Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2 - Side Order

My only complaint with Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2 – Side Order is that it could’ve used a bit more variety for a mode that requires you to replay it so much to get the most out of it. While it may not hit the set-piece highs as past game expansions, this is exactly what I want to see from Splatoon as a series, and I hope it is included in the next game as an optional mode. The team nailed everything here, and if it ever does get more added through free updates, it will be perfect.

Splatoon 3: Side Order is a very fun and challenging expansion, with a great level of replayability and a level design that makes it very addictive. While it can get a bit repetitive in the long run, it is original enough to be a great end to the single-player content of this game.

Side Order is an expansion than Splatoon 3 fans shouldn't overlook: the roguelite format drastically improves how to enjoy Splatoon's single player content. Well balanced, progression is satisfactory without being frustrating, although you'll have to adapt to the change. Lots of replay value, even if it feels a bit short.

The result is an addictive experience thanks to its simple, but effective concept based on increasing power and replayability. If we would have liked a little more variety in the level objectives, the challenge overcome manages to make us forget this pitfall. In short, an ideal reason to relaunch Splatoon 3.

Side Order is an entertaining change to the more typical Splatoon style, encouraging different ways to play and to embrace variety. Hardcore Splatoon players will likely still make mincemeat (or is that chum) of the Spire. It will offer a tougher challenge for more general players, and to see the game properly through you’ll be making a bunch of attempts at the Spire. If you want more Splatoon in your life then you either have this or should get the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass, especially if you want something more outside of the online/multiplayer side of the game.

Splatoon 3’s Side Order DLC puts players into a rogue-like single-player campaign as Agent 8, tasked with rescuing Marina and her friends from the mysterious Deca Tower. Each run through the tower offers a new set of challenges and opportunities to customize abilities and weapons, leading to multiple playthroughs and strategic planning. While some levels may prove more challenging, especially with unfamiliar weapons, Side Order offers a refreshing departure from multiplayer chaos with its replay value and different gameplay options.

The Side Order DLC adds an interesting new mode to Splatoon 3. The Tower of Order is surprisingly challenging and the gameplay is diverse with color chips to change your playstyle. However, we would have liked to see some more variation in challenges and boss fights, which makes the randomized floors feel the same a bit too quickly. For the price however, Side Order is a must-have DLC for fans of Splatoon 3.

Splatoon 3: Side Order is a worthwhile DLC complementing excellently the main game. It could include a bit more variety in its objectives and levels, nevertheless, its great visuals and fun gameplay will surely be appreciated by fans of the game.

Although the first wave of the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass was a bit underwhelming, the release of the second wave, Side Order, makes the DLC an absolute must-have for Splatoon fans and those who are fond of the roguelite genre. The Splatoon IP has always primarily focused on online multiplayer, but Side Order further proves that its single-player offerings shouldn’t be overlooked either. If you already own Splatoon 3, getting the Expansion Pass is a no-brainer for the price, but if you don’t, now is a better time than ever to join in on the splatastic fun. Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass is available now via the Nintendo eShop.

By offering a whole heap of challenging encounters, fun roguelite mechanics, and just another reason to jump into one of the Switch's best games, Splatoon 3: Side Order is a thrill. More boss fights would've been nice, but that doesn't take away an unshakeable desire to jump back in right now.

Splatton 3: Side Order is DLC that injects fun, roguelike freshness into Nintendo's inky third-person shooter.

Side order is a surprising expansion pass with addictive and challenging content thanks to a complex roguelike-style system. Everything is balanced and its replayability is guaranteed, being able to spend many hours to unlock all its objects. Highly recommended.

Splatoon 3: Side Order is a refreshing yet familiar take on the Splatoon setup and well suited for short play sessions and runs to try and take on the lengthy tower. It's longevity, though, is very much grounded in whether rogue-like games and skill-trees appeal. As someone who didn't quite gel with the previous Splatoon single player modes, Splatoon 3: Side Order does tick a lot more boxes - mainly due to the compact, focused approach and that desire to keep pushing further.

With already excellent weapon variety and intense combat, Splatoon 3 is a perfect fit for a roguelite game mode. Side Order’s outstanding new enemies and powerful set of abilities result in the craziest combat power trips Splatoon has ever seen. It does occasionally stumble when implementing its roguelite elements, leading to some repetitive boss fights and poor pacing. But even with those issues, this DLC is still a blast. Add in another stellar soundtrack and a distinct style that sets it apart from the rest of the series, and Side Order is a worthwhile stop at the Splatoon 3 buffet.

Splatoon 3: Side Order is an excellent addition to Splatoon 3, and helps to give it a stronger identity over its predecessors. Whilst we’d like to have seen more variety in the stages and objectives, the overwhelming number of options on your weaponry and how you upgrade them makes sure that things don’t get too repetitive. We found ourselves repeatedly coming back to try just one more run which turned into five, so that should speak for itself. Splatoon fans rejoice, it’s another goodie.

Anything but colorless: Despite a certain degree of repetition, the Call to Order offers lively, fun single-player content for fans of Splatoon 3.

Ultimately Side Order is a fun gameplay concept while it lasts. I’d suggest Splatoon fans play through the mode with each weapon once then bounce off. It’s a great game to play while listening to a podcast or something, but the lack of variety makes the mode get repetitive by the end especially if you’re trying to unlock everything. Hopefully this mode makes it into the inevitable next Splatoon with much more variety than what’s currently offered here.

This expansion successfully blends the fun of synergy through enhancements of the roguelite genre with the unique action of the Splatoon series. It does lack volume, and it doesn’t offer the player enough opportunities to show off the enhancements they made. The art and sound design are stellar as always, but its presentation falls short and the story is not much more than a sequel to the events of Splatoon 2’s Octo Expansion.

Diverting and wonderfully weird as it may be, but Side Order doesn't supplant Octo Expansion as the series' singleplayer peak. [Issue#396, p.119]

Splatoon 3: Side Order can be a fun and interesting take on the rogue-lite genre, but there’s simply not enough here to sustain everything the game wants you to do. There’s too much repetition here, and as a result the DLC leaves me feeling unsatisfied.