Splatoon 3 is an Odd Love Letter to Super Mario Sunshine, Galaxy

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The Splatoon franchise is a lot of things, though few would describe it as being similar to Super Mario Bros. These two franchises occupy separate ends of Nintendo's franchise list, with Mario being one of the oldest and most prestigious IPs in the gaming industry, while Splatoon is the new hotness that is built for younger Nintendo fans. Splatoon 3 continues 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 and Rabbids-focused spin-off, Splatoon 3 has made sure that he’s still relevant in the public’s thoughts. The game is hiding some surprising references to Mario's 3D efforts, most of them dripping with reverence for the older games. Super Mario Sunshine and the Super Mario Galaxy titles seem to be particular targets of adoration, although explaining how will involve discussing SPOILERS FOR SPLATOON 3.

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In a way, Splatoon 3 feels like the sequel to Super 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 the Splatoon trilogy played a lot of Mario Sunshine a 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 across