいいのに……。 カナヅチなんだから。 "

"One photo from the investigator has been sent. Apparently, it seems maritime plant for oil drilling. Battle over the space of the top is seems hot. However, it is ...... and I wish even without battle to come all the way to the top of this sea. Because hammer that do."

"We've received a photo from our investigator. Apparently, it's some kind of oil rig. (lit: "oil-mining-purpose maritime-plant appearance"). Seems like rolling battles occur over the top spot. However, fighting from sea level isn't a great idea... they're bad swimmers, see?"

Those last two sentences were giving me a lot of trouble. I think that's what it means, but I'm not certain.

 

[thesuperfunk]

Snake's gonna be pissed when he finds out what they did to Motherbase!

 

[vypek]

Is it just me or has this improved visually a lot more than i expected it to.

Not just you. Looks way better than what I had expected

 

[Boss Doggie]

Yeah that's definitely a TF2 arena.

 

[KingSnake]

Also the comment is interesting and linked with the previous tweet. I guess this map has an area where you can shoot the enemy over board. I wonder what would be the difference compared to the normal kill.

 

[Stilton Disco]

I've been trying to keep relatively spoiler free, so this is the first time I've checked this thread since well before Christmas, and gods damn but those are some gorgeous screenshots!

Also was not expecting the more realistic looking outside environments, really beautiful, and a great contrast to the more cartoony stuff I've seen previously. As for that texture work on the latest oil rig screenshot, bloody hell but that's good! Nintendo really are giving this the VIP treatment!

Well, better duck out again, but man has this quick glance got me excited all over again for this!

 

[The_Poet]

Game looks OK. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a vapid 15 minutes of fun type thing.

 

[Kandinsky]

The visuals are kinda dissapointing, and from the latest pic you can see the annoying and ugly bloom from WWHD is back :/

 

[Mermandala]

That Daruma face on the tarp is giving off a serious Majora's Mask Moon vibe.

 

[-Horizon-]

That is one good looking stage.