Pearl and Marina Debut

Lore & Background

As the successors to Callie and Marie, Pearl and Marina brought a distinct dynamic to the airwaves. Pearl is characterized by her boundless energy and loud personality, often acting as the hype force during chaotic broadcasts. In contrast, Marina radiates a cool, collected demeanor, frequently providing grounded commentary and technical expertise. Their presence in Inkopolis Square was initially mysterious regarding their pasts. While they operated openly as idols releasing music tracks and hosting news segments, lore uncovered early in Splatoon 2's main story mode (Octo Canyon) confirmed that Marina is an Octoling who defected from the Octarian army, while Pearl is an Inkling through and through. This duality added significant tension to their role, as they navigated Inkling society while Marina secretly aided the resistance against the Octarians.

In Their Own Story

The studio lights hummed with a low electric buzz as Pearl adjusted her microphone stand, checking the ink levels on her wrist. Marina bounced in from the side stage, clutching a stack of cue cards that shimmered under the neon signs. The countdown clock ticked down to zero, casting a red glow across their faces. Pearl caught Marina's eye and gave a subtle nod; they were ready. Outside the glass walls, the city of Inkopolis waited for its daily dose of information and entertainment. They didn't know how long the disguise would hold, but tonight, they were just anchors delivering the news to a world that needed hope.

Reader's Guide

The duo first appeared during the opening cinematic of the second main installment, immediately establishing themselves as the new faces of Inkopolis News. They replaced the previous anchors to bring a fresh perspective to the turf wars and cultural updates of the region. Throughout the campaign, they provided commentary on major events while maintaining their idol personas through music releases. Their narrative took a significant turn during the additional expansion content where their true origins were finally uncovered. It was revealed that both characters are actually Octolings disguised as Inklings, working undercover within human society. This revelation recontextualized their broadcasts and explained their unique perspective on the conflict between species. Despite this secret, they continued to support the resistance efforts from within Inkopolis Square. Their debut arc remains a pivotal moment in franchise history, bridging the gap between the original story and the expanded lore of the Octarian underground. They successfully balanced their public duties with covert operations against the true enemy. This duality defined their character arcs for years following their introduction. The transition from simple news readers to key figures in the species conflict marked a major evolution in how the world perceived them.

Did You Know?

• Both characters release original songs that play during specific game modes and menus.
• Marina is physically taller than Pearl, reflecting her older-sister dynamic.
• Marina's true Octoling identity is revealed early in Splatoon 2's main story mode (Octo Canyon), not only in the Octo Expansion DLC.

Conception and Creative Origins

Pearl and Marina were conceived by Nintendo artist Rina Honda specifically for Splatoon 2, designed to serve as the new resident idols of Inkopolis. Unlike their predecessors, the Squid Sisters, series producer Hisashi Nogami intended this duo to possess a stronger sense of unity, emphasizing that their musical talents truly shine only when they perform together. The characters represent an interspecies bond between Pearl, an Inkling, and Marina, an Octoling, reflecting a deeper interpersonal connection within the game's narrative. Their creation involved voice actresses Rina Itou and Alice Peralta, who auditioned without knowing the specific project, relying solely on character illustrations for context. During production, the actresses faced unique challenges, particularly in mastering the fictional "squid language" used throughout the series. Itou received abstract direction to portray Pearl's rap-inspired vocals by acting like a spoiled child, adding layers of complexity to her arrogant persona. The development team aimed to create a dynamic where both characters felt distinct yet inseparable, setting the stage for their role as the face of the franchise's second entry.

Backstories and Formation

The origins of Off the Hook are rooted in Marina's dramatic departure from her life as an elite Octarian soldier. Born into the subterranean Octarian society, Marina was a prodigious weapons designer who underwent rigorous military training from childhood, eventually achieving celebrity status among her peers alongside her friend Acht. Her life changed irrevocably upon hearing the Squid Sisters' song "Calamari Inkantation," which inspired her to desert the army and escape to the surface world. There, she encountered Pearl on a secluded mountain while the latter was practicing her deafening vocals. After listening to Marina's work-in-progress demo of a track titled "Ebb and Flow," Pearl immediately agreed to form a band with her. This meeting led to the establishment of Off the Hook, prompting both characters to relocate to Inkopolis to pursue their careers as pop idols and news broadcasters.

In-Game Roles and Appearances

Within the Splatoon universe, Pearl and Marina function as the primary hosts for the Inkopolis News broadcast in Splatoon 2, informing players of stage rotations during competitive modes. They also play pivotal roles during Splatfests, where they champion opposing teams; notably, in the final event "Chaos vs. Order," Pearl backed Team Chaos while Marina supported Team Order. Their narrative presence extends into downloadable content, including the Octo Expansion, where they assist Agent 8 navigating a deep-sea metro system. In this expansion, Marina utilizes her technical expertise to bypass security challenges for the player, and both characters aid in defeating Commander Tartar. In Splatoon 3, they initially appeared as vocalists for Damp Socks before reuniting with rival group Deep Cut to co-create "Suffer No Fools." They later became protagonists in the Side Order expansion, guiding Agent 8 through a virtual world while endorsing Team Present during the Grand Festival.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Since their debut, Pearl and Marina have garnered generally positive reception for their distinct chemistry and contrasting personalities. While Marina was widely embraced by fans and critics alike for her cheerful disposition, particularly during virtual Splatfests, Pearl's arrogant attitude initially received mixed reactions before undergoing a significant reappraisal over time. The duo successfully transitioned beyond the game screen, performing in real-world virtual concerts that highlighted their musical capabilities. Their popularity extended into other media franchises, notably appearing as a collectible item in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Voice actresses Rina Itou and Alice Peralta were praised for their ability to convey the unique energy of the characters despite the linguistic challenges posed by the game's fictional dialect. Ultimately, Off the Hook established themselves as fan favorites, cementing their legacy as integral figures in the Splatoon series' evolving cultural footprint.