With this game, Nintendo reinvented online shooters, bringing fun and humour to an often enraging genre. Hyrule and the Mushroom Kingdom were inventive (but creatively safer) pastures. Even eight years after release, you can still find an online multiplayer match thanks to the Wii U original’s underlying qualities. Splatoon got so much right at first try that its sequels – Splatoon 2 and now Splatoon 3 – have been criticized as glorified expansion packs. That’s rich talk in a world where video games like Call of Duty and FIFA are released every year. The proliferation of service games and battle royales makes Splatoon 3 stand out. Not just because it’s Day-Glo Jackson Pollock.
As with its predecessors, Splatoon 3 follows a gameplay loop. Ink can be spread across the playfield with weapons like guns, brushes, rollers, and buckets. When you cover the floor in lurid glistening goo, you can submerge and swim in it. This replenishes your ammo, so you can spread more ink. It’s got a great cycle of movement, combat, and stealth. Online multiplayer is another generous feature of the game. In Turf War, teams compete to paint as much of the arena in their team color as possible. Mincemeat Metalworks is the best new map, with a Mad Max vibe. Other modes include Rainmaker and Tower Control, plus the fan-favorite Salmon Run horde mode.
There’s also a lengthy single-player campaign. It’s an introduction to the game’s weapons and abilities through a series of obstacle courses and boss battles that are almost as good as Super Mario. Those who love Splatoon lore – and there are a lot of them – will gradually uncover a crazy story about post-apocalyptic, ink-splatting earth through single-player. So far, so good. In terms of polish and usability, Splatoon 3 stands out. Take the lobby, for instance. Splatoon 2’s menu has evolved into a full-featured training area where you can practice for matches. Salmon Run is now available 24/7, instead of only during certain hours.
A paltry two new weapons – the bow-like Tri-Stinger and window wiper Splatana – might seem stingy, but they’re thoughtful and balanced additions to an armoury that already supports a range of play styles depending on whether you like to hit your opponents or cover your inks. Especially in the new maps, the new Squid Surge and Squid Roll moves have a big impact. As usual, the experience blends Day-Glo street fashion with punk fish fetishism. Fresh, squelchy, sometimes gross. Fans of Splatoon love the game’s fashion and gear just as much as the combat. I’m glad Nintendo stuck with its splattershots and didn’t nickel and dime the experience. With the new customisable locker feature, you can show off your hard-earned trinkets to friends and foes alike.
Visually, those threads look better than ever. Especially on a Nintendo Switch OLED model, Splatoon 3 is brighter and shiner. Despite the increased visual punch, all games run at 60 frames per second. I wouldn’t say Splatoon 3 is a reinvention, but it’s not a criticism; it’s more than enough to warrant a new number in the series. This splat and polish – along with Splatfest events – will reenergize the community. With stellar first-week sales, Splatoon firmly establishes itself as Nintendo’s top franchise.
