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The third opus of the colorful TPS came out with its share of novelties, as timid as they are. If the presence of a more greedy solo mode is appreciable, the multiplayer is content to serve the same recipe, with a few exceptions, as underlined gamekult.
Splatoon 3, the colorful shooter. © Nintendo
It’s been five years since Nintendo colored the Switch with its flagship shooter. If this third opus intends to break the longevity record of its predecessor, it must be at least more generous. It would seem, however, that Nintendo decided to refresh the facade that needed it the least. Whether Splatoon 2 already had an interesting single-player mode, its little brother offers a more enticing campaign, with its narrative framework pushing us to fight against a strange exterminating substance. It will then be necessary to advance from level to level with strategy by adapting its arsenal, the opportunity to test the different weapons that we will have the joy of finding in multiplayer. The single player mode proves capable of delighting neophytes thanks to its simple gameplay and its not very punitive errors, just like the most relentless of the trigger who will be able, without worry, to get 100%.
Nintendo no longer has to prove its ability to make good single player mode. © Nintendo
And if the boss fights, with the three classic phases to which Nintendo has accustomed us, sometimes come to complicate the adventure, the number of attempts to cross it can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Well proportioned and without length, certain levels, on the other hand, give the impression of a teaser for an upcoming “Splatoon Maker” game, both by their voids and juxtapositions of awkward blocks, as Gamekult points out. It is not these half-dozen hours of offline play that will elevate this TPS to the rank of masterpiece, but its adrenaline-splashing multiplayer mode. Alas, when you scratch a little, the paint flakes off.
Deja vu-like multiplayer © Nintendo
Once the different weapons are in your hands, it’s time to face the world. And in view of the recycling that Nintendo offers (again), there is no doubt that the propelled paint is eco-responsible. The classic “Territory War” will dominate the majority of the first games since it is a mandatory step to access the other game modes. must be unlocked, when possible, somewhat randomly, as experienced gamekult.
Fortunately for the Japanese firm that their bases remain unshakable, since the Splatoon DNA with its colorful clashes in a level design blameless persists. To add some depth, Nintendo has implemented an impressive two new moves: the wave surge and the squid spin. The same goes for the arsenal which includes a Transpiercer and an Eclatana, a precise bow and a weapon for close combat.
Splatoon 3 displays a flagrant lack of risk-taking, but allows aficionados as neophytes not to be too lost. Hoping that the alterations and additions of the two years of regular updates, as well as the confirmed arrival of new content, can make this new opus brilliant. Find Gamekult’s article here for a more detailed and comprehensive review.