SPLATOON 2
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RELEASE DATE 07/21/2017
PLATFORMS Nintendo Switch (Exclusive)
MP INFO (INC. CO-OP) Does have multiplayer, no local co-op
ORIGINAL MSRP $59.99
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8: Well executed port + Visual delight + Innovative motion controls - limited focus - jarring music - limiting modes
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Splatoon 2 is wonderful on the Switch. I’m glad to see the Nintendo gave this series the proper treatment and moved it over from Wii-U, a horrible system with a woefully underappreciated software library. Having said that, this definitely feels like a game from the last generation. Those wondering whether to pick it up ahead of Splatoon 3’s release will hinge on the desire to play multiplayer or not, as the single player doesn’t have much of a story and can get quite annoying in the 10 hours or so a player will need to sink into it. Nintendo has had a steady stream of events since the games release many years ago, but like all titles on the Nintendo Switch online service, it is considerably less than what you’ll see from a proper live service games.
The remarkable thing with this game, and the reason why it still might be worth trying ahead of Splatoon 3, is the game’s innovative use of motion controls. Quite forward thinking for the time, they are still enjoyable to this date and have not been widely replicated since then. The way you can use the controller’s gyroscopic capacity to aim in general and then pinpoint with the joysticks does take some getting used to, but once you’ve figure it out it’s quite fun and intuitive. The games various weapons feel unique, fun and balanced. This game’s core mechanics are a joy to play, but there isn’t too much to speak of beyond that.
I was fascinated with the game‘s lobby. You’ll load into Inkopolis, bustling city center, instead of a plain menu and navigate with your character through a Times Square type environment to reach your desired game mode. It’s absolutely lovely, and I can’t help but wonder how amazing it would be if the developers could expand the entire game out to a more open world style adventure in this creative and delightful world.
The multiplayer does still have players and some fun modes you may even have fun with a locally, but for one things are not so great. While the game gets a lot of things right, including the bosses, art design and overall visual presentation, the campaign is limited scope and overstays its welcome. It’s too limited for a full priced game. For example, as you cannot swap weapons mid mission. There are also few, if any ways to move through a level or take out enemies, other than the strict sequences set up for you. It’s a shame to see such a delightful universe not fully explored.
The game is very pretty. From the visual perspective, it’s overall wonderful. The art and ink motif are beautiful. Marina and Pearl, your host for this adventure are amazing and the world at large is a visual treat. The final boss is also a creative masterpiece. For as much as I loved the characters and art style, but some of audio tracks are downright annoying and save for a few select jingles, very repetitive. Some of the levels require a bit of skill and dying and repeating the same soundtracks is infuriating to say the least.
This time around, the center piece are the well-designed controls, but unless you intend to play online and build up your skills for the next game, there isn’t enough here to justify a purchase.
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