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Splatoon 3

Nintendo
Sep 9, 2022 - Nintendo Switch
Strong

OpenCritic Rating

83

Top Critic Average

93%

Critics Recommend

IGN
8 / 10
IGN
9 / 10
Eurogamer
Recommended
TheGamer
4 / 5
Easy Allies
8.5 / 10
GamesRadar+
4 / 5
Metro GameCentral
8 / 10
Game Informer
8.5 / 10

Splatoon 3 Review Summary

StrongCritic Consensus

Splatoon 3 is the most refined and robust Splatoon yet, offering fun and frantic multiplayer gameplay. A few critics were disappointed by the lack of content and new ideas, however.

Splatoon 3 is being praised for not only its multiplayer and co-op modes, but also its single player campaign. Running at roughly 8-10 hours it’s being commended for offering inventive levels, challenging gameplay and a good story. It’s also been praised for being able to jump to any of the levels from the start.

The online gameplay is also being applauded for its slick fluid gameplay mechanics, not so much a reinvention, but a refinement in most ways. It presents multiplayer and co-op modes that are frantic and fun. Many critics also noted that there are ways for new players to find their footing while still depth for returning players to test out their skills. The inclusion of the co-op salmon run being available at all times has also been well received. All online modes are working well, with emphasis being put on the lack of menus, easy navigation, and ability to test out weapons whilst matches are loading.

Its presentation has been well received, stating the game looks glossy and runs at a smooth 60fps while in matches, however some experienced performance dips in the city hub world. There has also been a lot of praise for the good variety of maps, old fan favourites are included and new inventive ones hold up just as well. The same has been said about the new weapons.

Some reviews have pointed out that its lack of new features or ideas make it feel like there’s not enough new content. A new mini game has been included and some critics have said it is well thought out, but others have called it inconsequential.

It's worth noting that, whilst online gameplay seems to be working well, some reviewers have stated they didn’t have enough time, or there weren't enough people in the pre-release copy to test it fully. As a result, some review scores are not final.

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Splatoon 3 Trailers

Splatoon 3 Direct - Nintendo Switch thumbnail

Splatoon 3 Direct - Nintendo Switch

Splatoon 3 - What is Turf War? thumbnail

Splatoon 3 - What is Turf War?

Splatoon 3 – Release Date Revealed  - Nintendo Switch thumbnail

Splatoon 3 – Release Date Revealed - Nintendo Switch


Splatoon 3 Screenshots

Critic Reviews for Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3’s campaign features a fresh take on an open hub world design, mixing in short but satisfying missions to let you experiment with different weapons and abilities.

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Splatoon 3 has done a great job anticipating the needs of returning players.

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There are few surprises to be found in Splatoon 3's multiplayer or campaign, but it is the best Nintendo's spectacular series has been to date.

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Splatoon 3 won't change anyone's mind on the series, but several smart changes to the formula make it unarguably the best game in the trilogy.

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There's excellence in Splatoon 3 – it just doesn't quite hold for the campaign.

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Technically this is the best Splatoon ever, but the complete lack of anything approaching a new idea is profoundly disappointing.

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Splatoon 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Instead, it improves nearly every franchise element in sometimes small but meaningful ways. With an already-robust set of content available at launch and at least two years of free and premium content on the horizon, Splatoon 3 is simultaneously the series’ best entry to date and its most promising.

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Industry Coverage

Nintendo Vacates Splatoon 3 World Championship, Winners' Banner Changing

Nintendo Vacates Splatoon 3 World Championship, Winners' Banner Changing

Nintendo issues an official notice regarding the winners of the Splatoon 3 World Championships, revoking the team's win and making update plans.

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Splatoon 3 Reveals New Squid Sisters and Off the Hook Amiibo

Splatoon 3 Reveals New Squid Sisters and Off the Hook Amiibo

Nintendo reveals a brand-new set of Splatoon 3-themed Amiibo based on the iconic Squid Sisters and Off the Hook idol groups.

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Splatoon 3 Teases Final Splatfest

Splatoon 3 Teases Final Splatfest

Nintendo releases a teaser trailer for the last Splatfest of Splatoon 3, which includes the themes and when it will take place.

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Splatoon 3 Announces August Splatfest Details

Splatoon 3 Announces August Splatfest Details

Some squids may still be cooling down, but Splatoon 3 is moving on, announcing a new Splatfest arriving in August 2024.

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