TL;DR
Nintendo delivers a refined sequel with Splatoon 2 on the Switch! Building on the original's colorful, ink-splattering shooter action, this installment boasts improved graphics and a much-needed single-player campaign. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel and inherits some minor quirks like sluggish cutscenes, it enhances the multiplayer experience and offers a fun, accessible alternative to traditional shooters. If you loved the first Splatoon, this upgraded version is a must-have for your Switch. Dive into the ink-tastic action and see why!
It’s commendable that Nintendo has returned to form with the hybrid console Nintendo Switch. While it may possess the least powerful hardware on paper this console generation, the decision to create a device that functions as both a stationary and portable system, coupled with unique Nintendo titles, was a stroke of brilliance. Its presence is evident in homes and on the go, and few consoles rival the portable gaming experiences it provides.
Splatoon, a well-received third-person shooter, originally graced the underrated Wii U. Now, two years later, the sequel arrives on Nintendo’s current console. Splatoon 2 doesn’t represent a massive evolutionary leap; it largely resembles the 2015 title but features improved graphics, a more engaging multiplayer component, and a dedicated single-player mode – a feature notably absent in the original.
Splatoon 2 exemplifies Nintendo’s ability to refine and transform established genres into unique experiences. In essence, Splatoon 2 (like its predecessor) is an accessible shooter where “cool kids” transform into squids and engage in paintball-style combat. It’s suitable for a wide age range, contingent on sufficient motor skills. While motion controls facilitate ease of entry, we ultimately found them less precise than traditional control schemes. Similar to Mario Kart 8, competitive players will likely disable motion controls within the menu after completing the tutorial.
The weapons are even cooler this time.
The single-player mode is a welcome and necessary addition, enhancing the game’s overall completeness, particularly given the Switch’s online multiplayer limitations. Salmon Run, a cooperative mode involving increasingly challenging waves, is enjoyable locally but only accessible online during specific time windows. Turf War (four-versus-four), Splat Zones, and Rain Maker offer more readily available multiplayer experiences, although they are less innovative. The removal of split-screen multiplayer is a notable omission, requiring each local player to bring their own Switch console.
The campaign mode presents progressively demanding courses, serving as both a tutorial and a test of skill against challenging final bosses. Splatoon 2 retains the colorful energy and playfulness of the original, but unfortunately inherits some sluggish cutscenes and the somewhat grating, nonsensical language spoken by the in-game announcers, reminiscent of the “rhubarb rhubarb” dialogue in Yooka-Laylee.
One striking aspect of Splatoon 2 is its strong resemblance to the original. While the Switch offers more processing power, resulting in enhanced graphics and lighting effects, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, save for presentation tweaks and a slightly altered color palette. This isn’t necessarily a negative, considering the quality of the original Splatoon. However, it raises the possibility that Nintendo may not have had sufficient time to develop a wholly new title, instead opting for a refined version with improved multiplayer – similar to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Conversely, the original was enjoyable, popular, and accessible, suggesting a reluctance to significantly alter a successful formula. While Splatoon 2 may not be radically different, it represents an improvement across most aspects. Consequently, fans of the first game should find it a worthwhile purchase.
