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. Las7
    May 29, 2015
    10
    I've had a blast so far playing Splatoon.

    I think this is the first shooter in ages to get me so excited.
    I'm at working thinking about inking the place.
    While I sleep I'm a SQUID KID

    THIS GAME IS ADDICTIVE
    BEST THINGS SINCE DOTA 2, WITCHER and CS 1.6
  2. SilentMugwump
    May 31, 2015
    10
    Nintendo definitely has a winner with this IP. They have turned the online shooter genre on its head with some really smart twists. Having the winning objective be covering the biggest area with your team's paint color instead of number of enemies shot changes everything.
    After burning out of other shooter mainstreams such as Halo and COD this game comes as a breath of fresh air. The    Nintendo definitely has a winner with this IP. They have turned the online shooter genre on its head with some really smart twists. Having the winning objective be covering the biggest area with your team's paint color instead of number of enemies shot changes everything.
    After burning out of other shooter mainstreams such as Halo and COD this game comes as a breath of fresh air. The content is vast, given all the variables you can add to your gear, and the way the offline content links with the online content is genius. The way the single player content influences the online portion of the game is everything I wished Halo and COD would have done back in their heyday.
    I have seen that most backlash to the game emphasize the lack of online chat. I honestly did not miss it, if I have any wishes to enhance the online play would be the ability to change your choice of weapon on respawn in case you found that you had too many of a particular type of weapon in your team.
    This should be a system seller along with Super Smash Bros Wii U and Mario Kart Wii U...    … Expand
  3. EFYevan
    May 29, 2015
    10
    I bought this game on launch day and tried out the trial, and it is the BEST new game Nintendo has put out in 14 years! Free online that actually works! Well done, Nintendo, this is a must buy!
  4. Honelith
    Mar 26, 2017
    10
    Simply one of the best online multiplayer games ever created and further refined in Splatoon 2 which is even better! But back to Splatoon 1, I love the quick fast paced nature of the matches, which caters to newbies and pro players. Because even if you can't aim, anyone can simply learn to dodge, place down traps and get away so you can continue inking more of the arena. Great art styleSimply one of the best online multiplayer games ever created and further refined in Splatoon 2 which is even better! But back to Splatoon 1, I love the quick fast paced nature of the matches, which caters to newbies and pro players. Because even if you can't aim, anyone can simply learn to dodge, place down traps and get away so you can continue inking more of the arena. Great art style and interesting music that never gets old with plenty of items, ranks and weapons to buy and unlock which keeps you playing well into the end game stage.… Expand
  5. Kirisoul
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Was going to give it a 9 for relatively small amount of content, but updates have continuously fixed that up. Splatoon's aesthetic style, gameplay, and overall package are all top notch. I had never played shooters before Splatoon, and was simply curious since the mechanics looked interesting. But now 4 months after the game release, I'm still actively playing it. There's a lot ofWas going to give it a 9 for relatively small amount of content, but updates have continuously fixed that up. Splatoon's aesthetic style, gameplay, and overall package are all top notch. I had never played shooters before Splatoon, and was simply curious since the mechanics looked interesting. But now 4 months after the game release, I'm still actively playing it. There's a lot of strategic depth behind this game's cute exterior, which is of course very Nintendo-like.… Expand
  6. Vandal
    May 30, 2015
    10
    Superb fun for young and old. Play locally in a 1on1 or online in 4v4.
    The motion controls on the gameplay take a bit of getting used to but are surprisingly helpful in aiming.
    Graphics are great. Amiibo integrate well.
    Another breath of fresh air from Nintendo.
  7. starmarx39
    Jul 14, 2016
    10
    Splatoon's approachable aesthetic and surprisingly deep competitive mode kick down the door of the hardcore online genre and firmly establish their community in the online space.

    Fast, creative, gorgeous to look at and shockingly compelling, Splatoon feels like the tightest shooter to hit the gaming space in years.
  8. Damag
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    The most innovative and fun new game concept since Dark Souls.
    Even if it looks childish and despite all it flaws (lack of content, amiibos) if you are a real gamer and love games for their gameplay you should definitely give it a try, i guarantee you will not be disappointed.
  9. QDog
    Sep 6, 2015
    10
    I waited 3 months to review this game because I wanted to see how it evolved and if it still held my attention. I can honestly say that I have put more hours into Splatoon than any game in years. It's charm and easy to play yet difficult to master gameplay makes it quite addicting. If you have a Wii U and don't have this game, you're cheating yourself. If any single game is worthI waited 3 months to review this game because I wanted to see how it evolved and if it still held my attention. I can honestly say that I have put more hours into Splatoon than any game in years. It's charm and easy to play yet difficult to master gameplay makes it quite addicting. If you have a Wii U and don't have this game, you're cheating yourself. If any single game is worth getting a Wii U, it's Splatoon. As a person who does NOT like shooters, I LOVE this game.

    I can't wait for the next Splatfest.    … Expand
  10. Delta46
    Aug 17, 2015
    10
    One of my all time favorite games. The multiplayer is what really shines here. There is so much variety and fun to be had here. The single player is a nice short distraction. Amazing game.
  11. alphaomega88
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    Absolutely the most addictive shooter I have ever played, no contest. This game gets it right, it is easy to pick up and play casually and have a fantastic time with, and it has all the right elements of an extremely competitive game for more intense players to also have an absolutely fantastic time with, and that is just the multiplayer. The single player alone is quality enough to rateAbsolutely the most addictive shooter I have ever played, no contest. This game gets it right, it is easy to pick up and play casually and have a fantastic time with, and it has all the right elements of an extremely competitive game for more intense players to also have an absolutely fantastic time with, and that is just the multiplayer. The single player alone is quality enough to rate this game an easy 8. Best game this year, and most fun shooter ever IMHO.… Expand
  12. vintagegamer16
    Dec 5, 2015
    10
    Splatoon is great, unique even for having a different winning objective. A must have system seller for the WiiU. The Music is stylish and the single player is a must play through as well.
  13. mac1275
    May 29, 2015
    10
    Just going to point a few things out.
    1) Launch content is disappointing (although plenty is coming free later).
    2) Lack of voice chat is a bit saddening. 3) The match making lobbies are a bit barebones and difficult to escape from ....and yet....this game has provided me the most entertainment I've had from a video game in a while. Sure some of the design choices are iffy for the    Just going to point a few things out.
    1) Launch content is disappointing (although plenty is coming free later).
    2) Lack of voice chat is a bit saddening.
    3) The match making lobbies are a bit barebones and difficult to escape from
    ....and yet....this game has provided me the most entertainment I've had from a video game in a while. Sure some of the design choices are iffy for the multiplayer, but I've had so much fun over the past day that I never even cared. The sound track is fun, the single player is a really creative platformer like adventure, and it's such a colorful and unique title like nothing else I have ever really played. Everything from the skater gear to the Nickelodeon like ooze that shoots from your gun has a lot of charm and it just has that bit of magic that can hook you from the get go with an interesting level of depth that can make even the most competitive gamers giddy with excitement.    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. SaltyNoodles
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    This game really reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend a few years ago. I basically said "wouldn't it be great if there was a first person shooter style game, but with an upbeat tone, and cute, colourful graphics?". And Splatoon absolutely quenches my thirst for a game like this and more. It's fast paced, got a few different ways to play, adorable, and gives you the sort ofThis game really reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend a few years ago. I basically said "wouldn't it be great if there was a first person shooter style game, but with an upbeat tone, and cute, colourful graphics?". And Splatoon absolutely quenches my thirst for a game like this and more. It's fast paced, got a few different ways to play, adorable, and gives you the sort of sense of community of any multiplayer game but without the option for your teammates to scream insults into your ear. It's a wonderful experience.… Expand
  16. heROFtime92
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Splatoon is just the new fresh awesomely fun IP Wii U was lacking, while having all the Nintendo classic experience, splatoon is a new take on both FPS and TPS, sounds weird, but it works perfectly! This is the game that made me feel like a kid again! I just can't stop playing it.

    New modes, scenarios and weapons are being added freely every week, and the amiibo integration pretty much    Splatoon is just the new fresh awesomely fun IP Wii U was lacking, while having all the Nintendo classic experience, splatoon is a new take on both FPS and TPS, sounds weird, but it works perfectly! This is the game that made me feel like a kid again! I just can't stop playing it.

    New modes, scenarios and weapons are being added freely every week, and the amiibo integration pretty much brings new challenges into the story mode.

    While on-line mode is the major point of the game, be sure to play story mode to know how to get around and unlock some cool rewards, on-line chat could have been useful but it is not necessary at all.    … Expand
  17. whiterussian
    May 29, 2015
    10
    Amazing game. A fresh wind for shooters, 1 of a kind. Easy to get into but it takes real skill to master. Lots of tacktics and customization options, unique weapon. Single player is somewhat short but of a high quality. Multiplayer will keep you occupied for a long time, especially considering the game will get (free) additional content on a regular basis.

    Music and graphics are good as well.
  18. mewtilator
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    At first I thought I was a kid, but then i realized I was a squid. Also this game is incredibly fun, anyone with a Wii U should get it. Games are short and fast paced, sweet fashion choices and A+ memes by other users.
  19. sherbypaladin
    Jun 1, 2015
    10
    I really love this game : from the refreshing graphics and gameplay dynamics, this game is one of Nintendo's best franchise. I just can't stop playing. Please keep in mind that the game will improve with time (more maps, more modes, more gear).
  20. Kickapoww
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    This game has it all. It's fun, well balanced, and keeps me coming back for more. I've finished all but the amiibo challenges and I loved all of it. The game's style is so fresh. And the game mechanics are new and exciting. I am also surprised that the team of devs that makes Animal Crossing made this game. I love AC, and I notice their touch in this game's design. It's high class.
  21. mammajynx
    May 31, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Splatoon is Nintendo's next big IP. I am one who was fully anticipating it's release with excitement and when I got my hands on the game after work the day of release, I was not disappointed. The game's controls are flawless and easy to learn, but a bit tougher to master. One will learn this as they play through the game's online mode, Turf Wars. The more one plays, the more one starts to pick up on methods that help him or her traverse the environment faster as well as how to combat opponents more cleverly. It all takes practice.

    While mastering the controls helps players grow into more menacing foes, there is also a "seemingly" never ending supply of clothing and weapons that can be purchased at stores found in the main lobby of the game. A nice feature that the game contains is fast earning currency. Play some games and it is not difficult to rack up thousands of the in-game money. When one has their fill of online-play, he or she can go shopping and raid all the shops, which include a weapons shop, shirt shop, shoe store, and headgear store. All clothing is ranked from 1 to 3 stars, at least from what I have seen so far, and these stars symbolize that specific piece of clothing's "power." Essentially, the more stars, the better the piece of clothing. This is because clothing comes with perks. Usually pieces come preinstalled with a perk, such as increased speed while running, or the ability to locate mine traps, etc. The more stars clothing has, however, the more perks the clothing can earn. I have bought some clothes that reach up to 4 different perks which greatly enhance my stats. I am a particular fan of the defensive perk and the invisible squid perk which boost my defenses against enemy fire to help me stay alive longer and allow me to "super jump" to the side of my teammates without the other team noticing my arrival.

    While online battles are definitely my favorite part of this game, the single player story mode is very charming and a lot of fun. It is not incredibly difficult, so it will not turn away players who may not be very adept at playing video games, but it also feels exciting enough to keep seasoned players feeling the mode is worth while and enjoyable. Each level that one plays through is unique and usually has obstacles related to a specific theme. For example, one world I played through has small sponges that, when filled with ink, would expand for myself to traverse over into new areas. Another area had propeller platforms that would move while ink is being sprayed into the propeller blades. By having a variety of environments and keeping each design radically different from the next, this keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and innovative. I am always left wondering what is next and I must keep playing to find out. The bosses found in the story mode remind me of bosses found in the Pikmin franchise. They have wonderful character designs and exploitable weaknesses. One boss has a large cylinder body and a nozzle for a nose and fires large purple paint balls at its enemy to attack. By splatting the bellybutton-like tentacles on its side, one can send it into a state of unconsciousness so that finishing blows can be dealt to the main tentacle sticking out of its head. Completing this task three times in a row will defeat the boss.

    Lastly, I have also been lucky enough to get my hands on the three Splatoon amiibos. Each one offers specialized versions of the story mode, but unlike one has seen before. The stages are the same, but the objectives and means of completing the objectives are not. For instance, the Green Squid amiibo firsts asks the player to complete the very first level of the story mode by utilizing the power of a "Special Weapon" called the "Kraken." The Kraken is usually used for short burts of time, when a special meter is filled in battles during turf wars. However, in this challenge, the kraken is used to traverse the stage quickly, because the player is left with a fast ticking timer. If the time runs out, then the player loses and has to start all over. While I hate to admit it, I ended up losing my first try, because time ran out just before I reached the end of the level. I was quick to play again and win and had a great time doing so. When enough challenges are completed, the amiibos will reward the player with in-game currency and upon beating special boss challenges, will also give out special weapons and armor. These new weapons and armor can be used in turf wars and can be leveled up to gain new perks. My favorite is the alien-looking armor that the Green Squid amiibo gives the player upon completing all the special missions. The armor turns any Inkling into a cool cyborg-looking player which looks real nice in turf wars.

    Overall, I truly believe this game is an experience unlike any other. The game's only flaw is how addicting it can be. A definite must-have for Wii U owners and I am excited to see how this franchise will evolve over time.    … Expand
  22. curzon_dax
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    This game was amazing. The last boss was a 10/10. The rest of a game was a 9 since it could be slightly more complex and interesting but whatever, get a 10.
  23. TorKa
    May 30, 2015
    10
    I love this game of Nintendo, is amazing game and very funny. Thanks Nintendo for make true games of quality and fresh IP´s, and i wait more games in this style from Nintendo.
  24. alan666
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    This game is marvelous. It is filled with personality and customization options. It makes ou addicted to paint everything. The thrills of playing online are incredible, and the single player campaign is nice.
    After playing Splatoon, other FPS's looked like they don't have life.
    Highly recommended!
  25. FreedomFighters
    Feb 25, 2018
    10
    I'll be completely honest with you guys, as fun as this game looked, I kind of worried it was gonna fail. No voice chat, lack of features and maps at launch, poor advertising, and the struggles of the "Global Testfire" just had me worrying more and more about "what if this great looking new IP from Nintendo comes out and ends up not doing so well?" Fortunately, "Splatoon" is an absolutelyI'll be completely honest with you guys, as fun as this game looked, I kind of worried it was gonna fail. No voice chat, lack of features and maps at launch, poor advertising, and the struggles of the "Global Testfire" just had me worrying more and more about "what if this great looking new IP from Nintendo comes out and ends up not doing so well?" Fortunately, "Splatoon" is an absolutely fantastic game that succeeds in almost every aspect.
    The game is extremely fun to play, unique, fresh (no pun intended) and visually gorgeous, and now with all the free updates available, there's a lot to try out in the game. Also, even though the game's campaign is pretty short, it's still wildly fun to play and features some amazing level design and mission variety that'll keep you on your toes all throughout.
    The game isn't immaculate, though. The local multiplayer is definitely lacking and, me being someone that doesn't play online games that often, it sucks that I can't play battles locally and get the same experience (I know "Splatoon 2" is going to fix that, though, which is good). Oh, and the lack of voice chat is still disheartening and annoying.
    Even so, "Splatoon" is an excellent game that should not be missing from your Wii U collection. Stay fresh, kids and squids!
    Final rating: 10 out of 10 "Fantastic"    … Expand
  26. Dominator
    Jul 2, 2015
    10
    This game is some fresh and innovative shooter. A shooter who's goal is to out-ink the opponents on this map, something the majority of shooters don't have. Because of it's fundamental unique gameplay, the rollers and inkbrushes were unique for this kind of shooter that no other shooters possess. The single player is also amazing. It is the recommendation for every players out there toThis game is some fresh and innovative shooter. A shooter who's goal is to out-ink the opponents on this map, something the majority of shooters don't have. Because of it's fundamental unique gameplay, the rollers and inkbrushes were unique for this kind of shooter that no other shooters possess. The single player is also amazing. It is the recommendation for every players out there to train you for the multiplayer. The final boss, DJ Octavio, is the most shocking one. A leader of its race who is in fact a DJ, he has some awesome music to bring, and his battle starts easy until going chaotic.… Expand
  27. boblemoche
    May 31, 2015
    10
    Just perfect, Nintendo give à new original IP, i like this :) fun fun fun and more fun for many years ! Spectacular, clean, perfect, the new reference of the fun in team
  28. Hechss
    Nov 24, 2015
    10
    Splatoon is pure fun and creativity! And after uncountables updates its content is truly large. A multiplayer shooter like none other exists. Can't stop playing it!
  29. NandoLopez
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    Instantly accessible, and infinitely complex. There are nuances that show themselves after only a tiny bit of play time. The game forces you to figure out your own play style before you are allowed to customize your stats. The game allows players to customize their stats by purchasing in-game clothing items and weapons but you must achieve level 4 prior to being allowed to shop. This canInstantly accessible, and infinitely complex. There are nuances that show themselves after only a tiny bit of play time. The game forces you to figure out your own play style before you are allowed to customize your stats. The game allows players to customize their stats by purchasing in-game clothing items and weapons but you must achieve level 4 prior to being allowed to shop. This can be done rather quickly in online battles, it only took me 30 minutes to get there. By that time I knew what my play style was, I knew what weapons I would want and what stats I wanted to boost. I purchased a hat, a pair of shoes, and a shirt that added to my play style. I chose the type of weapon that suited me well. The idea that a player has to wait until level 4 before being able to do these things was a bit off-putting at first but after achieving that goal it all made sense. It is a brilliant tactic that illustrates the genius behind Nintendo. They understand gaming like no other company. This attention to detail is what makes them great. My parting bit of advice is that you should get this game, you should get a Wii U. The greatest games of this generation are on the Nintendo console. And there are so many more coming.… Expand
  30. kashop
    May 31, 2015
    10
    This game surpassed all my expectations. Its the most fun game in years.. The single campaign is very well done, with several innovative mechanics (a nice surprise for a game based in multiplayer)
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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 »