Splatoon 3

 Switch
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 484 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 310 out of 484
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 484
  3. Negative: 118 out of 484
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. TODD17
    Sep 23, 2022
    9
    It’s so close. Amazing story mode, well balanced, and it is a great concept. But the connection errors are pathetic. It has gotten better with the update but the servers still need a lot of work.
  2. Under8tedX
    Sep 21, 2022
    7
    This games OK, its not bad but then again its not great. The single player campaign basically consists you going from stage to stage, beating it with different weapons/fastest time etc. Story line is pretty boring and is mainly in the Archive (Alterna Logs), you are given throughout the game by completing stages..As for online?Online at the start of its release had some really badThis games OK, its not bad but then again its not great. The single player campaign basically consists you going from stage to stage, beating it with different weapons/fastest time etc. Story line is pretty boring and is mainly in the Archive (Alterna Logs), you are given throughout the game by completing stages..As for online?Online at the start of its release had some really bad connection, although it has since been fixed, people still tend to drop out when losing or just randomly drop out. Its been descent fun while it lasted, but i don't see it lasting more than a couple weeks to a month for me.… Expand
  3. Funny7Cloud
    Sep 21, 2022
    9
    对于没有玩过前作的的玩家，这绝对是非常优秀可以拿到满分的作品。除了糟糕的网络问题，一切都还不错，让人能找到游戏的快乐这件事，在2022年当下是多么艰难的一件事啊！很高兴他们做到了。
  4. yojb
    Sep 20, 2022
    0
    This game is absolute garbage. Lets just get past the fact that this literally could have been an update to Splatoon 2. There are 0 social features. No voice chat. No way to communicate with your team other than pushing up on the d-pad to say "ouch" when you're dead or "over here" when alive. THAT'S IT. Wanna add someone you played with? Well that's too dang bad. Have fun playing the sameThis game is absolute garbage. Lets just get past the fact that this literally could have been an update to Splatoon 2. There are 0 social features. No voice chat. No way to communicate with your team other than pushing up on the d-pad to say "ouch" when you're dead or "over here" when alive. THAT'S IT. Wanna add someone you played with? Well that's too dang bad. Have fun playing the same couple maps over and over and over again with a random team of "drag me downs". You'll lose 3 games in a row, all because your team is trash. So I guess if you want to be infuriated go ahead and get this steaming pile of trash. There isn't even a "lone wolf"/solo type multiplayer mode. Bro this game got old so fast. And the amount of copium other users have is sickening. You all just wanna feel like you didn't waste $60 on a game that could have literally been an update to Splatoon 2.… Expand
  5. Dr3aMz
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    This game is fantastic, it's really tons of fun... it's an improvement on the second game on every side.
  6. iandizion713
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    This is the best masterpiece i have ever gotten the chance to experience. Thank you so much Nintendo for allowing me to buy such a beautiful game. I will take good care of it and keep it on my shelf always.
  7. TheNewGuy
    Sep 19, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even though this game seems rather similar to the previous two installments, Splatoon 3 improves everything about the series. Pretty much every issue from Splatoon 1 and 2 have been fixed this time around. I was thrilled when they announced you could skip the opening map announcements! The story mode also feels considerably different. Mr. Grizz is a fresh final boss instead of using Octavio for the third time. The idols have the most interesting designs, especially Big Man, who's the best idol to me! My only negative point is that there weren't that many new weapons added. But considering that every previous weapon was brought back, it doesn't bother me too much. Overall, it's not Splatoon 2,5, it's another fresh banger from the Splatoon series!… Expand
  8. MeloettaBros9
    Sep 18, 2022
    0
    This is rig I am evening suffering to get more pts in Anarchy Battle (Open) and it not ok same pt of 8 every time I Racked up it same pts 8 and -2 to -3 it not worth it I hope Nintendo could get that resolve for Anarchy Battle (Open) cause that not right
  9. AnthonyFantano
    Sep 18, 2022
    9
    Love me Squids. Love me brown Squids. Love me asian Squids. Love me cunny Squids. Simple as. Strong 9.
    Forever.
  10. VincentWonder
    Sep 18, 2022
    9
    Great multiplayer shooter, i am amazed that nintendo managed to add something to the genre making it a ton of fun and not so frustrating at start
  11. Captiosus
    Sep 18, 2022
    6
    Update 9/18/22:
    The recent server maintenance and 1.1.1 patch were *supposed* to help address the comms error problem. If anything the issue has only become WORSE since the patch. In one 90 minute session today, I counted 27 generic comms errors: 22 during matchmaking, 5 mid-match. None of this was a problem with my network as discord chat and my wife's TV video streaming worked    Update 9/18/22:
    The recent server maintenance and 1.1.1 patch were *supposed* to help address the comms error problem. If anything the issue has only become WORSE since the patch. In one 90 minute session today, I counted 27 generic comms errors: 22 during matchmaking, 5 mid-match. None of this was a problem with my network as discord chat and my wife's TV video streaming worked flawlessly throughout the same time period. Yet twice Nintendo's system blamed MY internet, penalizing me with two 5 minute "time-outs" despite the comm errors being THEIR fault. I only managed to play 6 complete games in the time frame, totaling around 30 minutes. 30 minutes of play vs. 90 minutes of comm errors. I'm not reducing my score (yet) but if they don't get a handle on this I most certainly will. It doesn't matter how good the game could be if it can't be played.
    ---
    Original:
    Splatoon 1 and 2 were my most played games on the Wii U and Switch, respectively, so what I'm about to write legimiately hurts: Splatoon 3 is, in many respects, inferior to Splatoon 2. Fewer maps, fewer weapons, fewer weapon loadouts meaning less weapon diversity, and only the barest minimum of truly new things added. Out of 12 multiplayer maps at launch, only 5 of them are new -- the other 7 are returning maps from Splatoon 1 and 2. The only new primary weapons added are the bows and the Splatana. There's a handful of new special abilities but most of them are just cosmetic retreads of secondary abilities from the previous two games. The new campaign is nice, but predictable to anyone who played the previous campaigns. Same puzzles -- hell, the same cube boss appears YET AGAIN. I know people will say it's not fair to expect a new game to have as much content as the previous game that was supported for 5 years and I agree to a point; However, I expect a sequel to at least have more content than the LAUNCH version of its predecessor. Other than the addition of cosmetics, this offers less at launch than Splatoon 2 did in 2017.

    But the biggest thing that drives my score down is the fact that the entire multiplayer system is just as bad as it's always been. When you start the game it asks you to set your region, but this is ONLY for future Splatfests. Regular gameplay is worldwide matchmaking like always, which means the game suffers the same problem as the last two where getting connected to people halfway around the world makes for very unenjoyable matches due to ping/latency. It has the same horridly low tick rate as Splatoon 2 so being killed around corners or seemingly "through" textures happens just as frequently as the last game. Connection errors are as prevalent as always and if someone disconnects, it ends the match for everyone -- even if it's all the way at the end of the match. I've been sitting at the "GAME!" (or salmon egg counter) screen at the end of a match only for it to error out and give no rewards for the time spent. Three games into this series and one would think they would have made a real effort to address these issues... alas, no.

    There are some very good/much needed quality of life additions here like the ability to group with friends easier, the addition of a shooting range in the lobby room, the ability to skip the Deep Cut intro video, the Sheldon Licenses making acquiring weapons easier, and the locker room. But many of these could have been added to the previous game in a massive overhaul rather than requiring a full, entire, new game.

    I still love Splatoon and I'm sure I'll be playing this for years to come -- but that doesn't change the fact that, in terms of content, Splatoon 2 is the superior game right now, especially since 3 suffers the same networking problems as 2. In a year or two, Splatoon 3 will probably be on par with the content in Splatoon 2... it's just a shame it didn't launch with more out of the gate (or better netcode, at least).    … Expand
  12. Windinthe_Night
    Sep 17, 2022
    9
    In my opinion, in terms of the online multiplayer everything is generally the same to Splatoon 2 except for some quality of like features like a prelobby. Over all it’s still a solid addition to the Splatoon franchise and worth the $60!
  13. Zaxsauce
    Sep 17, 2022
    10
    Great Game best Splatoon game ever, I feel like we needed another splatoon game because its just been so long since splatoon 2 came out. Everything they added is just simply better especially the story mode, never thought splatoon would get so many cutscenes and the story mode keeps you on your feet. Locker rooms are a cool addition, I go to the general store so much. Be sure to get thisGreat Game best Splatoon game ever, I feel like we needed another splatoon game because its just been so long since splatoon 2 came out. Everything they added is just simply better especially the story mode, never thought splatoon would get so many cutscenes and the story mode keeps you on your feet. Locker rooms are a cool addition, I go to the general store so much. Be sure to get this game because it will be worth your while.… Expand
  14. Geo3891
    Sep 17, 2022
    1
    Online malisimo, soundtrack malisimo, gráficos de cartón, diseño de personajes horrendo y vomitivo (en especial las idols, dan muchisimo asco) e historia mediocre, esta porquería no supera ni a sus predecesores, todo mal con este juego, este juego merece ser odiado
  15. jimmyff
    Sep 17, 2022
    9
    Everything I wanted it to be. I'm looking forward to years of splatfests! To be a 10 it would need to have added something totally unexpected but instead is really solid upgrade on an awesome series.
  16. AC-18
    Sep 16, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game can be stressful and personality changing. Therefore, if you do not want to change your personality, we recommend that you do not play.… Expand
  17. 6500
    Sep 12, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Regarding hero mode, I wanted a difficulty level selection. If you are a beginner or an unskilled person, you will feel difficult, so it is a pity. In particular, I think that the boss battle will be difficult to defeat from the first half.… Expand
  18. Korea_overlord
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    One of the best multiplayer games of 2022, it has a 3 month battlepass, the arenas look great, the outfits are awesome, the story mode is one of the best and hardest of the series. Splatoon 3 is indeed an addictive and fun game in which you always have something to do. Good for kids and adults too.
  19. someonewhocares
    Sep 16, 2022
    2
    The third instalment in the Splatoon Franchise, Splatoon 3 adds absolutely nothing to the table and almost feels like a DLC bundle for Splatoon 2. It's addictive game-play is lacking here, and it feels slightly more easy to lose entire interest of game-play.
  20. OmarSaifi
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    Splatoon 3 perfects the elements you fell in love with splatoon 2 and makes them better in every way , UI story ranked etc , it shows clearly that people who made this game really gave it the love and support it needs, yes there isnt something big there but all of these small elements and chages made it soo great to play, my only problem however is that the servers suck so much , a lot ofSplatoon 3 perfects the elements you fell in love with splatoon 2 and makes them better in every way , UI story ranked etc , it shows clearly that people who made this game really gave it the love and support it needs, yes there isnt something big there but all of these small elements and chages made it soo great to play, my only problem however is that the servers suck so much , a lot of comunnication errors more than splat 2 and a lot of bugs here and there but except that this games is really worth the upgrade in my opinion… Expand
  21. lolhhh
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    large improvement from splatoon 2 new mechanics are inventive by far best story mode love the new idols and awesome new weapons
  22. Nanashiii
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    One of best shooters, no microtransactions, Tons of content, very worth its price,
  23. mememepls
    Sep 15, 2022
    9
    Splatoon 3 does a great job on expanding on the 2nd game. The story mode offers tons of levels that get quite challenging by the end of the story campaign. If you are a more seasoned veteran of the game, it may be easier for you, but the secret level to 100% the story mode ends up being good for anyone that gets to that point, especially for honing in on movement and combat skills. TheSplatoon 3 does a great job on expanding on the 2nd game. The story mode offers tons of levels that get quite challenging by the end of the story campaign. If you are a more seasoned veteran of the game, it may be easier for you, but the secret level to 100% the story mode ends up being good for anyone that gets to that point, especially for honing in on movement and combat skills. The story itself provides interesting context into the world of Splatoon through the collection of collectables. I'd love to see something that dives into a fuller, more aggressive story. However, I don't play Splatoon for the story.

    The combat is as good as ever. I've always loved that this is a faster paced game (regular matches being 3 minutes each). You can definitely carry a team to victory with good flanks and great aim, but this is more fun as a team game where everyone is working their weapons/abilities together to hold down map control.

    It can be confusing to get an idea of all the different ability layers at first, but as you learn what each ability does, you'll have a better idea on how to further build out your character. Various powerups via the in game Food/Drink shop can help you boost XP, cash, or a chance at certain item abilities, and the Murch character in game can help you with adding new abilities, or removing abilities.

    The in game addition of a lobby to queue up with friends and practice your aim while you wait for a match is a fantastic move. More of a quality of life addition than anything, but I think it was well done.

    Ranked gameplay (as far as the setup of it) is well done with the "series" mode. Even if you are losing games initially, you will still get rank points for how well you are playing in each game, which potentially allows you to rank up and play with more team based players. Even so, I love the strategy of the various ranked modes. The Rainmaker one is perhaps the most confusing, and I wish that one could make more sense to me.

    My biggest complaint would be less related to the game itself, and moreso on Nintendo servers disconnecting during games, when I have no issues with any other games that I play. It's more rampant than it should be, though I have to say that it "appears" better than other Nintendo online games that I've played (looking at you Smash!). This is something that I think Nintendo should prioritize for the future of their online games, as it can be frustrating for players to get disconnected during matches, especially in a ranked match.

    I hope this provides more context into whether you may want to purchase this game. It can be a learning curve to understand certain aspects to it, but the gameplay is fast and fun.

    Shoutout to the music as well, some of the best energetic music in a game. I always feel hyped up when the "1 minute" music starts playing each match.    … Expand
  24. zinanxiao
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    Very nice game, with no bug, no unsatisfying experiences. One of the most creative series that Nintendo had created. Strongly advised for everyone
  25. Jay_Maple_Leafs
    Sep 15, 2022
    0
    Fix the connectivity issues, online is unplayable with all these errors and it's beyond frustrating.
  26. OnlyOneHere
    Sep 14, 2022
    0
    This game is a huge steaming pile of garbage. The greedy developers copied and pasted the majority of the maps from the past Splatoons, and they had the audacity to charge $60 for reused content. The developers were too cheap and lazy to give us more new maps. Only 5 maps are new and the other 7 are reused from previous games. When I pay $60, I expect most of the maps to be new with topThis game is a huge steaming pile of garbage. The greedy developers copied and pasted the majority of the maps from the past Splatoons, and they had the audacity to charge $60 for reused content. The developers were too cheap and lazy to give us more new maps. Only 5 maps are new and the other 7 are reused from previous games. When I pay $60, I expect most of the maps to be new with top notch AAA quality.

    The gameplay is the exact same trash as Splatoon 2. The graphics are a joke and looks the same as Splatoon 2. It's almost as if the lazy developers got Splatoon 2 and slapped the number 3 on the cover. The physics are beyond horrible. This game is broken because I was stuck in a black screen. The campaign is awful with boring boss fights. The story is stupid and worthless. The missions are boring and repetitive. The soundtrack is terrible. The puzzles are laughable. These annoying creatures make too many cringeworthy noises, to the point where I almost wanted to slam my TV against the floor if I heard their voices again.

    The online multiplayer is complete garbage with all these connection issues and awful map designs. There isn't even any split screen. This is clearly the developer's pathetic attempt at making players buy more Switchs for local play. The inkling kid with the yellow "hair" has a cringeworthy face on the cover of this game. This made me remove the cover paper off the game case and rip it into pieces. I don't recommend this game at all, unless you want to support laziness.    … Expand
  27. paladinoscuro
    Sep 14, 2022
    10
    un gran juego sin mas q agregar y a esos asnos q se dedican a criticar sin haberlo jugado a profundidad q se vayan alv y se preocupen por los tiroteos escolares en su pais d mrd
  28. bernardowerner
    Sep 14, 2022
    7
    As of Sep. 12 2022, great game. But just like happened to other reviewers, it disconnects every other match. Nintendo should improve the whole connection system.
  29. ENDrain
    Sep 14, 2022
    0
    Netcode.

    I don't get why online games by Nintendo have netcode from 2000s.

    One player disconnects, it's a new match for everyone.
  30. EpicusGamer
    Sep 14, 2022
    10
    Love how the ranking system works in this game. It is not based on the team, but in the players individually. Even if u lose, you still rank up if you are good at the game.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Switch Game of 2022
8
#8 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 115 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 107 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 115
  3. Negative: 0 out of 115
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 24, 2024
    80
    It's still a mix of platformer and shooter, but some missions are focused on combat, figuring out ways to advance, surviving in a diabolical arena, painting giant statues, sneaking around, finding keys, and even using your weird sidekick to activate and deactivate various mechanisms. [Issue#324]
  2. Starbit
    Nov 23, 2022
    90
    Splatoon 3 takes everything the previous games did and makes it better in pretty much every conceivable way. More fluid, more dynamic, with a more balanced gameplay and a very welcome enlarged one-player dimension, Splatoon 3 is all that could be expected from the third chapter in the series, where the improvements fit neatly with the Splatoon legacy.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Nov 9, 2022
    90
    Splatoon 3 went live in September, and ever since it launched I've had to will myself to stay away from it. I'm a grown man with a family! I've got a lot of responsibilities! So why do I keep feeling compelled to stay up into the wee hours of the morning shooting virtual ink at strangers? [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 74]
See all critic reviews »