Nintendo’s colour shooter impresses on the Switch console with numerous improvements implemented as lessons learned from the past.
For more than seven years now, the world of Splatoon has existed. In May 2015, the now well-known franchise took off as a secret star – despite the Wii U console being declared a “flop”. Since 9 September 2022, things have been going wild again with Splatoon 3.
But why should the third part of the colourful third-person shooter still set new standards on the Nintendo Switch? The answer is simple: the development team has managed to combine the best of each of the two predecessors and add brand new elements. Thanks to some specific content, Splatoon 3 has what it takes to become a successful recreational hit and esport title.
Although the gameplay remains the same, Splatoon 3 feels refreshingly new. Not only do the graphics look richer, but the overall animations have also been renewed, characterised by lively dances and facial expressions. In addition, many little things have been improved or problems from the predecessors have been eradicated.
Quality Update – The Little Things Count
“Skip the News!” How many times has this not been demanded because of the unnecessary time spent on announcements about map rotations every time the game starts. Professionals and casual gamers have been upset about this since day 1. But with Splatoon 3, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. Finally! A simple press of the left analogue stick takes you straight to the Splatsville square, while the news continues in the left corner.
Quick favourite selection: Different equipment is usually always needed with each weapon. But the trousers, shirt and headgear always had to be changed manually. Annoying! That too is now a thing of the past with the “Save Styles” function. Simply add the matching clothes to your favourite weapon and note this combination in the styles. Voilà! Now it is possible to change a set super fast.
The variety of different rank battles is also a clear improvement. Besides an anarchy fight, there is also a whole series where five victories are the goal. So there are always two different modes to choose from, each with two different maps. So if you don’t like the current mode and map rotation of one of them, just switch to the other one.
In addition, the ranked battle mode “Operation Goldfish” has become fairer. To win the game with a knockout, the goldfish gun must first be placed on two bases. These serve as checkpoints, renew the barrier of the object again and thus take out speed.
Thus, it is no longer possible to rush straight through to the goal. Especially with complete team wipeouts, it often happened that the match was over in a matter of seconds. Speaking of wipeouts: When all four team members have been eliminated and sent back to the spawn, a corresponding message appears in the centre of the screen. Those who want to watch specific matches again can use the brand new replay function. This helps newcomers in particular to analyse their gameplay and thus improve.
In addition, the dull waiting time in the lobby is over when a match is created. To warm up, standing and moving dummies can be shot at. This is a good time to work on your aiming accuracy and fine-tune your special skills. Even the digital card game “turf decks” has been introduced as a mini-game to provide variety to the classic style of play.
Great selection of new weapons, modes and maps
There are a whopping twelve maps to choose from at release – in the predecessors there were only five each. Five maps are new in Splatoon 3, which bring further freshness to the game alongside reworked maps from the other titles.
With the Tri-Stinger as well as the Splatana, two new weapon types have also been introduced. Thus, the arsenal between blobs, sloshing and co. is even more varied. In contrast to Splatoon 1 and 2, there are also some new special abilities. While the potion tank serves as a support for more speed, the shark hammer is an explosive offensive option.
New moves like the squid roll bring tactical expansion to the gameplay. Especially for ambitious players this option is important to be mastered for competitions. On the subject of competitions: Pure immortality skills no longer exist! In the past, these were the Bubbler, Kraken or Armor – for many extremely annoying and sometimes unfair. This fact also makes the system in Splatoon 3 so different and dynamic, because you can no longer feel safe.
Witty story for solo and adapted Salmon Run for co-op
The story mode “Return of the Mammalians” is equipped with new elements and convinces with familiar wordplay. It is particularly suitable for beginners to get to grips with the controls. It is always advisable to familiarise yourself with the motion controls. Those who have mastered them will get the most out of the gameplay as usual.
As agent number 3, it’s off to a new battle against the Octarians. In the process, the mysteries of Alterna must be solved as well as the origin of a dangerous substance that becomes a hairy affair.
Of course, the Salmon Run can’t be missing either, which was already groundbreaking in Splatoon 2 as a co-op mode. The bear company is thus back with new nasty bosses and challenges that you have to master during your “work”. All kinds of rewards await you for your equipment in multiplayer and special awards. Once again a welcome change in addition to turf and rank battles.
First Splatfest after release
Special events are known for Splatoon: Splatfests. From 24 to 26 September, the first Splatfest after the release of Splatoon 3 will take place. Here there is the decision between three things you would take with you to a desert island: Tools, food or fun. Above all, the wild three-way battles for territory revive the tradition that has been continued since the original title. Even a few weeks before the release, the first Splatfest was held in the test phase: “What’s best? Rock, paper or scissors? “
SRL checking in-were you floored by the Splatfest announcement? Rest assured that we are diligently researching what WE would bring to a deserted island! Regardless of your choice, clear your calendar now for Friday, 9/23 starting at 5 PM PT through Sunday, 9/25 at 5 PM PT. pic.twitter.com/ysohezqi5i
– Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) September 13, 2022
In Japan in particular, Splatoon 3 is meeting with early euphoria. After the first three days, almost 3.5 million copies of the game have already been sold in the “motherland” of Splatoon – a record for Switch games. Because the colour shooter is known for regular updates with fresh changes, this is also expected for Splatoon 3. So this is just the beginning with a solid foundation in terms of gameplay, mode variation and fun for everyone.
