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. dwoz777
    Sep 15, 2016
    9
    With the fun and intense multiplayer, a passive single player, and the entertaining world of Inkopolis, Splatoon delivers an entertaining package worth your time and energy. Where Splatoon falls short, it makes up for it in multiplayer. This game is fun and entertaining. If you own a Wii U, you need to own Splatoon.
  2. Stlouzilla
    May 30, 2017
    9
    Splatoon might be the most underrated franchise of this generation. Nintendo brings their trademark flair and charm to the shooting genre and injects it with fun and personality in a way that only they can. The game launched a little bare-bones but was well supported with updates, additions, and events through time. Splatoon is a powerful addition to Nintendo's pantheon of franchises.
  3. XmartoX
    Nov 9, 2016
    9
    Un juego imprescindible para todo poseedor de una Wii U. Es un juego super divertido y muy original, a mi, me ha encantado. El unico punto negativo que le veo es su rotacion de mapas en el online y su corta campaña
  4. Focaccia
    May 17, 2017
    9
    This game still lacks game modes like local multiplayer 2vs2 mode, or different rules for a 1vs1 local multiplayer match, the story mode is short, and it's a shame you need an internet connection to do basically anything in this game (even buy outfits for your avatar), but this game is still fun as hell! It's actually my favourite fps. It's so original, there's a huge variety of weapons,This game still lacks game modes like local multiplayer 2vs2 mode, or different rules for a 1vs1 local multiplayer match, the story mode is short, and it's a shame you need an internet connection to do basically anything in this game (even buy outfits for your avatar), but this game is still fun as hell! It's actually my favourite fps. It's so original, there's a huge variety of weapons, and the paint replacing blood is just hilarious. The controls work very well and the game is just beautiful. A definite must have for every wii u owner.… Expand
  5. Williamtpt
    Mar 16, 2017
    9
    Juego increible, super adictivo, solo le falta variedad en los mapas al momento de jugar online, pero no entorpece demasiado la experiencia final del juego.
  6. MrTacoBob
    Sep 17, 2017
    9
    An amazing game with so much fun activities! But, the gameplay gets repetitive but everything else in Splatoon is amazing, especially the single player levels and bosses!
  7. Retro_indepecat
    Sep 1, 2017
    9
    I bought the Wii U pack with the Mario Kart 8 + Splatoon... my god, what an awesome game!! Colorful, brutal gameplay, amazing idea, i will buy it for my Switch asap!!
  8. Domraifloor27
    Dec 16, 2017
    9
    Splatoon is an all-time classic game. It has great music, great controls, and fun gameplay! You can even scroll your camera to get the right angle! This game has everything right. However, if you need a certain weapon during a battle, you can't switch between items. But hey, this was my first game I ever owned. So generally, it's a great game
  9. OrenjiOkami
    Jul 20, 2018
    9
    Es un juegazo, un imprescindible de Wii U, lo único que falla es que peca de pocos mapas y solo dos personajes a elegir, además de eso no hay nada de lo que me pueda quejar, se ve bien y es muy divertido, muy recomendado
  10. Criti-Wise
    Aug 16, 2018
    9
    Splatoon was an extremely amazing experience for me. this is the kind of shooter game that I would enjoy. The turf wars are excellent for people who aren't really the combat type because they will be helping by covering up the place with their ink, and I love the game play too! It made the game so fun, and it kind of makes sense too. "Well, out of ink. Time to go 'underink' and gather someSplatoon was an extremely amazing experience for me. this is the kind of shooter game that I would enjoy. The turf wars are excellent for people who aren't really the combat type because they will be helping by covering up the place with their ink, and I love the game play too! It made the game so fun, and it kind of makes sense too. "Well, out of ink. Time to go 'underink' and gather some more!" It just makes sense to me. All the things that I did in the game were so fun! However, what's kind of stopping me from giving this a 10 is the local multiplayer mode, where you verse each other and pop balloons. Yeah, doesn't really sound too interesting, but Splatoon was still incredible! The great times I had with this game just really make me want to get Splatoon 2 because I can no longer play Splatoon because my Wii U is no longer with me, and I have a Switch now. "Now where did I leave that paint roller?"… Expand
  11. JuanmaKVR
    Aug 17, 2019
    9
    Situémonos en el año 2015, pasado el horroroso año 2014 donde los shooters quisieron evolucionar hacia otro campo (titanfall, destiny, etc). Llega Nintendo con una nueva mecánica nunca antes usada a semejante nivel y con tal maestría. PINTAR EL ESCENARIO.
    Con esta simple premisa han conseguido hacer una campaña que sirve como tutorial hacia el multijugador, aunque podía ser mejor, es    Situémonos en el año 2015, pasado el horroroso año 2014 donde los shooters quisieron evolucionar hacia otro campo (titanfall, destiny, etc). Llega Nintendo con una nueva mecánica nunca antes usada a semejante nivel y con tal maestría. PINTAR EL ESCENARIO.
    Con esta simple premisa han conseguido hacer una campaña que sirve como tutorial hacia el multijugador, aunque podía ser mejor, es aceptable.
    El multijugador prefiero que lo experimentes vosotros mismos, aún en 2019 se encuentran partidas muy fácilmente y no encuentras cheaters, frenético y divertido.    … Expand
  12. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    9
    A funny game to get unstressed, the best is you dont have to pay a single in game dollar. Many hours of play
  13. LinksElixir
    Mar 29, 2019
    9
    Splatoon is an amazing third person shooter for people to try if they can't afford a Nintendo switch yet to buy the second game.the controls are easy to learn and not hard to use, if motion isn't your thing (should try it is the better way to play!) Then you can use stick .Very bright and colourful game with decent graphics. The story mode is very good with a good story and levels what areSplatoon is an amazing third person shooter for people to try if they can't afford a Nintendo switch yet to buy the second game.the controls are easy to learn and not hard to use, if motion isn't your thing (should try it is the better way to play!) Then you can use stick .Very bright and colourful game with decent graphics. The story mode is very good with a good story and levels what are not to hard or to easy to complete. The music is amazing. There is a vast majority of ways to make your inkling (character) look different from others. There are some problems however such and not being able to change gear between battles. Stages changing every 4 hours instead of 2 like the second game and hackers. The hacker problem can be solved my leaving the lobby and if it's in turf war it sometimes can be a fun time.Overall very good game and worth buying even if you own the second game!… Expand
  14. GregLobstery
    Mar 28, 2020
    9
    A little weak in the single player department, but online its fun as heck, and for the most part pretty balanced. Very artsy, and has a slapping soundtrack.
  15. yolo004
    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 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.
  16. AbeFiletti
    Dec 7, 2020
    9
    You know if Nintendo tackles a popular genre in video games they are gonna do something new and interesting. Splatoon takes the shooter genre and does something completely new with it. I mean how does Nintendo come up with these ideas. Splatoon is one of the best multiplayer games I have ever played. It is extremely addicting, and really fun. It is the one of the only games I can say I'mYou know if Nintendo tackles a popular genre in video games they are gonna do something new and interesting. Splatoon takes the shooter genre and does something completely new with it. I mean how does Nintendo come up with these ideas. Splatoon is one of the best multiplayer games I have ever played. It is extremely addicting, and really fun. It is the one of the only games I can say I'm kind of good at. The story is really fun too. All the missions feel original and unique. Overall Splatoon is just a really fun time. I give it a 9/10 and an A.… Expand
  17. theonelog
    May 10, 2023
    9
    The first ever splatoon game. One of the very few new nintendo IP. They managed to strike gold with this franchise. Super fun gameplay all around. 9/10
  18. GreenPufferFish
    Jan 12, 2021
    9
    Very fun game worth buying i would recommend its got a load of origanal features
  19. RTCWFAN
    Jul 18, 2023
    9
    Great (couch) multiplayer game for the best multiplayer console ever released. It is just pure fun to shoot the bright colors on your friends. Overall rating: 8.9.
  20. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 24, 2021
    9
    Lots of charm. Amazing gameplay. Can't believe this is only the first entry in an already amazing series.
  21. Lil_Caucasian
    Feb 4, 2022
    9
    Fantastic new multiplayer IP that gave the Wii U a lot of value when it was released.
  22. Beny_Tube_5
    Sep 5, 2022
    9
    Really fun game! Splatting ink all over the place is just beautiful. Although I’m bad it just is a great game!
  23. Kdog152
    Apr 26, 2023
    9
    The Wii U may have failed, but Splatoon is a great classic. Yeah this is just paintball, but it's paintball with a twist.
  24. FxGSpartan
    Aug 25, 2023
    9
    i grew up with this game, Splatoon is one of my favorite shooters. This game has a lot of untapped potential and is very basic, but it's a lot of fun. This is the best casual Splatoon game in the series, though it competitively suffers from some issues. This game has a lot of problems, however they are more excusable because it is the first game in the series and tried its best, ratheri grew up with this game, Splatoon is one of my favorite shooters. This game has a lot of untapped potential and is very basic, but it's a lot of fun. This is the best casual Splatoon game in the series, though it competitively suffers from some issues. This game has a lot of problems, however they are more excusable because it is the first game in the series and tried its best, rather than blatantly ignoring existing problems or causing new ones on purpose. This game also doesn't have egregious issues that the law should step in on, unlike the Splatoon we have nowadays.
    Best map design in the series, most fun specials, best soundtrack, the list of things done right by Splatoon 1 that are failed in future releases is quite extensive.    … Expand
  25. Captiosus
    Jun 8, 2015
    8
    (Updated: 6/8/15; Original post: 5/30/15)
    Splatoon isn't perfect but it comes pretty close, which is an amazing feat as it's a first game in an all new IP from Nintendo. Here are my quibbles that drop it down in score:
    Minor: - Inability to change equipment while sitting in the matchmaking screen. - Inability to back out of the matchmaking screen without shutting off the Wii U. -    (Updated: 6/8/15; Original post: 5/30/15)
    Splatoon isn't perfect but it comes pretty close, which is an amazing feat as it's a first game in an all new IP from Nintendo. Here are my quibbles that drop it down in score:

    Minor:
    - Inability to change equipment while sitting in the matchmaking screen.
    - Inability to back out of the matchmaking screen without shutting off the Wii U.
    - Motion/Gyro controls are horrid and way too twitchy even on the lowest sensitivity, The game shines with twin stick controls, however.
    - Initial repetition of the maps. Yes we're getting more soon, free, on a regular basis but after one afternoon I've seen 4 maps until I'm (almost) sick of them. I can't imagine how some people reached level 20 in the first 24 hours without getting burned out.
    - If someone gets disconnected or just doesn't play, you WILL lose. 3 on 4 is unforgiving, and heaven help you if you lose more than 1 person.

    Major (Update):
    Although I originally rated the game a 9, I've dropped it down to an 8 due to one issue:
    - Longevity: Although the weapons are (more or less) fairly balanced and the maps probably some of the best arena maps I've played since the heyday of the arena games in the early 2000's, I've hit a wall with Splatoon simply because I've (almost) run out of things to do. At time of typing, I've reached max level in multiplayer, I have maxed out 3-star gear in all gear slots, have 100% completion of the single player (all upgrades, all 32 sunken scrolls [27 stage, 5 boss]), and I have a very small handful of amiibo challenges to finish. Bear in mind that I DID NOT play marathon sessions to achieve this. I generally got to play for an hour or two a night since release and even had a few days where I didn't play at all. Don't get me wrong, I'm still picking up the controller and playing, but for how long remains to be seen.

    Personal gripe:
    - amiibos. I had no problem with amiibo's prior to Splatoon but the way these amiibo (disclaimer: yes, I own them), unlock content rubs me the wrong way. Yes, the content they unlock is just remixed versions of the existing single player campaign, and yes the end rewards are cosmetic only. However, there is an AWFUL LOT of replay value that they gated behind the amiibo! Essentially the single player campaign could easily be doubled in length IF you have all of the amiibo, which isn't a given as the Squid is packaged in bundles in both North America (3 pack only) and Europe (bundled with game only). There's no guarantee the Splatoon amiibo will ever work in future games, either, one of the few redeeming qualities of the amiibo platform.

    These issues aren't gamebreaking and, if you own a Wii U, you're doing yourself a great disservice if you don't at least try Splatoon. It's a game that has something for everyone while remaining family friendly.

    A final comment:
    People complaining about voice chat, just stop. 3 minute matches on condensed maps do not lend well to deep strategy. The time you'd spend trying to formulate a plan would just put you further behind the other team. Plus, everything you need for on-the-fly strategy is right there on your gamepad. Voice chat would only open up the game to the most toxic elements of the community and make the game far less family friendly than it is.    … Expand
  26. London_Calling
    May 31, 2015
    8
    Brilliant game but the future DLC is badly needed. Colourful, fun, addictive and a nice spin on the FPS. Scores of 0 are plain stoopid. Scores of 10 are wrong too. But closer to reality.
  27. Bugman
    Jun 2, 2015
    8
    I haven't had this much fun in a very long time. Nintendo shows there could be more than just picking off people in your typical shooter. The objective is clear, cover the map with your teams ink as much as you can in 3 mins. The team that covers the most wins. The weapon variety is good the gear is decent but the maps are on the light side from the start. More maps, modes and gearI haven't had this much fun in a very long time. Nintendo shows there could be more than just picking off people in your typical shooter. The objective is clear, cover the map with your teams ink as much as you can in 3 mins. The team that covers the most wins. The weapon variety is good the gear is decent but the maps are on the light side from the start. More maps, modes and gear will be available in the future without a season pass. Voice chat is sadly unavailable but to tell the truth there hasn't been one instance where I found it completely necessary. The rounds are delivered in these small sweet doses that doesn't drag on.
    Having to exit the lobby to just change your load out is very inefficient and needs to be adjusted as well as having classes.
    Good
    -Mechanics
    -Fun Factor
    -Multiplayer
    -Weapon Variety

    Bad
    -No Voice chat
    -Content on the light side(more to be delivered in the coming weeks)
    -No weapon selections between matches.

    Splatoon delivers on the fun but the lack of content holds it back. Nintendo has already started releasing content at no charge just 3 days after release which is a positive sign. Let's hope Nintendo will address issues that have to do with voice chat and even the weapon selection between rounds a reality.    … Expand
  28. Emme
    May 30, 2015
    8
    Splatoon has great potential. Its gameplay and progression system is clever and rewarding on several levels. The graphics could use more polish and especially antialiasing, but this doesnt distract from the addictive, fast paced multiplayer game. What is lacking ? Support for the Wiimote and nunchuck would be great. Beeing able to change more character features. Random npc events duringSplatoon has great potential. Its gameplay and progression system is clever and rewarding on several levels. The graphics could use more polish and especially antialiasing, but this doesnt distract from the addictive, fast paced multiplayer game. What is lacking ? Support for the Wiimote and nunchuck would be great. Beeing able to change more character features. Random npc events during the multiplayer sessions would be nice.… Expand
  29. Aozz101x
    Dec 18, 2015
    8
    Splatoon is one of the Best games for Wii U!, a new FRESH shooter to long running games such as Halo and Call of Duty.

    The Good:
    - The Game has a lot you can do, Single Player, Multplayer, Splatfest, Local Multplayer, customized you're inkling! ;)
    - it has an interesting story mode

    The Bad
    - lack of more options on local multplayer
    - Short Story Mode, but it's pretty good still!
  30. thepurplewalrus
    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 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    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
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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]
See all critic reviews »