Splatoon 3 Review: Nintendo Switch Shoots for Freshness with Turf War Evolution

Splatoon 3 Review: Nintendo Switch Shoots for Freshness with Turf War Evolution Few Nintendo franchises have rewritten the multiplayer script quite like Splatoon.

Bursting onto the Wii U in 2015, the series reimagined the third-person shooter with a signature splash of ink, quirky team-based play, and infectious style.

With Splatoon 2 cementing its place early in the Nintendo Switch lifecycle—especially through the celebrated Octo Expansion—the anticipation for Splatoon 3 has run high.

Now, Nintendo’s latest entry takes players to the Splatlands for another round of ink-flinging chaos, profound experimentation, and a fresh approach to the formula that made the franchise stand out. A Return to Inky Brilliance Launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch, Splatoon 3 transports players to Splatsville—a bustling city hub filled with high-rise apartments, neon-lit signage, and a reimagined sense of urban energy.

After a concise onboarding segment, players are greeted by Anarchy Splatcast, hosted by musicians Deep Cut (Shiver, Frye, and Big Man), who promptly announce that the Great Zapfish has gone missing.

This incident leaves the city powerless, kickstarting a revitalized story mode that gives hallmark Splatoon storytelling a new twist. Stepping into the sewers, longtime series character Cuttlefish—now retired—suspects the Octarians’ involvement.

He equips you with a brand-new Hero Suit and appoints you Agent 3 in the New Squidbeak Splatoon task force.

The single-player campaign introduces environmental hazards like Fuzzy Ooze, which covers parts of the Splatlands and presents unique gameplay risks, adding layers to classic platforming and combat scenarios. Fresh Allies and Mechanics A key addition is your companion, Smallfry—a sprightly, animated buddy who lends a tentacle by attacking distant targets and consuming Power Eggs to clear the treacherous Fuzzy Ooze from your path.

This dynamic not only supports puzzle-solving but also deepens the single-player experience, keeping players engaged as they gather Sunken Scrolls and unlock new rewards like Tableturf Battle cards, stickers, and custom decorations for in-game lockers. Story and Multiplayer: Seamlessly Intertwined Nintendo has been careful to protect surprise elements in the story mode, but the focus remains on engaging moment-to-moment action, puns, and creative character interactions.

Players will encounter new weapons and mechanics, learning the ropes necessary before entering Splatoon 3’s robust multiplayer.

Here, classic four-on-four Turf War matches return, bolstered by tweaks to matchmaking and a more intuitive lobby system, including a Test Range to experiment with loadouts while waiting in queue. Splatsville’s shops are back, offering a broad selection of weapons and clothing, with new customization options through Harmony’s General Store and an ever-expanding Catalog.

The multiplayer suite features competitive staples under the Anarchy Battles banner—Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, and Clam Blitz—with weapon and stage variety keeping the experience engaging. Evolving Game Modes and Support Cooperative play via Salmon Run sees players face off against hordes of Salmonid enemies.

While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged, fresh boss types like Slammin’ Lid and Fish Stick, along with new job site stages, introduce subtle improvements.

The tableturf-inspired card battler, Tableturf Battle, offers a delightful side diversion from ink-splatting showdowns. Nintendo’s commitment to Splatoon 3’s ongoing support is clear, with a two-year roadmap of content additions and large-scale paid DLC promised to further invigorate the experience.

At launch, the game stands as the most refined entry in the Splatoon series—smooth, lively, and unmistakably Nintendo.

As a platform exclusive, Splatoon 3 is a must-own on the Nintendo Switch for both series veterans and newcomers eager to immerse themselves in its distinct, ink-soaked world. Final Score: 9/10

Nintendo Switch Splatoon Nintendo Splatoon 3 Switch Inkling Octoling Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion Wii U Deep Cut Shiver Frye Big Man Cuttlefish Octarian Hero Suit New Squidbeak Splatoon Agent 3 Smallfry Fuzzy Ooze Power Eggs Anarchy Splatcast Grizzco Industries Salmonid Tableturf Battle