Splatoon
- May 28, 2015
- Nintendo
There are a few drawbacks and limitations, but Splatoon’s frantic and addicting gameplay is a blast. This is Nintendo’s best new IP in years.
Splatoon is a Sci-Fi third-person shooter game exclusive to the Wii U, featuring ink-spewing, squid-like characters called Inklings. The objective is to cover the turf with your team's color while defeating opponents in chaotic four-on-four matches. The game offers multiplayer and co-op modes, allowing you to challenge friends or play solo, with a focus on strategically submerging in your team's colors for added advantage.
Reviews
- Splatoon offers a fresh and unique take on the shooter genre, emphasizing colorful fun over violence.
- The gameplay is addictive and engaging, with a variety of modes and a vibrant aesthetic that enhances the experience.
- The single-player campaign is inventive and enjoyable, providing a nice balance to the multiplayer focus.
- The game suffers from a lack of content, with limited maps and modes that can feel repetitive.
- There are significant online communication limitations, such as the absence of voice chat and poor lobby systems.
- Some content is locked behind amiibo, which can be frustrating for players wanting to access all features.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by its engaging and frantic mechanics, offering a unique blend of accessibility and depth that encourages strategic thinking. Players enjoy a variety of modes, intuitive controls, and a vibrant aesthetic, all while experiencing smooth online play and a satisfying core mechanic. Despite some minor drawbacks, the overall experience is described as joyous and addictive, making it a standout in the multiplayer shooter genre.
“Splatoon's frantic and addicting gameplay is a blast.”
“An engaging and fresh approach to online multiplayer, with a core ink-splatting mechanic that is satisfying and fun, working in tandem with squid transformation.”
“Ingenious game mechanics, vibrant graphics, and an inventive single-player campaign make for accessible yet deep gameplay.”
“Deceptively simple and accessible gameplay disguises higher-level strategizing.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate its colorful and uplifting environment that encourages unique movement and engagement, others criticize odd online choices and sound mixing that detract from the experience, particularly in single-player mode.
“Proves shooters don't have to be violent to be engaging.”
“Employs one of the most unique movement mechanics around.”
“The colorful atmosphere lifts you up rather than weighing you down.”
“Loses atmosphere in single player due to bizarre sound mixing.”
“Annoying map circulation detracts from the overall atmosphere.”
“Odd online choices, such as lack of voice chat and inability to leave lobbies, negatively impact the atmosphere.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their vibrancy, enhancing the overall visual experience of the game. Players appreciate the inventive design that complements the ingenious game mechanics and the engaging single-player campaign. Overall, the visuals contribute to an accessible yet deep gaming experience.
“The vibrant graphics truly bring the game world to life, making every scene a visual delight.”
“The ingenious game mechanics are complemented by stunning visuals that enhance the overall experience.”
“The inventive single-player campaign is beautifully illustrated with graphics that are both immersive and captivating.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be lacking in variety, particularly noting that it can feel tedious during the early stages.
“The game lacks variety and can feel grindy in the early stages.”
“Grinding becomes tedious after a while, making the experience feel repetitive.”
“The constant need to grind for resources detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its great soundtrack, which complements the fast and competitive gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, players appreciate the multiple options available for music selection, allowing for a personalized auditory experience.
“The fast and competitive gameplay is perfectly complemented by a great soundtrack that keeps you engaged.”
“The multiple options of play are enhanced by an incredible variety of music that sets the perfect tone for each level.”
“The soundtrack is not only catchy but also elevates the overall gaming experience, making every moment feel epic.”
Critic Reviews
You’re A Squid Now, You’re A Kid Now
Splatoon is the best game on the Wii U.
90%Splatoon review
Splatoon is a brilliant and unique shooter sorely lacking in maps and modes, and it desperately needs a refill.
70%Ink-redible -- Splatoon review
There are a few drawbacks and limitations, but Splatoon’s frantic and addicting gameplay is a blast. This is Nintendo’s best new IP in years.
90%