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.

Game8's Splatoon 3 Review

Splatoon 3 Review Score

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

Review of Splatoon 3 Gameplay and Features

Pros	Cons
Welcoming to all players Varied new Specials More Weapons in the Full Game Great UI navigation updates Test Range is a fantastic QOL change Iconic art and music Turf Wars are Fun	New Weapons will take time to learn Stage layouts are worryingly similar Server stability needs to be improved

Welcoming to Newcomers and Veterans Alike

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

Plenty of Varied New Specials to Enjoy

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

More Weapons in the Full Game

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.

List of All Weapons

New Weapons Need More Time To Get Used To

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

All New and Returning Weapons

Turf Wars are a Fun New Twist

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

Easy to Navigate UI

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!

The Test Range in the Lobby is a Fantastic QOL Change

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.

Long and Narrow Stages May Limit Available Strategies

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

Server Stability Could Be Improved

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.

Strong Visual and Musical Identity

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.

Who Should Play Splatoon 3?

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!

Splatoon 3 Hero Mode Review

Return of the Squid Sisters

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.

Well-Designed Levels & Stages

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

An Unexpected Final Boss Battle

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.

Splatoon 3 Tableturf Battles Review

Similar Objectives as Turf War Battles

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!

Variety of Card Combinations

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

Play Against the Residents of Splatsville

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.

Rare Chance to Get Card Packs

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

Splatoon 3 Product Information

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

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