The Squid Research Lab can confirm that Inkopolis Plaza is no longer the central hub of Inkling culture. Apparently a new location within Inkopolis known as “Inkopolis Square” is now the most popular area for young Inklings. Many new businesses have opened shop in Inkopolis Square, and it is only two subway stations away from Inkopolis Plaza. We at the Squid Research Lab were surprised to learn that the center of Inkling culture has changed locations in such a short amount of time, but perhaps there is something to be learned about the Inkling way of life in all this. Or maybe we’re just thinking about it too hard.
We have found photographic evidence of one of the new battle stages in Splatoon 2. Inklings call this new area “The Reef”, presumably because it’s a popular area to hang out when it’s not being used for Turf War. The Reef is located a few blocks from Inkopolis Square, and it’s home to some of the most popular boutique shops in the city.
Our research indicates that the mid-battle stage map has changed a bit. Apparently Inklings can press the X Button to view the map at any time during a battle. Once the map is open, they can then press the directional buttons and the A Button to Super Jump to a teammate. Each teammate is assigned to a different directional button, as is the spawn point. The map also features a cursor that can be moved by tilting the controller.
The top of the screen now displays every weapon and when they have their special ready. In Splatoon 1 you could technically tell which weapon is alive and dead a time if you're really observant, because each squid at the top of the screen corresponds to what order the Inklings appear in on the spawn point at the beginning of the game, but now being able to just see what weapons are active or dead and which have their specials ready to use is really nice