Ahead of its launch, Metacritic has published an early Metascore for Splatoon Raiders, the latest entry in Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise developed by Nintendo EPD.
Metacritic’s aggregation lists Splatoon Raiders with a Metascore of 81 based on 66 critic reviews at the time of publication, a rating Metacritic classifies as “Generally Favorable.” For context, the most recent mainline entry, Splatoon 3, holds a Metascore of 83.
Key takeaways from early critic coverage
- Overall reception: Metacritic shows broad critical approval, with praise focusing on the game’s loop, accessibility, and how the series’ mechanics translate to a looter-shooter format.
- Developer and platform: Splatoon Raiders is developed by Nintendo EPD and arrives as the franchise’s extension into a looter-shooter/action-RPG structure on Nintendo platforms.
Rewritten highlights from major reviews
- IGN (90): IGN describes Splatoon Raiders as an exceptional action-RPG that nails its core loop.
The review praises the game’s new powers and upgrade systems, challenging yet balanced encounters that reward thoughtful builds, and a pacing that keeps the campaign engaging rather than grinding.
IGN also noted substantial playtime and a compelling endgame, calling it one of the top experiences on current Nintendo hardware.
- Nintendo Life (90): Nintendo Life awarded a high score for the title’s variety and accessibility, saying the game can cater to a wide range of skill levels and play styles.
The outlet commended performance and multiplayer options, dubbing it a strong value for players interested in the series’ new direction.
- Game Informer (88): Game Informer highlighted the single-player campaign as a standout, arguing that Splatoon Raiders brings renewed attention to the franchise’s oft-overlooked solo content.
- Destructoid (85): Destructoid called Raiders a kid-friendly looter shooter with charm and a satisfying loot chase, acknowledging that while it may not be as deep as some genre peers, it remains a top pick in early 2026 coverage.
- VGC (80): VGC characterized the game as delivering a simple but compelling loop—engage, upgrade, repeat—and noted Nintendo’s execution keeps repetition from becoming a detriment.
- Siliconera (80): Siliconera observed that Raiders builds cleverly on Salmon Run concepts from previous Splatoon entries, working well both solo and cooperatively while noting its narrower design focus compared to mainline campaigns.
- GameSpot (80): GameSpot suggested Raiders is unlikely to replace the main Splatoon entries but praised its flexibility and satisfying single-player experience, encouraging Nintendo to maintain this looter-shooter sub-series alongside the main games.
What this means for players and the eShop launch
Metacritic’s early aggregation indicates strong critical interest in Nintendo EPD’s new direction for the franchise.
With generally favorable reviews from major outlets, Splatoon Raiders looks poised to be a noteworthy release on Nintendo platforms.
Readers can expect to see the title featured in Nintendo’s promotional channels and available through the Nintendo eShop at launch.
All scores and quotes above are derived from published critic reviews aggregated on Metacritic and the respective outlets cited.
Metacritic’s aggregation lists Splatoon Raiders with a Metascore of 81 based on 66 critic reviews at the time of publication, a rating Metacritic classifies as “Generally Favorable.” For context, the most recent mainline entry, Splatoon 3, holds a Metascore of 83.
Key takeaways from early critic coverage
- Overall reception: Metacritic shows broad critical approval, with praise focusing on the game’s loop, accessibility, and how the series’ mechanics translate to a looter-shooter format.
- Developer and platform: Splatoon Raiders is developed by Nintendo EPD and arrives as the franchise’s extension into a looter-shooter/action-RPG structure on Nintendo platforms.
Rewritten highlights from major reviews
- IGN (90): IGN describes Splatoon Raiders as an exceptional action-RPG that nails its core loop.
The review praises the game’s new powers and upgrade systems, challenging yet balanced encounters that reward thoughtful builds, and a pacing that keeps the campaign engaging rather than grinding.
IGN also noted substantial playtime and a compelling endgame, calling it one of the top experiences on current Nintendo hardware.
- Nintendo Life (90): Nintendo Life awarded a high score for the title’s variety and accessibility, saying the game can cater to a wide range of skill levels and play styles.
The outlet commended performance and multiplayer options, dubbing it a strong value for players interested in the series’ new direction.
- Game Informer (88): Game Informer highlighted the single-player campaign as a standout, arguing that Splatoon Raiders brings renewed attention to the franchise’s oft-overlooked solo content.
- Destructoid (85): Destructoid called Raiders a kid-friendly looter shooter with charm and a satisfying loot chase, acknowledging that while it may not be as deep as some genre peers, it remains a top pick in early 2026 coverage.
- VGC (80): VGC characterized the game as delivering a simple but compelling loop—engage, upgrade, repeat—and noted Nintendo’s execution keeps repetition from becoming a detriment.
- Siliconera (80): Siliconera observed that Raiders builds cleverly on Salmon Run concepts from previous Splatoon entries, working well both solo and cooperatively while noting its narrower design focus compared to mainline campaigns.
- GameSpot (80): GameSpot suggested Raiders is unlikely to replace the main Splatoon entries but praised its flexibility and satisfying single-player experience, encouraging Nintendo to maintain this looter-shooter sub-series alongside the main games.
What this means for players and the eShop launch
Metacritic’s early aggregation indicates strong critical interest in Nintendo EPD’s new direction for the franchise.
With generally favorable reviews from major outlets, Splatoon Raiders looks poised to be a noteworthy release on Nintendo platforms.
Readers can expect to see the title featured in Nintendo’s promotional channels and available through the Nintendo eShop at launch.
All scores and quotes above are derived from published critic reviews aggregated on Metacritic and the respective outlets cited.
