April 2, 2025
By Josleiny Castillo
Staff Writer
Since its inception in 2015, Splatoon has carved a unique niche, combining fast-paced, strategic gameplay with a whimsical, colorful aesthetic. Splatoon 3, released for the Nintendo Switch in September 2022, builds upon the successful formula of its predecessors, offering new maps, mechanics and weapons while maintaining the core identity that made the franchise beloved by fans.
At its core, Splatoon 3 remains a third-person shooter game where players control Inklings or Octolings, humanoid creatures that can shift between a squid-like form and a humanoid figure. The main objective in most game modes, including the iconic Turf War, is to cover as much of the map as possible with ink while preventing the opposing team from doing the same. This simple yet strategic premise continues to offer endless fun for players of all skill levels.
The controls remain intuitive, responsive and tight, offering a perfect balance between accessibility and depth. Players can swim through their ink, allowing for swift movement and creative approaches to both defense and offense.
The fluidity of movement in Splatoon 3 is a significant part of the gameplay’s charm. Whether players are dodging enemy ink, engaging in a firefight or jumping between platforms, the action is dynamic and fast.
However, game matches are not the only mode that players can focus on in Splatoon 3. In addition to this game, there’s a story mode players could advance with. For solo players, the game offers a captivating single-player campaign. Return of the Mammalians takes players through a series of boss fights, lore-rich environment and platforming challenges, expanding the Splatoon universe with new mysteries. It even rewards players with impressive items they could use in Splatoon 3’s customization for characters, gear and weapons. This gives players a way to express their style online. The new Locker Room feature lets players decorate their lockers, while the Tableturf Battle card game adds an unexpected but fun strategic element.
Splatoon 3 successfully builds on the franchise’s strong foundation, offering an improved experience for both casual and competitive players.
Splatoon 3’s greatest strength is its refined gameplay, which is smoother and more polished than ever. The new movement abilities, such as the Squid Roll and Squid Surge, add extra layers of mobility and strategy, making battles more exciting. The addition of new weapons like the Splatana and Tri-Stringer provides fresh ways to play, while expanded customization options—ranging from new gear to locker decorations—that allow players to showcase their style. Another major improvement is the always-available Salmon Run, a co-op mode that was previously locked behind time restrictions in Splatoon 2. Additionally, online connectivity is more stable, reducing the frustration of frequent disconnects that plagued past entries.
Splatoon 3 isn’t flawless, though. One of the biggest issues is the matchmaking system, which can sometimes lead to long wait times or unbalanced ranked matches. Additionally, the game’s map rotation system, which limits players to just two maps at a time, can make gameplay feel repetitive. While the game introduces new features and weapons, its core modes—particularly Anarchy Battles and Turf War—remain largely unchanged from previous versions, which may disappoint players looking for more innovation.
Another drawback is the lack of built-in voice chat, causing players to rely on external apps for communication, which is frustrating for those who want better coordination in team-based matches. Despite these shortcomings, Splatoon 3 remains engaging and well-crafted, delivering fun for both casual and competitive players. Splatoon 3 successfully builds on the franchise’s strong foundation, offering an improved experience for both casual and competitive players. With ongoing updates and seasonal content, Splatoon 3 is the best release in the series yet. Overall, Splatoon 3 is splashtastic enough to receive a 9/10.
SCREENSHOTS BY JOSLEINY CASTILLO
