Splatoon is, for all intents and purposes, a strong multiplayer-focused shooter. The game twists the rules of conventional shooter mechanics by making you paint arenas rather than just shoot enemies, with Turf War rewarding the team that manages to spread their colour around the most. But it’s not the only trick the Splatoon pony knows.
Once you get enough game time under your belt (enough to reach a level 10 Inkling, that is) Splatoon begins unlocking more online modes for you to play with. One of those new modes is Splat Zones, which plays on the Turf War formula a little bit. Instead of painting the entire map, players will have to strategically paint certain areas at certain times throughout the match. So think King of the Hill, except you’re painting an area rather than just standing in it.
This, and a few other game modes, make up Spaltoon’s ranked online play, which will track the best teams of inklings from around the world. The persistent levelling will unlock new modes for you to play, as well as cosmetic items for you to kit your Inking out with. It’s a serious multiplayer focus on a Nintendo exclusive that, at a glance, looks like a game only suited for younger players. If you’ve had the chance to play though, you’ll know that’s a short sighted assessment.
The only thing about Splatoon’s rather addictive multiplayer that has me depressed is the lack of online chat. With a game that requires some sort of co-operation, excluding any form of communication with teammates seems like a grave oversight. That, and I won’t be able to hear Geoff swear at me when I dominate him online.
Regardless, Splatoon still looks like a solid new IP for Nintendo, and we’ll all get to see for ourselves in May.
Last Updated: March 25, 2015
Pariah
March 25, 2015 at 14:03
I can just imagine this happening in every matchup.
Ranting Raptor
March 25, 2015 at 14:45
loooooooooool
WitWolfy
March 25, 2015 at 14:12
True story…
Aaron K Stone
March 25, 2015 at 22:59
I’m sure many sympathise with you.
WitWolfy
March 26, 2015 at 08:25
Not sure if thats sarcasm or legit sympothy…
Hanatarot
March 31, 2015 at 05:56
Funny…I’m quite the oppisite. Bought all 3 systems on Launch and the one i played mostly right now is the Wii U and enjoy it ever since lauch…. haha.
WitWolfy
March 31, 2015 at 10:14
LOL at least someone is enjoying their purchase 🙂
Hanatarot
April 5, 2015 at 00:29
Yup….Just waiting for splatoon, mario kart dlc, and mewtwo.
Hammersteyn
March 25, 2015 at 14:29
I’d buy this if I had a WIIU. Then I would be able to shoot loads over everybody.
RinceThis
March 25, 2015 at 14:31
0_O
guest
March 29, 2015 at 17:46
inkshotting is the new teabagging
Hammersteyn
March 30, 2015 at 07:43
Bwahahahaha
RinceThis
March 25, 2015 at 14:31
This game is epic! Had so much fun playing it at rAge!
Ranting Raptor
March 25, 2015 at 14:46
SPLATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!
Ranting Raptor
March 25, 2015 at 14:45
“Splatoon is, for all intents and purposes, and strong multiplayer focused shooter”
Dat engrish!
Admiral Chief
March 25, 2015 at 15:09
AMAZING!
Ranting Raptor
March 25, 2015 at 14:46
SPLAAAATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Ratix Farrence
April 5, 2015 at 06:18
Unlike what this blog claims, Splatoon is not devoid of communication features. There is quick chat on the d-pad to alert/acknowledge team members as well as visual callouts using the touchscreen map.
It is actually rather convenient, especially if the game utilizes worldwide server matchups.
Knowing verbal english shouldn’t be a prerequisite to playing this game, which is geared toward all ages, the communication options that ARE present will more than suffice.