Splatoon

 Wii U
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1429 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,235 out of 1429
  2. Mixed: 104 out of 1429
  3. Negative: 90 out of 1429
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  1. Xavier_Boixader
    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 about the lack of content but the game is amazing and the updates will solve this.
  2. ACM3PTS
    May 29, 2015
    9
    Wow. This game surpassed all my expectations. Splatoon needs to stand by your copy of Smash as the two most fun games on the system. Truly a success and an experience worth your money. PD: More maps are coming soon!
  3. sjmartin79
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    Splatoon is the most fun I've had playing a video game in years! I've never been a huge fan of shooters or online multiplayer games, but the set-up of Splatoon is perfect! The randomness of the match ups really forces you to be the best you can be each round and work around the strengths of the other team. Even when you think you may be losing, you may take control in the last 30Splatoon is the most fun I've had playing a video game in years! I've never been a huge fan of shooters or online multiplayer games, but the set-up of Splatoon is perfect! The randomness of the match ups really forces you to be the best you can be each round and work around the strengths of the other team. Even when you think you may be losing, you may take control in the last 30 seconds. It's severely addictive, and I can't stop playing!
    The single player campaign is thoroughly enjoyable, and the last boss battle is truly epic. Definitely makes you work for the win.
    If you're on the fence about this game, don't be. Buy it now!    … Expand
  4. WildFire15
    Jun 10, 2015
    9
    Splatoon is another fine example of what Nintendo can do, taking the tiring online shooter genre and giving it a literal fresh coat of paint (or ink, if you will). The simple mechanic of spraying ink to coat the floor is extremely fresh and the game exudes personality from every square inch. However, the lack of content is a bit of a bug bear (especially with additional single playerSplatoon is another fine example of what Nintendo can do, taking the tiring online shooter genre and giving it a literal fresh coat of paint (or ink, if you will). The simple mechanic of spraying ink to coat the floor is extremely fresh and the game exudes personality from every square inch. However, the lack of content is a bit of a bug bear (especially with additional single player challenges gated behind the hard to find and sometimes insanely priced Amiibo), but Nintendo is almost constantly adding new stuff to the game, with 2 new maps and weapons added in the first two weeks alone (with additional modes and a friend lobby, which ideally should have been in at launch, on the way by August)

    Despite the lack of initial content, Splatoon is a killer app level title for the Wii U, once again proving that Nintendo has never exclusively been about Mario and Zelda. Get yourself out there and get this game!    … Expand
  5. ThunderRazor
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    Splatoon is absolutely fantastic. Probably one of the top 10 games I've ever played. I loved FPS games but they really lost me in the late 90's after titles like Blood II, Descent III, and Daikatana. There have been fun FPS games, but they have done almost nothing new in the last 20 years. Splatoon is one of the freshest shooter games ever. It's not first person, but that actuallySplatoon is absolutely fantastic. Probably one of the top 10 games I've ever played. I loved FPS games but they really lost me in the late 90's after titles like Blood II, Descent III, and Daikatana. There have been fun FPS games, but they have done almost nothing new in the last 20 years. Splatoon is one of the freshest shooter games ever. It's not first person, but that actually really helps it because precises movement and platforming is very important. Moving about in Splatoon feels so good as well. Everything feels good. It's just a solid game.… Expand
  6. XSydburn04
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    I've been playing action shooters my whole life and nothing compares to Splatoon. I was skeptical in buying and playing this game, but as soon as entered my first match, I was hooked and still hooked as of today. They continue giving us neat new stuffs with no extra cost. Give this game a try if you enjoy shooters. This game is the beast!
  7. BlueSilver86
    Jun 8, 2015
    9
    As a player of multiplayer shooters, I was wondering how good a shooter by Nintendo could be. I love Nintendo but I was a little bit skeptical of shooting paint all over the place. After my brother got the game and told me how great it was, I decided to take the plunge. The verdict? Nintendo nailed it. Though a little lacking on content at the moment, it is incredibly fun. Every week,As a player of multiplayer shooters, I was wondering how good a shooter by Nintendo could be. I love Nintendo but I was a little bit skeptical of shooting paint all over the place. After my brother got the game and told me how great it was, I decided to take the plunge. The verdict? Nintendo nailed it. Though a little lacking on content at the moment, it is incredibly fun. Every week, Nintendo is adding new weapons and maps, so the content issue should resolve itself in the coming months. The online is nearly flawless, with lag or dropping out of games being a rare occurrence. The only negative I have with online is the lack of ability to party up with friends (though that is supposed to be fixed in August I believe). I don't mind the lack of voice chat, though it would be nice. Overall, I love the game and everyone should give this game a spin. I don't believe you'll regret it.… Expand
  8. Itzkannious
    May 31, 2015
    9
    This game really rocks the mechanics, has a fun, enjoyable single player campaign, and has the ability to keep me saying 'one more match... One more match...' For many hours. I'm excited to see more as the game goes on and will be continuing to play this incredibly tight game for many months.
  9. fusion_13
    Jun 2, 2015
    9
    Splatoon is such an immensely fun and vibrant game. Nintendo somehow innovates the shooting genre by taking it to a whole new level of pure fun. Splatoon's mechanics and design is where it shines, it also has a surprising amount of strategy involved. The lack of voice chat doesn't really bother me, it's very minor. The only real negative is the lack of modes and content, it could have usedSplatoon is such an immensely fun and vibrant game. Nintendo somehow innovates the shooting genre by taking it to a whole new level of pure fun. Splatoon's mechanics and design is where it shines, it also has a surprising amount of strategy involved. The lack of voice chat doesn't really bother me, it's very minor. The only real negative is the lack of modes and content, it could have used some more 2 player local action too. Although Nintendo has confirmed that free DLC will be coming out on a regular basis. The campaign is very enjoyable and has some very nice platforming elements but is a little on the short side. Overall splatoon is a fantastic game that adds to the Wii U's never ending amount of amazing exclusives.… Expand
  10. buffalopete
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    This game is excellent. I'm really pleased with how much I am enjoying the process of leveling up and getting new gear. Having random abilities applied to gear adds a bit of incentive to try new things.
  11. foxmccloud
    May 31, 2015
    9
    Nintendo's take on the 3rd-person shooter really impressed me. I remember seeing this game at E3 and was one of my most anticipated games. Its all about claiming territory and the game is really fun in general. But the lack of voice chat was a let down and it was disappointing that I couldn't chat with my friends. The single player mode is really fun too, but I felt it was "too short".Nintendo's take on the 3rd-person shooter really impressed me. I remember seeing this game at E3 and was one of my most anticipated games. Its all about claiming territory and the game is really fun in general. But the lack of voice chat was a let down and it was disappointing that I couldn't chat with my friends. The single player mode is really fun too, but I felt it was "too short". There is also limited content and there are not many things to do. Nintendo says that they will bring more content but for now, all we have is turf war, single-player campaign, and battle dojo. I've never had this much fun with a Nintendo game and it kept me playing for hours.… Expand
  12. KoalaOnKrack
    Jun 3, 2015
    9
    Splatoon is a really fun game with so much further potential. Strong campaign in the game but the multiplayer is the strongest feature. I would have loved to have seen further game modes and maps at launch but understandably being a completely new concept, they aren't all there. Loving every bit I've played, and I'm, left wanting more and more.
  13. Daruckard
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    para mi es uno de los mejores de wii u los envidiosos no le ponen la nota maxima deberia tener un 9.5 por lo menos se lo merece, porque es un juego entretenido para toda la familia
  14. CakeBakerjc
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    This game is amazing. It proves that Nintendo is the only gaming company that can bring innovation to the shooter genre. It has a spectacular game design, not to mention its fun single player campaign. I think that this game will turn out to be one of Nintendo's biggest hits. Every one that's complaining about the lack of voice chat can take a hike if you ask me. If your wondering whatThis game is amazing. It proves that Nintendo is the only gaming company that can bring innovation to the shooter genre. It has a spectacular game design, not to mention its fun single player campaign. I think that this game will turn out to be one of Nintendo's biggest hits. Every one that's complaining about the lack of voice chat can take a hike if you ask me. If your wondering what game you should add to your gaming library, this is the one. It would be a shame if anyone missed the chance to play this game.… Expand
  15. Arifureta
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    This game is awesome, i dont like FPS and even worse... the 3rdPS but this game makes me feel so good to playing it, the RPGs elements, the different kind of weapons, tha strategy that you can generate in any moment, the hide and seek game, and even Ranked games, this game its so complete, I totally loved it.
  16. zorlda
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    This game is so amazing. It has a fun and enjoyable story mode, an addictive multiplayer, and many unlockables to keep you playing for a while. This game is definitely one of my favourites of the year. I highly recommend you buy it, it is a must-have on the wii u.
  17. SD55
    Jun 10, 2015
    8
    Great new IP :D

    Its just sooo satisfiying to Ink the Whole Map :D...Everything is smooth nice ArtDesign great Maps and awesome Weapons. But the Content is just too small It definately needs more Maps and new Mods .... Also no Voice Chat makes it difficult to make a nice Strategy I dont understand why Nintendo still refuses to add a Private Group Chat?! Luckily Nintendo    Great new IP :D

    Its just sooo satisfiying to Ink the Whole Map :D...Everything is smooth
    nice ArtDesign great Maps and awesome Weapons.

    But the Content is just too small
    It definately needs more Maps and new Mods ....

    Also no Voice Chat makes it difficult to make a nice Strategy
    I dont understand why Nintendo still refuses to add a Private Group Chat?!

    Luckily Nintendo brought since Launch new Maps and new Weapons..
    If the Keep up with the Updates that game will be Awesome

    In this Moment only a 8/10    … Expand
  18. doomrider7
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    Fantastic. Just utterly FANTASTIC! Nintendo hit it out of the ballpark with it's new IP in terms of entertainment. I can't really add anything new that hasn't already been said other than to ignore the bad reviews complaining about lack of maps, weapons, or any other nonsense since if you make it past the TUTORIAL you can find out that MAPS ROTATE EVERY 4 HOURS and that there are more thanFantastic. Just utterly FANTASTIC! Nintendo hit it out of the ballpark with it's new IP in terms of entertainment. I can't really add anything new that hasn't already been said other than to ignore the bad reviews complaining about lack of maps, weapons, or any other nonsense since if you make it past the TUTORIAL you can find out that MAPS ROTATE EVERY 4 HOURS and that there are more than two maps in the game with many more in the way as free downloads from Nintendo along with more weapons and gear. Ditto for the games campaign which can be found by walking to the Manhole next to the ramp leading to the Lobby and friend battles are as simple as just sending them a friend request from the Wii U's main menu and just selecting the Battle With Friends option at the lobby when they're online. It's clear that many of the negative reviews either don't really have the game or turned it off 5 minutes in since all of this is explained in game shortly after the tutorial level.… Expand
  19. PreciseMotion
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    Splatoon is very exciting, original, and tons of fun to play. However, it isn't perfect in design choices. Just so you get a taste of my gaming experience, I'm not a Nintendo fanboy, and I've had extensive experience with other multiplayer shooters such as competitively playing Gears of War and Halo, and having spent a fair amount of time with other shooters as well. That being said,Splatoon is very exciting, original, and tons of fun to play. However, it isn't perfect in design choices. Just so you get a taste of my gaming experience, I'm not a Nintendo fanboy, and I've had extensive experience with other multiplayer shooters such as competitively playing Gears of War and Halo, and having spent a fair amount of time with other shooters as well. That being said, Splatoon is a huge breath of fresh air and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise and stop you from trying this game. If you're reading this, you most likely know the way the game plays and all those details so I won't bother going into that. Just know the game feels great and there's tons of weapon variety and such to change the way you play. Now let's address some flaws. Some say this game lacks content. I have been one of these people but now that I've seen Nintendo's actual approach I no longer believe so. Let me just start by saying I'm not particularly a fan of the approach they took at launch and these past 2 weeks, but there is sufficient content now at the moment of typing. So the thing is, Nintendo had 9 maps, 4 (I think) other weapons, and a 3rd mode finished at the time of launch, they just decided they'd rather release it over time. In the last 2 weeks we've gotten 2 of the 4 left out maps, and 3 of the 4 left out weapons already. I don't like this approach but there really isn't a lack of content like others make it out to be. Overall the game will have 14 maps, 4 unique modes I believe, which is not lackluster AT ALL. Also you can only play 2 maps for each game mode in every 4 hour interval. It was fine at first, but now that we have 7 maps its a bit annoying, especially when you want to play a specific mode and you have a 50% chance to play that exact same map again. Another issue is not being able to change loadouts while waiting. The newscasts don't really bother me. Overall though the community for this game is awesome in the sense of the posts, graffitti, and the constant updates of content, and the splatfests to get everyone involved. Don't listen to others. This is one of the most original and exciting games I've played in years. Please do give it a shot.… Expand
  20. remyzerofan
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    I'm not big into online multiplayer games, but I've sunk many hours into Splatoon since it was released last week. It's a lot of fun. Just don't expect local multiplayer because it doesn't really have that (yes, there's a 1 vs. 1 mode, but it's not very much fun).
  21. rafaaguilera
    Jun 24, 2015
    9
    Finally an online shooter not war themed and that doesn't look like Call of Duty or Battlefield. That's already praiseworthy! Instead of soldiers, we have squid-like human characters and they shoot ink, not bullets. However, this game is not unique by how it looks, but the gameplay is very different from the offerings in the genre. The main online mode called ''Turf War'', put two teams ofFinally an online shooter not war themed and that doesn't look like Call of Duty or Battlefield. That's already praiseworthy! Instead of soldiers, we have squid-like human characters and they shoot ink, not bullets. However, this game is not unique by how it looks, but the gameplay is very different from the offerings in the genre. The main online mode called ''Turf War'', put two teams of four people to battle themselves and the winner will be not the one that kills the most, but the one that paint the scenario the most! but even not counting points, killing is very important to bring an opponent back to the spawn point to retard their work, and to help to do that, there's a lot of ''Mario Kart'' like items such as a rocket that hit the ground exploding ink or a invincible giant squids that kills by just touching the opponent. Those items vary according to the weapon the player choose.
    So it's a fun, original and very simple concept, that's easy to pick but involves some strategy to succeed. I had and i'm still having a blast playing the online matches, but i can't help noticing how limited are the online options. Why i can't create tournaments like Mario Kart 8 or choose the team i want to join? Fix it Nintendo! Otherwise Splatoon multi-player would flawless.

    To conclude, even been a online multi-player focused game, Splatoon also has an amazing (and short) single-player campaign, that use the mechanics from the multi-player but in a different style, a mix of platforming/shooter, with lot of cool levels, ideas and bosses.

    Go get Splatoon! It's simple, fresh and fun. Call of Duty fans, don't get intimidated by the cutesy of the squids, give it a chance.    … Expand
  22. lolobeatboxjams
    Jun 8, 2015
    9
    Initial Impressions:

    Overall: The game has a great concept and an awesome art style. Gameplay: It's y-axis seems to have a faster scroll rate than the x-axis, which makes it difficult for quick shooting and makes sniping almost impossible. For everything else though it seems to work fine. The weapons feel good most of the time, but some special attacks are much better than others;    Initial Impressions:

    Overall: The game has a great concept and an awesome art style.

    Gameplay: It's y-axis seems to have a faster scroll rate than the x-axis, which makes it difficult for quick shooting and makes sniping almost impossible. For everything else though it seems to work fine. The weapons feel good most of the time, but some special attacks are much better than others; see ink strike.

    Content: Only 2 maps at a time in a single rotation, this is a very Nintendo decision. Maybe Nintendo was afraid of players not learning the maps thus they came to make players do the same ones over and over again? I haven't gotten though the entire 1-player campaign but so far it seems great.

    Other: The menus in this game are great, which are located on the gamepad. The game has a major hub world you can walk though (kind of like the tower in destiny), or you can simply select who you need to interact from the gamepad. This feature is great, I actually don't know how to find some of the vendors due to only selecting them though my gamepad.

    Some Bad: No voice chat sucks, but my and some of my online friends are used to it sadly (with MK8 and Sm4ash). Not being about to change out loadouts between battles is also annoying. I've seen suggestions about having 3 or so loadouts mid battle, which would totally suffice.    … Expand
  23. timshundo
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    Rarely do I drop $60 on something I'm unsure about but as it turns out I can't put the fricken game down. The quality of the launch content makes the slow rollout of the rest unnoticeable.
  24. Dalfamurni
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    Splatoon is a much needed original title among shooters. The territory grab gameplay allows for new players to focus on terrain grabbing, with veteran players focusing on PVP. But unlike territory or capture the flag game types in other shooters, Splatoon's land grabbing actually helps your team by allowing the team to use their squid form to greater effect with each new foot of inkedSplatoon is a much needed original title among shooters. The territory grab gameplay allows for new players to focus on terrain grabbing, with veteran players focusing on PVP. But unlike territory or capture the flag game types in other shooters, Splatoon's land grabbing actually helps your team by allowing the team to use their squid form to greater effect with each new foot of inked land.
    _>>_
    The online mode is non-stop fun, with more unique weapons than Halo, CoD, and Battlefield combined. The reason for this being that every weapon is not only optimized for killing, but also for painting the landscape. There is nothing like the roller in any other shooter, and every other weapon has a unique twist as well.
    _>>_
    Though there are few levels at launch, they are unique, especially when considering the controls of the game. Swimming up walls as a squid in ink is something that requires consideration. Added to that being a requirement for ink to be present in the first place, and the few levels suddenly feel like many levels. Being able to super jump to any ally also serves to differentiate this title from ALL OTHER shooters.
    _>>_
    The controls in this game can either be the standard dual analog that every shooter uses, or it can utilize motion controls for even greater precision. I started off just giving the motion controls a try, but quickly found that they provided a precision only otherwise found in PC mouse+keyboard shooters. Now I play with motion controls at all times.
    _>>_
    The story mode feels like it is a modern version of classic single player games from famous games of yesteryear. I found myself comparing the world hopping to Super Mario 64, and Banjo Kazooie. The worlds are also similar to Super Mario 64 in that they consist of floating platforms in a void, and falling off means re-spawning at the last checkpoint. I loved it for its more lighthearted gameplay compared to the monotone shaded and "gritty", or "hard core" shooters that are currently the hated norm. My only complaint is that you are limited to one weapon type, which is essentially a sub machine gun that shoots paint.
    _>>_
    Thanks for Reading.    … Expand
  25. watusi6969
    Jun 3, 2015
    9
    Stay Fresh!

    Yes, this game is a breath of FRESH air for shooting game fans. Everyone can enjoy this game, both kids and adults not just the average 13+ yrs old shooting fans. The whole family can enjoy this fresh IP that Nintendo has provided us. My nephew and I play this for hours. He loves playing online without any foul mouthed 13 yrs old kids. PROS: Fresh idea from Nintendo    Stay Fresh!

    Yes, this game is a breath of FRESH air for shooting game fans. Everyone can enjoy this game, both kids and adults not just the average 13+ yrs old shooting fans. The whole family can enjoy this fresh IP that Nintendo has provided us. My nephew and I play this for hours. He loves playing online without any foul mouthed 13 yrs old kids.

    PROS:
    Fresh idea from Nintendo
    Adults and kids friendly
    Vibrant and vivid colors
    Fun, unique, and creative campaign mode (I had fun beating the Final boss)
    Online play is very addicting
    Different varieties of weapons and armors
    Armors and weapons are simple yet cool looking
    Miiverse meme posts are fun and hilarious
    Soundtracks are memorable.
    Ranked online match
    Memorable and unique characters specially the NPC's

    Cons:
    Lack of online maps
    Lack of online chat
    Lack of online party
    Only 2 player battle offline mode. 4vs4 local play with family with friends will be fun, please implement this Nintendo

    Campaign was way too short but was fun
    You can't change weapons while waiting for another match. You have to go back to the lobby menu in order to change weapon.    … Expand
  26. Bjolley35
    Jun 5, 2015
    9
    Fun, just an absolute blast, One of the best online games I've ever played. More fun and balanced than any online shooter I have ever played. No camping, no spawn deaths, turf warfare draws up literal lines of battle on the field. The style of play and design of the game is fast and an absolute blast. It is simply brilliant.
  27. AugustoSisti
    Jun 3, 2015
    9
    That its icredible, have some wrong things but still incredible. with the promisse splatoon will be the mario kart 8 of shooters game Nintendo made a incredible game. With some complications in the menu but nothing that distroy you game time. a new type of game, Nintendo made a new game in a era of reaster and remake of the olds series. That is what the people wants, not just gore andThat its icredible, have some wrong things but still incredible. with the promisse splatoon will be the mario kart 8 of shooters game Nintendo made a incredible game. With some complications in the menu but nothing that distroy you game time. a new type of game, Nintendo made a new game in a era of reaster and remake of the olds series. That is what the people wants, not just gore and sex, its fun and when you see you already played it by 5 hours. Its incredible!!… Expand
  28. IsmaDLR
    May 31, 2015
    9
    One thing that needs to be said is that the online in this game is not finished, but the things that are finished... Simply perfect. And now that the campaigns aren't the real deal anymore, Splatoon gave me a really good one, with a final boss fight that I simply loved.

    When it comes to online multiplayer, it's incredibly fun and addicting even with the low amount of online content.    One thing that needs to be said is that the online in this game is not finished, but the things that are finished... Simply perfect. And now that the campaigns aren't the real deal anymore, Splatoon gave me a really good one, with a final boss fight that I simply loved.

    When it comes to online multiplayer, it's incredibly fun and addicting even with the low amount of online content. And I really loved that the game doesn't have in-game voice chat, because in online battles that short (3 minutes), the voice chat is absolutely unnecessary, distracting and because the fact you only need to make a strategy for your equipment makes the strategy with the other players useless. If you play online, just sit back and ink all the place, forget about dumb strategies that are more focused on killing the other players than covering the most of the stage with ink. 3 minutes, 4 vs 4 players, tiny stages, only equipment strategy, and shoot, shoot, reload, shoot, shoot, repeat. If you feel that the Mario Kart 8 online races aren't chaotic enough, play Splatoon and you will know what chaos is.    … Expand
  29. ilar17
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    One of the most unique, colorful and fun games on the Wii U hands down, really addictive with more free content coming soon. This is a "must have" game.
  30. ricklongo
    Jul 6, 2015
    9
    I have something to confess: I'm not big on online multiplayer. The lack of face-to-face interaction generally means I simply don't have as much fun as when I gather friends on my living room to play, for example, extended sessions of Super Smash Bros. What I am big on, however, is great gameplay, and in that regard Splatoon made me a believer. Thirty-five hours in, I'm utterly enthralledI have something to confess: I'm not big on online multiplayer. The lack of face-to-face interaction generally means I simply don't have as much fun as when I gather friends on my living room to play, for example, extended sessions of Super Smash Bros. What I am big on, however, is great gameplay, and in that regard Splatoon made me a believer. Thirty-five hours in, I'm utterly enthralled by its endless stream of addictive three-minute ink-shooting matches, and I'm convinced this new franchise is going to be a massive player in the Nintendo IP roster going forward.

    As you're probably aware, Splatoon is a third person shooter with a focus on online multiplayer matches. When it comes to shooters, however, I don't think there's ever been anything that plays quite like it. You play as inklings, squid-human hybrids that shoot ink instead of bullets, and while you can (and certainly should) shoot opposing players, the focus is on covering the battlefield with ink. It's a genius approach for a couple of reasons: first, because it positions the shooter genre into Nintendo's family-friendly approach in a convincing and utterly addictive way. Secondly, the "shoot the environment" mechanic is a great way to make novice players feel useful even in a highly competitive environment, as it's more about clever strategy than it is about precise aiming.

    Splatoon was launched with only one online multiplayer mode (called "Turf Wars"), but has since gotten several free updates. As I write this, there are two other online modes available, with a few more planned for the next months. At this point, we have already experienced a "Splatfest": an online event that makes players pick sides and battle it out for their team on a big day-long stravaganza. All of this makes the game feel like a living, breathing thing, rewarding early adopters and keeping the hype ball rolling well beyond release. It's a smart strategy that has been compelling me to keep playing.

    Of course, the game also has an offline side: it consists of around thirty levels of inkling war against their hated octoling enemies. The level design is simply astonishing, throwing loads of clever twists on the ink-shooting formula as stages go on. There's an overworld to explore and find new stages, but most of those stages are very linear; some, however, are more open affairs, in which your character has to fight octolings in larger environments much like the online multiplayer modes. It's a mixture that certainly works, even if I'd have preferred more of the latter than the former.

    The single-player mode has another crowning jewel, though: the boss fights. They are five overall, and they're all so entertaining that I got genuinely surprised. When it came to the final boss battle, my expectations were through the roof... yet the game somehow managed to surpass them entirely. I won't spoil anything here, but suffice it to say that it's a lenghty, challenging, and massively fun war against what's probably my favorite character in the entire game. It's probably a bit early to say, but I'm guessing I'll forever look back to it as one of my favorite boss fights of all time.

    There have been criticism thrown at some of the game's quirks, such as the lack of online voice chat (which would be useful to some, even if it's not really my thing) or the poor local multiplayer options (and I fully believe a Goldeneye 007-like four-player split-screen mode could be absolutely fantastic). Taken for what it is, however, Splatoon is nothing short of a rousing success for Nintendo. It's innovative, it's addictive, it's got great graphics and music, and this is why it's probably one of the games people will always bring up in the future whenever talking about the Wii U. If you're on the fence, absolutely give it a shot.

    Rating: 9.0    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Wii U Game of 2015
1
#1 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2015
6
#6 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 88 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 88
  3. Negative: 0 out of 88
  1. Time
    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.
    Read full review
  2. SpazioGames
    Oct 23, 2015
    85
    We waited a bit before giving a vote to Splatoon, but after three months, the game is full of new weapons, has some awesome new modes, and it's still really, really fun. It's a WiiU killer app, one of those games that are not only extremely original, but so well made they utterly deserve a big and supporting community. If you have a WiiU and want an atypical shooter, this is the game for you.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Sep 18, 2015
    75
    Please don’t just look at the score and “meh” Splatoon, because this online shooter is the best thing that happened to Wii U in a long time. It just needs some major updates, because on arrival it’s just 75% of The Game of the Year. [09/2015, p.46]
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