Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion Reviews
All in all, Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion is a masterclass in how to do DLC right. It fits in perfectly with the standalone game, provides a heap of tailor-made content and furthers the story of the Inklings' and Octolings' world effortlessly and beautifully.
As cool as the "agent" and underground concept is, a lot of the aesthetic shift feels like a re-skin of sorts.
There are moments of greatness in this campaign, but I'd still only recommend it to the biggest Splatoon fans—the ones who play it on a nightly basis like me, itching for an Octoling to join Inkopolis in Turf War and Ranked battles. Otherwise, more casual fans might find Octo Expansion to be a touch too grueling to love.
At the end of it all, the Octo Expansion's take on tsukin jigoku and the idea of underground subway purgatory is written into both the story and gameplay. Agent 8's memory loss feeds into the idea of the subway being a kind of limbo that's stuck halfway between the “promised land” and the endless depths of Octarian challenges.
If you're craving more Splatoon, this will definitely suffice. Other than a few less than inspiring levels that you'll thankfully move through quickly (or just skip), this is a worthwhile break from the multiplayer modes we've been playing through since Splatoon 2's launch. Even if you haven't touched the original campaign, now is a great time to enjoy this single-player Splatoon experience.
Overall, Octo Expansion is an absolute steal. At $20, you're getting a very creative and engaging campaign that expands the world of Splatoon 2 with diverse gameplay, although a small portion of these levels feels like monotonous filler. Luckily, the ability to skip them mitigates this issue, but does little to assuage the fact that the majority of the bosses are rehashes. If you were hesitant to jump in due to the price tag, don't be: Squidkids will find plenty of enjoyment on the Deepsea Metro.
Nintendo's trickiest game in years is also one of its most joyful.
The Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion convinces with great new ideas and a lot of variety, but continues to miss a "real" story.
Review in German | Read full review
A single-player expansion for Splatoon 2 may not seem a particularly appealing idea but this inspired slice of DLC expands the whole franchise in a number of surprising ways.
This expansion succeeded in presenting a unique content that enriches the whole Splatoon 2 experience.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Octo Expansion throws plenty of both fun and serious challenges at you, between its expansive amount of levels and a multi-tiered finale that doesn't disappoint. These trials provide worthy so many challenges for those who wish to hone their mechanical skills for upcoming multiplayer matches, that I wish this had been Splatoon 2's base campaign all along.
Octo Expansion is not just a set of additional content for Splatoon 2, it's a magnificent addition that brings an extra set of addictive, compelling and competitive challenges that will reinvigorate every player's interest in the game. A truly essential expansion that will defy the limits of every Splatoon 2 player.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Octo Expansion offers fans of Splatoon 2's single-player mode an entirely new playground full of 80+ missions, an engaging (and dark) story, and a finale that is better than it has any right to be.
While it's wonderfully experimental, Octo Expansion isn't an essential purchase, but will give diehard Splatoon fans hours of often rock hard challenges to overcome.
One year after its original release, Splatoon 2 finally gets the one-player mode it deserves. With 80 brand new challenges, the Octo Expansion bring some fresh air and almost transforms the franchise into a solo adventure. Its tough difficulty may sometimes seem too much, but its bribe system will forbid anyone to be stuck forever. Get ready to build up your skill, but only when a sale period might make this DLC more affordable.
Review in French | Read full review
With some truly inspiring level design and interesting mechanics at play, Splatoon 2’s Octo Expansion DLC pack gives fans some real bang for their buck. Hop on at Deepsea Metro Station or hop off at Rage Quit City, the choice is ultimately yours. If this how Splatoon 2’s DLC looks, sign us up for the CQ-160. Double the fun, triple the frustration.
The Octo Expansion is DLC done right. From it's content, level design, and story, the expansion is well worth the price.
This is not the average campaign add-on you might legitimately expect: Octo Expansion offers a far more demanding (and not always 100% fair) experience. A series of 80 levels that will definitely engage hardcore veterans, but that at the same time might turn off players not too fond of game over screens.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Octo Expansion does what it needs to by keeping Splatoon 2 fresh.
A nice improvement over the single player part of the game, but this DLC doesn't does enought in every other part of the game to be really important.
Review in Spanish | Read full review