When you think of fast paced multiplayer shooter action, odds are the Switch isn’t near the top of your list of platforms for fulfilling your blaster thrills. However, Splatoon is a gem of a series on Nintendo’s console that’s sometimes overlooked as people duck the real bullets of most shooters. Splatoon 3 is the long-awaited third instalment that adds a beefier single-player side.

A Sequel

Splatoon 3 takes place five years after the events of Splatoon 2 and expands on the events of the Octo Expansion from Splatoon 2.

Where you have to beat a number of stages to earn power eggs and then use those eggs to clear your way through the HUB levels, to get to even more stages…then rinse and repeat.

Though each level mixes things up, often seeing you having to do a number of different tasks before reaching the goal, which does help to keep you engaged…it could easily feel like a grind.

One thing that did feel a bit empty on the story mode side was the tale. A tale which pre-launch was building up to be a much grander affair than we got, sadly. It’s a bit light on the ground, and only really kicks in during the last few hours of its 6-to-7 hour run time.

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Fan favourite Salmon Run also returns. But this time around is playable whenever you want… Finally! There is waiting to play the game style that sees you and three mates battle it out to get as many eggs as you can in this enemy wave co-op mode.

The Salmon Run is really the mode that has seen the most changes. You can now throw eggs, for example, and there are new and challenging bosses to face off against.

Appointed Upgrades

The core Splatoon gameplay is here and strong, as you’ll be battling to paint areas on a number of urban themed battlefields – with the team that gets the most coverage by match end taking the win.

Same goes for the series signature movement system, where you turn into an Inkling or Octoling – to move at speed and stealthily through areas your team have painted, as well as reloading your weapon of choice at the same time.

It’s a unique core that has shone in the past two entries in the series and continues to shine here. Splatoon 3‘s few minor tweaks elevate the moment-to-moment gameplay, enhancing the inherent fun on offer.

For returning fans there are a lot of quality-of-life changes that, on paper, don’t look substantial. However, in the long run these are all welcome. Simple changes like not having to sit through the broadcasts before every match or teaming up with friends being far more streamlined.

On the downside there aren’t many clouds in this colourfest sky, but one thing that may rock the boat is that some of the maps are reused from past games.

Several of these are updated in ways, but at their core they are just ports, so long term fans may feel a bit cold on some, the same can be said for weapons for the most part too.

To Perfect a Presentation

Visually, the game is a tour-de-force of vibrant, juicy visuals. Each round starts out as a grey urban backdrop that just adds to the contrast and brilliance of the colour that ensues as both teams start throwing around the contents of a paint factory.

The game’s implementation of that very simple yet entirely emergent process and effect is as every bit as visually satisfying and eye-massaging as the developer intended. The aesthetic of every frame of the game is practically perfect.

Whereas on the soundtrack front it’s pure and unadulterated Nintendo through and through. Expect nothing but charm and joy by the truckload. Expect to hum a few of Splatoon 3‘s ditties in the long-term.

Mode to Joy

Splatoon 3 is a pure joy from start to finish; packed with wonder, charm and a unique style. Existing fans of the series will have a blast with the game. Newcomers are welcome to the party, as Splatoon 3 is ultimately a very inclusive and approachable battler.

Plus, more maps and weapons are on the way, so the game is set to evolve in the coming months.