Splatoon Image
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81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 88 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1429 Ratings

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  • Summary: Splatoon is a four-on-four multiplayer action game that drops players into a battle arena that two teams strive to claim as their own. Players of each team spray ink on the ground around them while blotting out the opposing team members in turf war competitions. Each character can turn intoSplatoon is a four-on-four multiplayer action game that drops players into a battle arena that two teams strive to claim as their own. Players of each team spray ink on the ground around them while blotting out the opposing team members in turf war competitions. Each character can turn into a squid-like character and swim through his or her own teams ink - gliding up and down walls and under floors - with ease. Using intuitive controls made possible with the Wii U GamePads gyro sensor makes it easy to look around and aim, and the on-screen map displays the entire arena at a glance, both of which feel great and redefine multiplayer action. Expand
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E3 2014: Splatoon Announcement Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 88
  2. Negative: 0 out of 88
  1. Nov 10, 2015
    100
    There’s nothing else quite like it, nor the cathartic dopamine jolt to be had when you squid-skim up a paint-smeared quarter pipe, an Inkzooka at the ready, leap over the edge, take aim with your weapon, and reduce a startled opponent to goo.
  2. 90
    Overall, Splatoon makes for an amazing online game, likely the most engaging online experience Nintendo has ever made.
  3. Games Master UK
    Aug 5, 2015
    86
    The shooter transformed, but with enough initial problems to stop it short of classic status. [Aug 2015, p.60]
  4. May 27, 2015
    80
    While Splatoon isn't quite the revelation some were hoping for, it's stupidly fun. The only concern is longevity, with the brief single-player and only two main modes to play online.
  5. Jun 10, 2015
    80
    Splatoon is a colorful and fun addition to the action genre, that managed to entertain both the hardcore and the casual gamer. The online solution may need some work, but in any other way this is one of the best game for the Wii U.
  6. Power Unlimited
    Jul 24, 2015
    78
    The core gameplay is refreshing and enjoyable but limited in weird ways. [Jul 2015, p.065]
  7. May 27, 2015
    60
    The lack of a chat feature just ends up making Splatoon a game that rewards smart teamwork but doesn’t give players tools to communicate.

See all 90 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 18 out of 438
  1. May 29, 2015
    10
    The game it's amazing I think that it's true when nintendo says that this game is the MarioKart of the Shooters.
    Some people is cheating
    The game it's amazing I think that it's true when nintendo says that this game is the MarioKart of the Shooters.
    Some people is cheating about the lack of content but the game is amazing and the updates will solve this.
    Expand
  2. Jun 8, 2021
    10
    This game is a kid-friendly take on the shooter, but I think it does a good job about not making adults say "I'm too young for that". It hasThis game is a kid-friendly take on the shooter, but I think it does a good job about not making adults say "I'm too young for that". It has amazing controls, a rockin' soundtrack, and is a good game for anyone out there! The game is still online 6 years later, but be warned, when it goes off, the only thing in the game will be the story mode, which is nothing too great, but it's a fun little distraction. Expand
  3. May 29, 2015
    10
    The game of the year!
    i could go on an on about this game. but it would all boil down to this simple answer... the game is fun and i like it!
    The game of the year!
    i could go on an on about this game. but it would all boil down to this simple answer... the game is fun and i like it! that is all you need to know. that is all anyone needs to know! and if a person has similar tastes as you do... then you would do good to try the game atleast once! this will get a 10 from me.
    Expand
  4. Apr 14, 2021
    9
    I always liked its concept and the game turned out really fun! It looks good, there's not a lot of game modes but it's enough to keep itI always liked its concept and the game turned out really fun! It looks good, there's not a lot of game modes but it's enough to keep it fresh, and the story mode is actually pretty good. Also, there's a really big collection of different weapons that offer everyone a different way to play and that's a huge plus. Expand
  5. May 30, 2015
    9
    This game is great. Even though it released with a small amount of maps, the singleplayer alone has been a blast. Already played a ton ofThis game is great. Even though it released with a small amount of maps, the singleplayer alone has been a blast. Already played a ton of matches with friends and have had very few communication errors.

    The control scheme might be its biggest hurdle, you either get used to the motion controls (which took me a bit to get used to) or ditch motion controls for the traditional full analog control. Personally, full analog makes you a bit slower when trying to paint as much of an area as possible.

    Nintendo made a straight up fun shooter and they pretty much streamlined how stealth could work in a videogame. I'm betting some developer will have a game where you melt into your shadow the same way these inklings dive into colored paint. Brilliant, fun, and colorful; a must for any WiiU owner with a pulse.
    Expand
  6. May 30, 2015
    8
    This game is sort of a mixed bag for me. I'll start off with what I like about Splatoon, then what I dislike.

    First off, the controls in
    This game is sort of a mixed bag for me. I'll start off with what I like about Splatoon, then what I dislike.

    First off, the controls in this game work EXTREMELY well. The gyroscope controls are surprisingly accurate, and button allocation is well thought out.
    Secondly, it's really fun to play. Every game mode is a blast, and will leave you wanting more for hours.
    Lastly, the weapon and gear customization is surprisingly in-depth. There's a decent amount of weapons and clothes that give you certain abilities as you level up, and you can really make a load-out your own.

    But there is a MAJOR problem with the game currently, and that is how bare-bones it is in its current state.
    So here's the rundown of the content in Splatoon. 3 minute online turf wars, singleplayer campaign, local 1v1 balloon battles, amiibo challenges, and only FIVE maps. You can't do 1v1 online against a friend, ranked battle is not out yet, no other game modes such as capture the flag or something like that, and there's only about one-third of the amount of maps acceptable for a $60 game. Now, keep in mind that there's going to be free content updates in the future. But for now it's a little bit short of content.

    I'm enjoying Splatoon so much and have already played for 5+ hours in under a day, but my advice to you is to wait about 3 weeks- 2 months to buy it.
    Expand
  7. Feb 27, 2022
    0
    If you ever wanted a game that is all load screens and 1 minute of gameplay then this game is for you

See all 438 User Reviews

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