Splatoon 3continues the series' tradition of featuring idol groups as event hosts, and the upcoming DLC provides the perfect reason for said groups to have a crossover. While the new idol group Deep Cut has proven to be an excellent successor to the past duos in terms of hosting the game’s updates and Splatfests, it’s not difficult to see how fans of the series' previous idol groups could be disappointed by their greatly decreased presence. Thankfully, recent announcements have given hope that past idols could get a bigger role inSplatoon 3’s near future.
EverySplatoongame thus far has been hosted by an idol group, withSplatoon 3’s trio Deep Cutbeing the latest. In the originalSplatoon, The Squid Sisters, Callie and Marie, held the role. ComeSplatoon 2, The duo of Off The Hook, consisting of Inkling rapper Pearl and Octoling vocalist Marina took the role, although The Squid Sisters still played a role in the game’s plot. ComeSplatoon 3, Deep Cut are the new hosts, with Octoling Shiver, Inkling Frye, and manta ray Big Man. However, while The Squid Sisters once again get a role in the storyline, Off The Hook members are disappointingly left out ofSplatoon 3’s festivities.
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Splatoon 3’s DLC Could Finally See all Idol Groups Together for a Splatfest
Despite the previous idol groups being out of focus, theannouncement ofSplatoon 3’s planned DLCis a sign that could change. Both expansions mentioned include content that features one of the two past groups. The first part of the expansion pass brings back Inkopolis from the first game. In addition to the familiar location, the Squid Sisters will perform concerts there during Splatfests, similar to Deep Cut’s own performances in the main hub. The second expansion, Side Order, is a new story campaign seemingly featuring Pearl and Marina from Off The Hook, seeing their return after being off the radar sinceSplatoon 3’s release.
Depending on how the expansion ends up playing out, it’s possible that followingSplatoon 3’s story DLC Side Order, all three of the series' idol groups could finally be active at the same time. The most obvious advantage of this would be all three groups being capable of providing their performances during Splatfests, which would likely be loved by fans of the previous games. However, this could also open a bigger opportunity by allowing the idol groups to collaborate together. As all three groups have different styles, mixing them together could prove interesting. It’s something the series has yet to try, so it would be worth a shot.
The clearest way that such a collaboration between the groups could take place is for one ofSplatoon 3’s improved Tricolor Turf War Splatfeststo feature all three in a concert. Granted, it would likely have to take place at a special Splatfest rather than replacing all performances in order to let the original concerts continue as well. In addition, with three separate groups, there are a few different combinations for the groups to work in. Perhaps there could be Splatfests where the final Turf War results could lead to certain idol groups performing a concert together for a day or two afterward, among other possibilities.
The idol groups are one ofSplatoon’s most iconic features, andSplatoon 3could soon have musical performances from all three at its disposal. In addition to thelore coming fromSplatoon 3’s expansions, having crossover concerts with the three groups would be a worthy celebration of the series' history. Such an event would be a spectacle for newer players to enjoy, while also acting as a reward for longtime fans who have played the games since the beginning. WhileSplatoon’s concerts are always fun, a collaboration inSplatoon 3could be its greatest event yet.
Splatoon 3is available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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