Splatoon 3 Review: More of the Same, But Better Than Ever
Nintendo has a habit of reinventing the wheel, but sometimes, it simply refines what already works. Splatoon 3 is a testament to that approach, delivering a game that feels familiar yet refined, packed with quality-of-life improvements and subtle gameplay tweaks that make it the best version of the series yet.
A Fresh Coat of Ink on a Winning Formula
Splatoon has always been one of Nintendo’s most inventive franchises—a bright, bold take on the modern multiplayer shooter, swapping out bullets for ink and transforming traditional combat into a chaotic, color-filled turf war. But with Splatoon 3 arriving five years after its predecessor, does it do enough to warrant another round of inky battles?
Turf War: Still the Heart and Soul
At its core, Splatoon 3 remains largely unchanged from the previous two games. Turf War is still the bread and butter, offering the same high-energy 4v4 matches where players must cover as much ground as possible with their team’s ink while eliminating opponents along the way. The balance of shooting, strategy, and movement remains impeccable, making each match an exhilarating blend of skill and chaos.
While the core mechanics remain intact, Splatoon 3 introduces a few new moves that add depth to gameplay. The Ink Roll, which allows players to dodge incoming attacks with a quick flick, and the Squid Surge, which lets you swiftly scale walls, make movement feel even more fluid. These changes might not be revolutionary, but they elevate the competitive aspect, giving players more tactical options in combat.
A More Social Splatoon
One of the biggest complaints about past Splatoon games was their outdated multiplayer infrastructure. In Splatoon 3, Nintendo finally brings the series into the modern era with long-awaited features like a dedicated lobby system where players can easily form teams with friends. Additionally, the new replay system lets players analyze their matches and improve their strategy.
Another welcome addition is the Locker Room, a space where players can display their collectibles and personalize their playstyle. These enhancements make Splatoon 3 feel like a true community-driven experience rather than just a competitive shooter.
Salmon Run: Non-Stop Co-Op Action
Splatoon 2 introduced Salmon Run, a thrilling horde mode where players team up to battle waves of monstrous Salmonids. The biggest improvement in Splatoon 3? It’s now available 24/7, instead of being limited to specific hours like in previous entries. This change alone makes Salmon Run more accessible and enjoyable, ensuring players can dive into co-op chaos whenever they want.
New boss variations and mission types add further depth to this mode, making it one of the standout features in Splatoon 3. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore shooter fan, Salmon Run’s unpredictable nature makes it an addictive experience.
A Campaign That Stands on Its Own
Single-player campaigns in Splatoon have always been enjoyable but often felt secondary to multiplayer. That changes with Splatoon 3’s Return of the Mammalians campaign, a full-fledged adventure that blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and intense combat.
Set in the sprawling world of Alterna, the campaign follows players as they navigate six unique islands, uncovering secrets and battling against enemies in levels that feel more inspired than ever. With boss fights that rival some of Nintendo’s best encounters, a fully realized story, and a rewarding upgrade system, this single-player mode is more than just a glorified tutorial—it’s a must-play in its own right.
New Weapons, Specials, and Seasonal Content
A new game means new gear, and Splatoon 3 delivers. The Tri-Stringer, a bow that shoots exploding ink arrows, adds a fresh twist to combat, while new sub-weapons like the Angle Shooter introduce creative ways to take down foes. Meanwhile, powerful new special abilities like the Zipcaster, a grappling hook-style ability, make for exhilarating moments in battle.
Beyond weapons, Splatoon 3 introduces seasonal content updates every three months, ensuring the game stays fresh for years to come. These updates will include new maps, weapons, cosmetics, and limited-time events, making it a constantly evolving experience.
Final Verdict: Is Splatoon 3 Worth It?
For longtime fans, Splatoon 3 might not offer a dramatic departure from its predecessors, but it doesn’t have to. It builds upon what made the series great, refining mechanics, improving multiplayer accessibility, and delivering an outstanding single-player campaign. The addition of better matchmaking, new movement mechanics, expanded customization options, and ongoing seasonal content makes Splatoon 3 the definitive version of the series.
If you loved Splatoon 2, this is a no-brainer. If you’ve never played a Splatoon game before, this is the best entry point yet. While it may not break new ground, Splatoon 3 proves that sometimes, more of the same is exactly what we need.
