We tested "Splatoon 2", Nintendo's new festival of colour

Only Nintendo is capable of developing a multiplayer shooter whose (primary) objective is not to shoot down as many enemies as possible. Despite lukewarm enthusiasm for the Wii U, "Splatoon" was a huge success. Thanks to the efforts of the Japanese company, it has even risen to the status of an electronic sport.

The second part of the Nintendo Switch-only game was released on 21 July this year, just two years after the first version. I had my doubts about Nintendo's ability to bring enough new features in such a short space of time, but the first opus was relatively sober, so it left room for innovation, and the developers clearly didn't hold back.

How to play "Splatoon"

"Splatoon" features several modes. The first is the hero mode. During these games, you're the only player and you and your inkling (the game's heroes) help fight the evil Octarians as you try to complete your level. Unlike the first instalment, you are constantly given new weapons to try out. The levels are adapted to the different inkling guns. In hero mode, you learn not only how to use your entire arsenal, but also what moves are available to you. This short, fun mode doubles as a tutorial.

The main course

But multiplayer games are "Splatoon 2's" main asset. Here too, a few changes have been made. You can choose between regular, rank or league combat. The first is the normal multiplayer mode for beginners, the second is more competitive, and the third is two-hour matches played by teams of two or four players. The last two modes are activated from level 10 or rank B.

In ordinary mode, your objective is to conquer territories by covering as many surfaces as possible with ink in under three minutes. This is where you notice how brilliant Nintendo's idea is. Yes, you can shoot your enemies to temporarily stop them squirting their paint, but that's not the point. To recharge your weapons, you need to dive into the colours you've splashed. You'll also move faster. The dynamic of the game is completely different from classic shooting games, in which you kill as many enemies as possible.

Combat by rank has other modes: the Tower Commando or Operation Goldfish. The former involves moving a mobile tower through enemy territory, i.e. in "payload" as in "Team Fortress". League combat generally involves capturing the enemy flag. Finally, in Power mode, the aim is to keep specific areas covered with your colour, a la King of the Hill. Nothing very new, then, as far as modes go, but the bullet guns are pleasantly innovative all the same.

Salmon Run is Nintendos' horde mode. Alone or in pairs, you battle waves of enemies, collect fish eggs and try to survive for as long as possible.

"Splatoon 2" supports private games, during which up to 10 Switches are connected to each other. There is, however, no screen-sharing function.

New paint, new weapons, new maps

The design is really beautiful, and the visuals look great on the Switch, especially when the whole space is covered in colour. And the soundtrack is as great as ever.

New main weapons, such as the double inker, have been added to the assortment. Nintendo has also added a few secondary weapons such as the bastardiser or the chromo jet. As in the previous version, weapons and outfits are activated according to the gold you earn. New hats, tops and other items come with various bonuses, such as the ability to swim faster, or special rewards that make you stronger. So you can adapt your inkling to the way you play.

I'd recommend using the motion controls, although you'll have to get used to them first. You'll be much faster than with a joystick.

Nintendo has also recycled its cards. You'll recognise a few of them. In all, eight different cards will be offered to you in turn.

Some negatives

Want to chat during multiplayer games? Nintendo has finally caught up and now offers voice chat. But don't rejoice too soon. You'll need a mobile app. Here's a diagram to show you how. I wonder if the Switch didn't come to market a bit early. I'd rather run Skype or Google Hangouts on my smartphone.

Summary

Nintendo's new baby shows that its developers can do more than simply revamp an existing game. "Splatoon 2" is full of new ideas, while remaining true to the Japanese company's philosophy. The game remains extremely entertaining. Even though, at first glance, it looks very similar to the first version, it offers a few new features that justify its creation.

With the following accessories, you'll be fully immersed in the world of "Splatoon"

Video games

Nintendo Splatoon 2

Switch, DE

236

Game consoles

Nintendo Switch + Splatoon 2

2

Game controllers

69,99 EUR

Nintendo Joy-Con Set Green/Pink

Switch

2755

Game controllers

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - Splatoon 2 Limited Edition

Switch

2245

Additional gaming accessories

15,97 EUR

Nintendo amiibo Splatoon Inkling Girl (Neon Pink)

Switch, Wii U, 3DS

9

Additional gaming accessories

15,97 EUR

Nintendo amiibo Splatoon Squid (Neon Purple)

Switch, Wii U, 3DS

5

Additional gaming accessories

14,25 EUR

Nintendo amiibo Splatoon Inkling Boy (Neon Green)

Switch, Wii U, 3DS

7

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