Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion

 Switch
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. IGN Spain
    Jun 27, 2018
    74
    A nice improvement over the single player portion of the game, but this DLC doesn't does enough in every other part of the game to be really important.
  2. Jeuxvideo.com
    Jul 14, 2018
    70
    The Octo Expansion is what everybody should do, when it comes to DLC. Single-player minded, it offers a smart challenge with an increasing difficulty, and many good ideas, spilt in 80 new levels.
  3. Gameblog.fr
    Jun 22, 2018
    70
    One year after its original release, Splatoon 2 finally gets the one-player mode it deserves. With 80 brand new challenges, the Octo Expansion bring some fresh air and almost transforms the franchise into a solo adventure. Its tough difficulty may sometimes seem too much, but its bribe system will forbid anyone to be stuck forever. Get ready to build up your skill, but only when a sale period might make this DLC more affordable.
  5. Destructoid
    Jun 14, 2018
    70
    It's still a good time to play Splatoon, especially if you're up for a solo intermission and keep your expectations in check.
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In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Eurogamer
    Jun 19, 2018
    Nintendo's trickiest game in years is also one of its most joyful. [Recommended]
  2. GameCrate
    Jun 22, 2018
    The Octo Expansion is a great addition to Splatoon 2, offering a lot of gameplay for its $19.99 price tag, and helping to expand Splatoon’s universe with a decent storyline. At about $0.25 per level, it’s hard to argue that Nintendo isn’t offering sufficient value for your gaming dollar. Fans of Portal or other puzzle platformers should check it out, especially since you can play this mode even when you’re out of range of your Wi-fi.
  3. TheSixthAxis
    Jun 22, 2018
    While it’s wonderfully experimental, Octo Expansion isn’t an essential purchase, but will give diehard Splatoon fans hours of often rock hard challenges to overcome.
  5. USgamer
    Jun 19, 2018
    I hope Octo Expansion is at least indicative of the future of the series. One not laser-focused on just multiplayer, one that goes further in enriching its delightfully weird world, one that experiments with Splatoon's unique ink-shooting and platforming quirks. In the meantime, at least we have the doubly charming and frustrating Octo Expansion.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best Switch Game of 2018
26
#26 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 248 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 212 out of 248
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 248
  3. Negative: 25 out of 248
  1. ANKPlays
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    Absolutely ink-redible DLC! An amazing attribute to Splatoon 2! Much better than the games actual story, with fun and enticing gameplay, anAbsolutely ink-redible DLC! An amazing attribute to Splatoon 2! Much better than the games actual story, with fun and enticing gameplay, an interesting story, and difficult levels. Worth every penny!… Full Review »
  2. VideoGameLover
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    Wow WOW, just WOW! I am a huge fan of Splatoon, since Splatoon one. Really like the single player campaigns on both, though the 2nd one feltWow WOW, just WOW! I am a huge fan of Splatoon, since Splatoon one. Really like the single player campaigns on both, though the 2nd one felt stale.

    Well, let me tell you, OE is fantastic! Tough. Innovative. Deep. LONG (20-30 hours). And, some of the greatest boss sequences ever created for the series (the 7 Phase series at the end is friggin fantastic! Very "portal-like". ) There are many levels that would make great games on their own (talking to you SQUID BILLIARDS level!)

    And the prizes you get for $20, including getting to play as an Octoling in cool new sassy wardrobe is worth the price alone.

    No-brainer. Buy this. (And ignore the stupid 0 score(s) below, put up by angry trolls looking for attention. Even if you do not like this game, giving it a 0 shows you have not played it, as presentation, writing, music, etc shows a lot of love was put into this game.)    … Full Review »
  3. Grease
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    THIS is how you do a DLC. Octo Expansion for Splatoon 2 is truly the masterclass of what makes a fun and worthwhile DLC pack. (no spoilersTHIS is how you do a DLC. Octo Expansion for Splatoon 2 is truly the masterclass of what makes a fun and worthwhile DLC pack. (no spoilers here)

    Octo Expansion is a lore and gameplay heavy single-player DLC update. Splatoon 2 already has a single player campaign but it is disappointingly short and much like a glorified tutorial for beginning players. Octo Expansion rectifies this and shows us all what SHOULD have been in the game from the very start.

    For the first time ever, Octo Expansions protagonist is an octoling, a nemesis to the inklings. Waking up after being kidnapped and unconscious, Agent 8 (us) wakes up without her memories in an abandoned metro subway station. Our old friend Gramps being the only assistance. The goal is to work your way through over 80 levels to reach "the promised land" and to located agent 3 along the way.

    The level design in this game is truly astonishing. Unlike the traditional travel to the goal style levels, there are a variety of stage designs with multiple objectives, such as destroying targets, transporting items, dodging enemy shots and even making pictures out of boxes. The variety amongst the 80 levels are stunning and you can travel between each one seamlessly. Each level is connected via train lines, simply opening the subway map and picking the level you want will take you to the "Test facilities" as the levels are a test to see if agent 8 is worthy. Although you naturally dont have complete access to every single level straight away, you get a variety of level choices as once you complete a level you have access to surrounding ones on that line. Each level will usually give you a choice of weapon allowing you to practice and have fun using weapons you would never usually try out in multiplayer matches, an opportunity the other single player does not give us. Some levels will also consist of using special and sub weapons only to strengthen skills in that area. Levels vary in length some taking as short as 30 seconds to around 10 minutes. 80 Levels is severely overwhelming however especially if you are only in the expansion for the lore as the lore only starts getting good once in the final few areas of the game. This is perfectly redeemed by allowing you to complete the final boss and levels prematurely. By finding "the four thangs" scattered across the metro you are able to progress past the 80 levels and into the final segments (no spoilers here i promised remember?). You are able to return to complete everything you left afterwards. This is great for the people who want to save some levels for summer holidays or when they're without internet connection.

    If you are lore hungry and wanna do all 80 levels before final boss as the ultimate completionist no fear, there are two forms of lore across the expansion levels. as shown by nintendo, collectibles named mem cakes are presented to you at the end of each level, they hold a riddle within each one and if you trade them into a certain characrer you can receive some amazing prizes. The second form is in chat rooms. The two glamarous gals marina and pearl will also be guiding you through the deepsea metro and every so often will drop a chat log for you to read which will expose some secrets and juicy information on Off the hook and the squid sisters.

    The boss fights to avoid spoilers i wont talk much about but let me tell you one thing. Some of the ingame boss fights may possibly be some of nintendos most extreme bosses in their history.

    Unlike the news reports and other dialogue exchanges in splatoon, Octo Expansion somehow makes the characters feel real and not just programmed game characters, there's a certain way in the language and text that makes you feel deeper in bond with everyone than ever before and that's really something special

    Each aspect of the Octo Expansion is unique and gives you something new constantly, it doesnt get tiring and thats great because its really long if you decide to do everything.
    The music is also some of the best from the franchise including some great bops that will make you drop your controller and do a little dance whereever your standing, any time, any place with any one.

    Like nintendo stated the prizes for octo expansion are insane, playable octolings are functional and blend in well, all the gear and weapons suit them and they feel at home in inkopolis, there's something special about being the only octoling in a multiplayer match and being able to say, "im top dog". the only downside which is no nintendos fault but players will often squidbag around you if you're an octoling trying to get you to notice them in their puny squid form.

    Octo expansion $20, with most levels being extended to about 5-10 minutes, octo expansion could be a standalone game. $20 is utterly worth this masterpiece of a DLC update. Words do not give this insane creation justice. all games and companies take heed. Because Octo Expansion is EXACTLY how DLC is done right    … Full Review »
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