This is our review and rating of Splatoon 3 which was released last September 9th. We were able to play Hero Mode, try out the new weapon types, duel against other teams in multiplayer battles, and compete in Turf Wars. Read on to hear our views, thoughts, and impressions of what Splatoon 3 has to offer.
List of Contents
Overall Score for Splatoon 3 | ||
---|---|---|
47/60 | ||
Weapon Variety | Stage Variety | Hero Mode |
8/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 |
Tableturf Battles | Multiplayer Experience | UI and Game Navigation |
7/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Comprehensive Evaluation |
---|
The ratings on each category are decided by the Game8 Splatoon Team. The evaluation is rated from 10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. Weapon Variety: Overall Weapon & Special Weapon Stats Balance. Fun to Use. Easy for Newcomers to Adapt to. Stage Variety: New and Returning Stages - Environment Details & Aesthetics Hero Mode: Hero Mode Level Design Tableturf Battle: Gameplay Mechanics Multiplayer Experience: Connection Stability and Matchmaking Quality UI and Game Navigation: New Features & Comfortability |
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Splatoon's gameplay is easy enough to dive into that beginners and veterans alike are sure to have a fun time. As the third iteration of the Splatoon series, the mechanics have been fine tuned to be better each time. Splatoon 3 seems to have hit a good balance between different weapon types and specials.
New mechanics also make their debut including the Squid Surge and the Squid Roll. These are just some of the new features that came with the full version of Splatoon 3.
Tips and Tricks: Beginner's Guide to Splatoon
While inking is primarily done with your main weapon, Specials allow for additional ways of spicing up the battlefield. There's a good selection of offensive, defensive, and utility specials that all help your team in their own way.
All Specials: How to Use Special Weapons
Splatoon 3 offers over 50 weapon combinations including the new special weapons in the full version of the game for you battle it out on the multiplayer battlefield.
Splatoon 3 offers dozens of weapons for players to try out, with most of them being returning weapons from previous entries in the series. However, two of the newer weapons made available include the Splatana and the Stringer weapon types.
Each of these weapons carve out a new category of weapons and their playstyles feel unique enough to stand out against the other weapons. However, that being said, they both have a pretty high skill floor to use masterfully.
New Weapons | Splatana | |
---|---|---|
Splatana Wiper | Splatana Stamper | |
Stringer | ||
Tri-Stringer | REEF LUX 450 |
One of the biggest draws for Splatoon 3, is its new take on Turf Wars where three teams fight for territory instead of two. This felt like a pretty exciting twist from what we've come to expect.
Having three teams spread color on the map makes it feel a bit cramped, but also is part of what makes it exciting. It becomes a chaotic balancing act of suppressing the leading team, while also trying to secure the Ultra Signal for maximum coverage.
Turf War: Rules and How to Play
The games menus are a treat to navigate due to their simplicity and clarity. You can easily understand what each section is for, and even fast-travelling between shops and other locations can be done in a few button presses. Get in and out of battles, stores, and other locations in no time!
A welcome addition to Splatoon 3 is the ability to practice and try out different weapons at the Test Range. This can help develop some confidence with a weapon choice before setting out to battle. There are enough variations of terrain, grates, slopes, and even battle dummies to practice against.
The stages made available were mostly long and narrow stages where parties would start from either side. This led to many matches being a straightforward confrontation between the two teams without a lot of areas to ink away from the action. Hopefully there will be more stage variations of layout, and size.
All Stages: New and Returning Maps
Probably the biggest frustration during multiplayer game modes was getting into and staying in battles. Our team has experienced a lot of difficulty connecting to matches or even playing full matches out without getting disconnected. Here's hoping that servers will be better equipped at launch.
One of the biggest things that stands out from Splatoon 3 is how it is still unmistakeably and undeniably iconic in its aesthetic and music. The Splatoon series is always oozing of personality and its colorful visuals, and fire soundtrack is sure to keep you hyped and engaged for every battle you'll go through.
Beginners and Experienced Players alike are sure to get a kick out of the newest and inkiest entry of the Splatoon Series. Any gamer who is a fan of fast-paced high-action multiplayer games is recommended to give the game a try!
In the main story of the game, you can see the return of the Squid Sisters from Splatoon 1. A fascinating moment for veterans of the first installment.
The levels in Hero Mode are challenging, interactive, and offers rewards by completing each level.
These rewards are used to strengthen your weapon arsenal.
Single Player Story Mode Walkthrough
The final boss of the game is a shocking turn of events and is a familiar figure for those who have played the previous installments of Splatoon.
Tableturf Battles is a puzzle card game that works similarly with Turf War. The objective of the game is to beat your opponent by placing the most blocks on the board, similar to inking the most areas in Turf War game mode.
NOTE: As of the game's release date, you can only play against CPU controlled opponents. Multiplayer Tableturf Battles will arrive soon!
The game mode has the thrill of building your own deck with a combination of different powers of the cards based on the number of block shapes it has which determines your overall presence on the board.
Tableturf Battle Card Game: Rewards and How to Play
As you progress through Tableturf Battles, you will unlock more opponents that will be tougher to beat. The opponents you will go head-on with are familiar faces around Splatsville.
Getting card packs are quite difficult as there are only a handful of ways to get them such as leveling up your Tableturf level, catalogs, and Alterna in Hero Mode.
All Cards and How to Unlock Them
Title | Splatoon 3 |
---|---|
Box Art | |
File Size | 6 GB |
Available Platforms | Nintendo Switch |
Genre | Action, Multiplayer |
Developer/Publisher | Nintendo |
ESRB Rating | Everyone 10+ |
Supported Languages | Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese |
Official Website | Splatoon 3 - North America |
Pokemon Splatfest Dates and Time
Updated 10/9/2022
Splatoon 3 is celebrating the upcoming release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet! Read on to learn the dates and time of the upcoming Pokemon Splatfest
Available Platforms
Updated 9/10/2022
Splatoon 3 will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on September 9, 2022!
Release Date Countdown
Updated 9/14/2022
Splatoon 3 will release on September 9, 2022. See more details on its release and a countdown to its release date!
Splatoon 3 Direct Summary
Updated 9/27/2022
The Splatoon 3 Direct will came out on August 10, 2022. See all the new features introduced in the direct!
Splatfest World Premiere Guide
Updated 8/31/2022
Splatfest World Premiere is a limited-time event available in the demo for Splatoon 3. Find out how to download the demo and all the contents included!
Pre-order Bonuses
Updated 9/7/2022
Several goodies are in store for those who are interested to pre-order Splatoon 3. Compare the different bonuses available in this guide!
Preload Guide
Updated 9/5/2022
Splatoon 3 is now available to preload. Learn how to prelaod the game from the Nintendo eshop, as well as other benefits!
Multiplayer Features
Updated 9/28/2022
Splatoon 3 will have several online and local multiplayer features available. See all the things you can do with other players in our guide!
New and Returning Features
Updated 9/11/2022
Splatoon 3 retains a lot of what fans loved from Splatoon 2 but also adds and improves on known features! Check out what's new!
amiibo Guide
Updated 10/11/2022
Learn how to scan amiibo at Splatsville and all the rewards you can claim!
Nintendo Treehouse Live Summary
Updated 8/26/2022
The Nintendo Treehouse: Live released on August 2022 showcased many of the upcoming features available in Splatoon 3. See a detailed summary in our guide!
Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED Model and Pro Controller
Updated 9/1/2022
A special edition Splatoon 3 NIntendo Switch OLED Model and Pro Controller are set to release in celebration of Splatoon 3. Learn its release date, price, pre-order guide and system features!
All Trailers and Gameplay Videos
Updated 9/1/2022
A number of trailers and gameplay videos have been released for Splatoon 3. Check them out to learn more about the inkoming game!
Splatoon 3 Review and Ratings
Updated 9/26/2022
Read our thoughts and opinions about Splatoon 3 in this review!
All Free Update Contents and Release Dates
Updated 9/5/2022
Check out all the free updates and contents coming to Splatoon 3!
SplatNet 3 Guide
Updated 10/5/2022
Check out where and when to download SplatNet 3!
Save Data Rewards and Benefits
Updated 10/3/2022
Check out the Rewards and Benefits from having a Splatoon 2 Save Data!
Will There Be DLC?
Updated 9/26/2022
Check out the possible DLCs coming to Splatoon 3!
Nintendo Server Maintenance
Updated 9/16/2022
See if Splatoon 3 is currently undergoing server maintenance and when Nintendo will get them back up!
Splatfest Results
Updated 9/26/2022
The most recent Splatfest has just finished and results are already in! Read on to learn who won the Splatfest.
Is Splatoon 3 the Last Game?
Updated 10/10/2022
Read our thoughts as to why Splatoon 3 is unlikely to be the last Splatoon game.
Splatoon 3 Sweepstakes Rewards?
Updated 10/10/2022
Read on to learn more about the My Nintendo Sweepstakes and the prizes you could get!
Review and Rating: Is It Worth It?
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