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CRITIK

Splatoon 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Splatoon 3
Item: Splatoon 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 9, 2022

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

Enter the Splatlands, a sun-scorched desert inhabited by battle-hardened Inklings and Octolings. Splatsville, the city of chaos, is the adrenaline-fueled heart of this dusty wasteland. Even in this desolate environment, Turf War reigns supreme and battles rage in new stages located in the surrounding wilds. Dynamic new moves help these fighters dodge attacks and cover more ground, along with a new bow-shaped weapon to sling ink.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Splatoon 3 are quite varied, with some positive aspects highlighted by multiple reviewers. Critics like Daily Star and Vooks praise the fun and engaging narrative, with Daily Star specifically mentioning the clever platforming moments and increasing difficulty levels that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, Pure Nintendo appreciates the simplicity of the narrative, focusing on the player's mission to stop a parasitic invasive species, which provides an enjoyable gameplay experience. TheSixthAxis and Game Informer also commend the engaging level design and boss battles in the single-player campaign, showcasing the strength of the gameplay mechanics in enhancing the storytelling. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives in the story of Splatoon 3. COGconnected criticizes the level design for being dull and lacking organic exploration, which may impact the overall immersion and enjoyment of the narrative experience. VGC describes the story mode as stop-start and lacking depth, indicating a potential lack of cohesion or depth in the storytelling that could leave players wanting more substance. But Why Tho?? notes that while the story is fun, it ultimately feels shallow and takes a backseat to the gameplay, suggesting a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on the narrative potential of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of the story in Splatoon 3, with many praising the engaging gameplay elements and level design that enhance the overall narrative experience. Critics like Vooks and T3 highlight the well-developed characters and captivating levels, while Game Informer and TheSixthAxis appreciate the satisfying exploration of game mechanics and engaging boss battles. Despite some criticisms regarding depth and pacing, the majority of reviewers find the story mode in Splatoon 3 to be an enjoyable and immersive experience that adds value to the overall gameplay package.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed views on Splatoon 3's story, with some praising its engaging narrative, clever platforming, and challenging gameplay. However, others criticize the dull level design and lack of depth, feeling the story takes a backseat to gameplay. Overall, most reviewers find the story mode enjoyable and immersive, highlighting well-developed characters and engaging mechanics, despite some flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics have highly praised the gameplay of Splatoon 3, highlighting its fast-paced and addictive nature. App Trigger commends the game for its hectic gameplay in Turf War mode, emphasizing the working wheel that doesn't need fixing. But Why Tho?? and Game Informer both appreciate the swift and fun gameplay, with players engaged in constant action such as splatting ink, shooting enemies, and traversing platforming sections. The addition of new moves, weapons, and ideas, as noted by COGconnected, contributes to the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay experience. While the overall reception of Splatoon 3's gameplay is overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out a few shortcomings. Hey Poor Player mentions that the gameplay lacks major innovation from previous titles, suggesting a potential lack of groundbreaking features. DualShockers notes that the Salmon Run mode could use some tweaking, indicating room for improvement in certain gameplay aspects. These critiques, however, appear to be minor in comparison to the widespread acclaim for the game's mechanics and overall experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Splatoon 3. The game is lauded for its unique mechanics, polished formula, and tight gameplay, as highlighted by Cubed3 and Shindig. Critics appreciate the variety of weapons, abilities, and modes that provide depth and engagement for players of all skill levels. Despite minor criticisms regarding innovation and specific gameplay modes, the overall sentiment is that Splatoon 3 delivers a highly enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience that builds upon the success of its predecessors.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Splatoon 3's fast-paced and addictive gameplay, praising its exciting action in Turf War mode and new features, according to App Trigger, But Why Tho?, Game Informer, and COGconnected. While some critics mention a lack of major innovation and room for improvement in Salmon Run mode, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Splatoon 3 offers a unique, polished, and engaging experience with a variety of weapons and modes for players of all skill levels, as noted by Cubed3 and Shindig.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Splatoon 3 are largely positive. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Guardian praise the game for its excellent graphics, highly detailed models, vibrant character designs, and impeccable art direction. The visuals are described as visually stunning, bursting with color, and maintaining a unique and colorful art style. Critics such as DualShockers and Starbit appreciate the explosion of color, new vibrancy, and visible improvements in the graphical quality of the game. The game's visuals are commended for being stylish, cool, flawless, and portraying a fusion of Japanese street-fashion, urban art, architectural lines, and pop-art personality, creating a visually appealing and inviting world for players to immerse themselves in. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of the game's graphics and visual design. App Trigger and COGconnected mention issues with the level design lacking variety, feeling dull, or struggling to expand on the original aesthetic in a meaningful way. Comicbook.com and New Game Network note similarities to Splatoon 2 in terms of visuals, with some bland platform settings and no major improvements in visual quality. While the game maintains its colorful and friendly art style, some critics feel that there could have been more significant enhancements or innovations in the graphics department to truly set Splatoon 3 apart from its predecessor. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Splatoon 3 excels in its graphics and visual design, offering a visually delightful experience that pushes the limits of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities. The game is praised for its impressive visuals, smooth performance, strong art direction, and colorful chaos that appeals to players of all ages. Despite some minor criticisms regarding level design and lack of major visual improvements, Splatoon 3 is widely regarded as a visually stunning and vibrant game that successfully builds upon the series' signature visual style while introducing new elements to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Critics like T3 and Worth Playing highlight the mix of cel-shaded graphics, modern 3D anime stylization, and visually satisfying ink mechanics as key strengths of the game's visual presentation, contributing to an overall positive reception from reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics laud Splatoon 3 for its stunning graphics, vibrant character designs, and unique art style. The game is praised for its explosion of color and impeccable art direction, creating a visually appealing world. While some critics mention concerns about level design and lack of major visual improvements from its predecessor, Splatoon 3 is widely recognized for its smooth performance and colorful chaos that appeals to players of all ages. Overall, the game excels in pushing the limits of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities and offers a visually delightful experience with its mix of cel-shaded graphics and modern anime stylization.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Splatoon 3 are overwhelmingly positive. Critics like T3, NME, and Vooks praise the game's soundtrack for its variety and energy, with mentions of pop rock, J-pop beats, banging electro-funk, hard rock, and melodic songs that enhance the gameplay experience. The addition of standout tracks during boss fights, as noted by But Why Tho??, and the music speeding up during matches, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis, contribute to the overall excitement and intensity of the game. Checkpoint Gaming also commends the bopping soundtrack that complements the visual aesthetic, showcasing a consensus among critics that the music and sound design elevate the overall experience of Splatoon 3. On the flip side, some critics like COGconnected mention that the music in Splatoon 3 is hardly noticeable, albeit with standout songs on the soundtrack. This could indicate a lack of consistency in the impact of the music throughout the game. Additionally, while Gamepressure appreciates the satisfying squishiness and splattering sounds in the sound design, there may be room for improvement in terms of making the music more prominent and memorable for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Splatoon 3 excels in its Sound Design and Music aspects. The positive comments regarding the variety, energy, and fitting nature of the soundtrack, along with the enhancement of gameplay through music and sound effects, outweigh the few criticisms about the music being less noticeable at times. The game's ability to create an immersive and engaging auditory experience, as highlighted by multiple critics, solidifies Splatoon 3 as a title that successfully integrates sound design and music to enhance the overall gameplay and atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Splatoon 3's diverse and energetic soundtrack, praising its pop rock, J-pop beats, and electro-funk. The music enhances gameplay with standout tracks during boss fights and intensifies matches. While some critics find the music not always prominent, the consensus is that Splatoon 3 excels in sound design and music, creating an immersive and engaging auditory experience that elevates the overall gameplay.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Splatoon 3 on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics praised the game for running smoothly at 60 frames per second both online and offline. Critics like Gamepressure and T3 highlighted the game's consistent performance, with T3 acknowledging occasional frame rate drops in the main hub but overall smooth gameplay. Additionally, Vooks commended the game for its smooth performance and top-notch presentation, showcasing the game's capabilities on the Nintendo Switch. However, there were notable issues mentioned by some critics regarding the technical performance of Splatoon 3 on the Nintendo Switch. Checkpoint Gaming and Noisy Pixel reported connection errors and crashes during gameplay, impacting the overall experience. Shindig criticized the matchmaking and netcode issues, including accidental ready-ups and random disconnects, which hindered the online gameplay experience. These issues were further emphasized by Hey Poor Player, who noted issues with online connectivity and difficulty accessing certain game modes, affecting the overall enjoyment of the game on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Splatoon 3 on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a mixed reception. While the game excels in providing a smooth gameplay experience with features like short loading times and engaging gameplay, the presence of connection issues, matchmaking problems, and occasional frame rate drops in specific areas detract from the overall experience. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and NME highlighted the game's stability and smooth performance, while others such as Shindig and Noisy Pixel pointed out significant technical hurdles that need to be addressed for a more seamless gaming experience. Despite these challenges, the game still manages to deliver an enjoyable experience for players on the Nintendo Switch, with potential for improvement through future updates and optimizations, as hinted by IGN Adria regarding potential in-game purchases and quality of life improvements mentioned by VGC.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Splatoon 3 for smooth 60fps gameplay on Nintendo Switch, but technical issues like connection errors, crashes, and matchmaking problems impact overall experience. Mixed reception with some highlighting smooth performance and others pointing out significant hurdles. Game shows potential for improvement through future updates.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously agree that Splatoon 3 offers exceptional replay value, with a plethora of content and features that keep players engaged for hours on end. Critics like App Trigger and Guardian highlight the abundance of things to see, do, and unlock in the game, making it a near-perfect Splatoon experience. The addition of new weapons, modes, customization options, and collectibles, as mentioned by Comicbook.com and Pure Nintendo, further enhances the replayability of the game. The diverse multiplayer modes, such as PvP and PvE modes, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Gamepressure, cater to different playstyles and preferences, ensuring there is something for everyone. Additionally, the continuous updates and planned DLC, as mentioned by Gamepressure and Noisy Pixel, promise to keep the game fresh and exciting for players in the long run. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the replay value of Splatoon 3, some critics pointed out certain areas where the game could improve. COGconnected mentions that while there are numerous stages to complete, they lack variety, potentially leading to repetitive gameplay for some players. NintendoWorldReport highlights that the new game mode, Tableturf Battle, may lose its replay value quickly since it cannot be played online, limiting its longevity compared to other modes. Additionally, New Game Network mentions that some players may find the lack of fresh content disappointing, suggesting that the game could benefit from more frequent updates and additions to maintain player interest over time. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Splatoon 3. The game's diverse range of multiplayer modes, engaging single-player campaign, extensive customization options, and continuous updates contribute to its high replayability and long-term appeal. Critics like Game Informer and Worth Playing commend the game for its frantic pace, bite-sized matches, and the addition of new modes, weapons, and quality of life improvements that enhance replay value. With a mix of competitive modes, gear customization, and engaging co-op experiences like Salmon Run, Splatoon 3 succeeds in keeping players coming back for more, as acknowledged by TheSixthAxis and ZTGD. In conclusion, Splatoon 3 stands out as a title that offers a wealth of content and features, ensuring that players will find themselves immersed in its vibrant and dynamic world for a long time to come.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Splatoon 3's exceptional replay value, praising its diverse content and engaging features that keep players hooked. With a plethora of new weapons, modes, and customization options, the game offers a near-perfect Splatoon experience. While some critics mention areas for improvement like lack of variety in stages and limited replay value of certain modes, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Splatoon 3's continuous updates, diverse multiplayer modes, and engaging gameplay ensure long-term appeal and keep players coming back for more.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Splatoon 3 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, who praise the game for delivering an exceptional and highly enjoyable experience. Critics like App Trigger and But Why Tho?? commend the game for providing exactly what fans want from the franchise and more, with a near-perfect Splatoon experience that caters to both newcomers and long-time players. The game is lauded for its engaging gameplay, tight mechanics, varied content, and strong visual aesthetic. Reviewers such as DualShockers and Game Informer highlight Splatoon 3 as the best entry in the series to date, building upon the excellent foundation of its predecessors and offering a robust set of content at launch. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics express concerns or point out areas for improvement in Splatoon 3. COGconnected mentions that while the mechanical elements are solid, the look and feel of the game may be off, with the solo campaign feeling subdued and lonely. Checkpoint Gaming raises issues with major connection problems that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, Slant Magazine notes that while Splatoon 3 is a good game with the potential to evolve into a great one, it feels too soon for the series to rely on old ideas instead of innovating, suggesting a need for more originality in future iterations. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Splatoon 3 is a highly successful and enjoyable addition to the franchise, offering refined gameplay mechanics, engaging multiplayer experiences, and a visually appealing world. The game is praised for its addictive nature, promising future updates, and the ability to cater to both series fans and newcomers. Reviewers appreciate the improvements made in Splatoon 3 while acknowledging that it may not reinvent the wheel entirely. The game's ability to deliver a consistently strong experience, despite some minor drawbacks, solidifies its position as one of the best entries in the series to date, as noted by critics like Vooks and Worth Playing.

TL;DR

Splatoon 3 is a hit with critics, praised for delivering an exceptional and highly enjoyable experience that caters to fans and newcomers alike. Critics love the engaging gameplay, tight mechanics, and strong visual aesthetic, calling it the best entry in the series so far. While some critics point out areas for improvement, like connection problems and lack of originality, the consensus is that Splatoon 3 is a successful and addictive addition to the franchise. Overall, it offers refined gameplay, engaging multiplayer experiences, and a visually appealing world, making it one of the best entries in the series to date.

CRITIK

Reviews

172 reviews found

100

Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Sep 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hailed as the best game in the series to date, delivering on expectations and offering a consistently strong experience despite some drawbacks.

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100

Daily Star

Nintendo Switch

Sep 13, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is great and well worth buying if you’re looking for some multiplayer online shooting fun without the overt violence.

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Launcher (The Washington Post)

Nintendo Switch

Sep 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Splatoon 3 and recommends it, especially for fans of the series.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Oct 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Splatoon 3 is a great installment that blends fun territories and weapons with easily accessible features. It does the Splatoon name proud.

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Screen Rant

Nintendo Switch

Sep 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Splatoon 3 is a highly accessible game that builds upon its predecessors and offers a fun online experience.

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Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Oct 3, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Splatoon 3 a score of 9 out of 10 and recommends it.

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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Oct 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Splatoon 3 delivers exactly what people want from the franchise and more, despite a few disappointing decisions. It is a near-perfect Splatoon experience.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Sep 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Splatoon 3 as a rip-roaring success and the best the game has been, with numerous quality of life improvements.

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Inverse

Nintendo Switch

Sep 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Splatoon 3 a score of 9/10 and praises its enhancements to the core formula, charm, and style. It suggests that with good post-launch support, it could become the best multiplayer experience on the Switch.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Sep 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Splatoon 3 refines the series to near perfection, offering a highly enjoyable online shooter experience with numerous improvements. Lacks a major new addition but excels in addressing community feedback and enhancing gameplay.

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