Splatoon 3

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 54 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Splatoon 3 Game Cover
Splatoon 3 isn't the most exciting release on the calendar, but it is the best the game has been. As a standalone game it's a rip-roaring success, and perhaps the game that fans wanted all along.
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"Splatoon 3" is a comedy shooter game for Nintendo Switch, featuring 2-player, multi-player, co-op, and single-player options. The game takes place in the sun-scorched Splatlands, where you can battle in new stages, use fresh moves like squid surge, and experiment with new and modified weapons. Get ready to ink your way to victory in this exciting sequel.

  • Nintendo Switch
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 54 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
  • Splatoon 3 offers a variety of modes, catering to both PvP and PvE players, making it enjoyable for everyone.
  • The game features an engaging single-player campaign with diverse challenges and a visually appealing aesthetic.
  • Quality-of-life improvements and customization options enhance the overall gameplay experience.
  • Frequent connection issues and disconnects in multiplayer can be frustrating and hinder progression.
  • Some players may find the game too similar to Splatoon 2, lacking significant new content or features.
  • The single-player campaign suffers from a lack of enemy variety, making some levels feel repetitive.
  • gameplay18 mentions

    Splatoon 3 delivers refined gameplay that builds on its established paint-based mechanics, offering a polished single-player campaign with diverse challenges and engaging multiplayer modes enhanced by new maps and traversal tools. The game features a variety of modes, including the enjoyable Tableturf Battle, while maintaining a balance of familiar and new elements, though some players desire more content and unique mechanics. Overall, it is praised for its engaging and vibrant gameplay experience, making it a standout entry in the series.

    • “Splatoon 3 may be the series’ best entry yet, featuring some nice gameplay tweaks and new weaponry, an expanded and polished story mode, and more launch content than its predecessors.”
    • “Even more colorful, engaging, and eccentric than ever before, Splatoon 3 is bringing the same highly amusing casual and competitive fun of Splatoon's unique paint-based versus gameplay and polishes it closer to perfection, like topping up some old decorations with a fresh coat of paint.”
    • “Blending fun territories and weapons with easily accessible features, a variety of gameplay modes, and a solid solo offering, this installment makes for the kind of game that does the Splatoon name proud.”
    • “Customization not weird enough, core gameplay very familiar, motion controls extraneous.”
    • “Could use even more content and gameplay mechanics to help set it apart; currently has some minor balance and rubber-banding issues.”
    • “The quality-of-life improvements to the multiplayer were so needed, bringing the game closer to the current modern age of online gameplay.”
  • story14 mentions

    The story mode in Splatoon 3 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its improvements and engaging campaign, while others criticize the lack of enemy variety and depth compared to previous entries. Although the new weapons and customization options are well-received, some players feel that the overall narrative experience remains basic and not as compelling as the Octo Expansion. Overall, while the story mode offers a fresh take and enjoyable gameplay, it may not fully satisfy returning fans looking for more substantial content.

    • “Splatoon 3 may be the series’ best entry yet, featuring some nice gameplay tweaks and new weaponry, an expanded and polished story mode, and more launch content than its predecessors.”
    • “Engaging story and fun campaign mode, balanced weapons and enemies, more accessible salmon run, a better lobby in online mode, the gameplay is fine-tuned to perfection.”
    • “Splatoon 3’s campaign features a fresh take on an open hub world design, mixing in short but satisfying missions to let you experiment with different weapons and abilities.”
    • “The story mode is still pretty basic and not as strong as the Octo Expansion. There are no new ranked modes at launch, and there might not be enough new content at launch for casual returning fans.”
    • “The story mode is an improvement from the previous two entries, but it still doesn't reach top-tier Nintendo standards. Not a lot was actually added to Salmon Run, and there are no standout new modes or features.”
    • “The lack of enemy variety in the story campaign feels samey, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • graphics4 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their vibrant aesthetic and engaging visual design, which enhance both the single-player campaign and multiplayer modes. While some players note that the visuals are similar to those in Splatoon 2, the overall presentation, combined with a captivating soundtrack, contributes to an enjoyable gaming experience. Quality-of-life improvements and a strong core concept further elevate the visual appeal, making it accessible and appealing to a broad audience.

    • “The visuals and music are an absolute delight.”
    • “Strong aesthetic and soundtrack; incredibly brilliant core concept executed to near perfection.”
    • “Filled with a lot of content at launch, with a surprisingly strong campaign.”
    • “The visuals are almost the same as Splatoon 2.”
    • “Communication errors still exist.”
  • music3 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its strong aesthetic and engaging soundtrack, enhancing the overall experience across various modes, including the single-player campaign and multiplayer options. Reviewers highlight the music as a delightful complement to the game's visuals, contributing to its addictive and enjoyable gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant asset that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned players alike.

    • “The visuals and music are an absolute delight.”
    • “Strong aesthetic and soundtrack; incredibly brilliant core concept executed to near perfection.”
    • “Filled with a lot of content at launch, including a surprisingly strong campaign.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its slick performance and visual appeal, particularly in the new campaign and gameplay features. However, some users noted inconsistencies in performance and a lack of fresh ideas.

    • “Return of the Mammalians is another excellent campaign, featuring fantastic new maps, weapons, and gameplay additions in Squid Surge and Squid Roll. The reinvigorated Splatfests are a blast, and the new and improved permanent Salmon Run offers a visual marvel and slick performance.”
    • “Few new ideas, inconsistent performance.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    Splatoon 3 is praised as a premium product in a gaming landscape often dominated by battle passes and microtransactions, marking a high point for the series despite not being revolutionary in its monetization approach.

    • “While it might not be groundbreaking, Splatoon 3 is nonetheless a high watermark for the series and is a welcome premium product in the era of battle passes and microtransactions.”
    • “While it might not be groundbreaking, Splatoon 3 is nonetheless a high watermark for the series, and is a welcome premium product in the era of battle passes and microtransactions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

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