I was looking for a good multi-player game during the pandemic that I could play with friends online (that wasn’t Animal Crossing.) We discover Splatoon 2 and went to battle. I like how interactive the game is with the mini town and being able to customize your look and gear. The one thing I don’t like is that you can’t choose to be on the same team as a friend it’s completely random. The Job section can get very tricky as well as you are paired at random and the weapon you get is also random. I don’t play my Switch as much anymore so I don’t have the online service. I ended up buying a month just play recently as this game can not be played off line. Overall it’s a great game if you want to play for 15 minutes or 15 hours.

Best shooter on the Switch

I'm not a huge fan of most competitive shooters as it seems the one's with the most time playing them know right where to camp and take me out the second I spawn. What I really enjoy about Splatoon 2 is that it's a light-hearted yet extremely difficult at time shooter. Matches are three minutes and are 4v4 with players constantly swapping in and out between matches. The basic premise being that you are an Inkling (kid/squid hybrid) that can transform to a squid swimming twice as fast as your walking speed. You shoot, roll, spray, or slosh ink around claiming ground. If you try to walk in enemy ink your walking speed is halved and you are more vulnerable.There are so many great modes in the game, with my first favorite being turf war. It's simply whichever team ... MoreI'm not a huge fan of most competitive shooters as it seems the one's with the most time playing them know right where to camp and take me out the second I spawn. What I really enjoy about Splatoon 2 is that it's a light-hearted yet extremely difficult at time shooter. Matches are three minutes and are 4v4 with players constantly swapping in and out between matches. The basic premise being that you are an Inkling (kid/squid hybrid) that can transform to a squid swimming twice as fast as your walking speed. You shoot, roll, spray, or slosh ink around claiming ground. If you try to walk in enemy ink your walking speed is halved and you are more vulnerable.There are so many great modes in the game, with my first favorite being turf war. It's simply whichever team covers the most ground wins. There is also tower control, and rain maker (a destructive weapon that each team is fighting over). I really enjoy the new mode, Salmon Run where a team of up to four fight advancing enemies in a relatively small map. Each has particular weaknesses that you have to exploit to take them down. You have to work as a team and it's really fun. There is also an expansive single player mode that teaches you the ropes as you progress, and a really fun DLC pack "Octo Expansion" that goes for $20 and let's you play as the villain through a large 80 level campaign with a lot of unlockable loot.As you play though the game you level up, earn new clothes, weapons, and gear that has different abilities. And then every month or every other month there are what are called "Splatfests" where participants choose a side and battle with the victor getting rewards to enhance their gear even more.I loved the first game on Wii U and the second game improves on everything. Like that game Nintendo has slowly been adding to this game with the last major additions happening in early December. Over the course of that time many levels, maps, map re-designs, and items have been added to the game. I have put over 400 hours into this game and don't plan to stop playing anytime soon. My four year old son, 8 and 11 year old daughters and teen even enjoy playing this game. I can't recommend it enough.

Fun quick game with a great aesthetic

I never played Splatoon 1 due to not buying a Wii U, but it caught my eye when it came out. So I was excited for Splatoon 2, especially after all the great reviews, and I was not disappointed.Splatoon 2 is a game dripping with classic Nintendo charm, from the bright colors, to the art style that’s aimed at kids but enjoyable by all. The gear styles that you can mix and match and potentially be seen in the main square, encourage for creating the freshest looking squid-kid, while the upgrading system helps keep the stats on the gear from helping you do that.The game itself focuses heavily on the multiplayer aspect, and for the first few hours you will be mostly playing the Turf Wars mode. The way the game is designed makes it so even if you aren’t the best at ... MoreI never played Splatoon 1 due to not buying a Wii U, but it caught my eye when it came out. So I was excited for Splatoon 2, especially after all the great reviews, and I was not disappointed.Splatoon 2 is a game dripping with classic Nintendo charm, from the bright colors, to the art style that’s aimed at kids but enjoyable by all. The gear styles that you can mix and match and potentially be seen in the main square, encourage for creating the freshest looking squid-kid, while the upgrading system helps keep the stats on the gear from helping you do that.The game itself focuses heavily on the multiplayer aspect, and for the first few hours you will be mostly playing the Turf Wars mode. The way the game is designed makes it so even if you aren’t the best at shooter games, you can still be useful to your team by painting territory, and your type of gameplay, painting vs splatting, can be enhanced by your choice of weapon. The weapons are limited at first but open up the main playstyle options pretty fast in the first few levels, and then you unlock more specialized versions of these weapons. The first few games might feel impossible, but as you get the hang of it and find the weapon that fits you, you’ll quickly start becoming a strong team member. The best thing is with the ~3 minute match times, your losses don’t feel bad, and you don’t feel like you’re making a commitment when you start one up. Being able to get a few matches in on your lunch break is a great feeling that’s hard to find in most multiplayer games.The best thing about the game is the Salmon Run game mode, which is co-op Horde style game mode, 4 players vs waves of enemies and bosses. With randomly assigned weapons, this is a great way to get to practice and try out new weapons, while keeping the challenge level high and the games feeling different. Unfortunately, this mode is not always open which brings us to the main downsides of this game.For a multiplayer focused game in 2017, it’s missing a lot of the features we’re used to. Voice chat is basically not worth the hassle and most people use a third party app, playing a game as a team before you get to the ranked teams level is basically impossible, since it randomly splits up a lobby. Salmon Run is closed randomly for on average half a day at a time. These, and more, are things that every multiplayer game has now days and big developer like Nintendo has no good excuse for executing so poorly.That said, the rest of the game outshines this social dampener, and still gets a 5 star from me.

Godd Game, bad nintendo online

i've owned this for a few years. i can say right now that it is great fun and definitely kid-friendly, but cannot give it a 5/5 for 2 reasons.1: you NEED a wired ethernet connection. playing on wireless, it does not matter how good your connection is, it will drop and YOU get in trouble if you disconnect from matches even if it's nintendo's awful online's fault.2: you cannot backup save data. if you lose it somehow or your switch is damaged, that's it. it's all gone. no cloud backup allowed.aside from this, it is a fun game that doesn't require precision aiming to enjoy, much more about teamwork. single-player on one console. don't buy this and expect to let 2 kids play on one console unless they take turns.

Great game; would recommend

On the surface, Splatoon 2 looks like a port of Splatoon 1, but it does not take much time with the game to start noticing differences. The first noticeable change is GamePad functionality being moved to screens that get toggled with the X button. While the lack of a persistent minimap during online multiplayer is annoying, the expanded menus in the Inkopolis Square (the main hub area) and Octo Canyon (the single-player hub world) offer quick access to a lot more options than were accessible from the GamePad.The new single-player campaign picks up where Sp1atoon's left off as far as gameplay. Early levels reintroduce old mechanics, but the game quickly moves to introduce new level mechanics and new weapons that were previously only usable in single-player if you ... MoreOn the surface, Splatoon 2 looks like a port of Splatoon 1, but it does not take much time with the game to start noticing differences. The first noticeable change is GamePad functionality being moved to screens that get toggled with the X button. While the lack of a persistent minimap during online multiplayer is annoying, the expanded menus in the Inkopolis Square (the main hub area) and Octo Canyon (the single-player hub world) offer quick access to a lot more options than were accessible from the GamePad.The new single-player campaign picks up where Sp1atoon's left off as far as gameplay. Early levels reintroduce old mechanics, but the game quickly moves to introduce new level mechanics and new weapons that were previously only usable in single-player if you bought Splatoon amiibo, or were excluded from the single-player entirely. While boss battles continue to follow the three-phase Nintendo formula, they all feel sufficiently different from Sp1atoon.The standard online multiplayer modes are the same, but the new stages change up the game a fair amount. While some have seen a disappointing increase in un-inkable surfaces, others have incorporated mechanics from Sp1atoon's single-player stages to offer more ways to get around the map. Some of the new stages feel smaller than a lot of Sp1atoon's stages, but they also feel more manageable by four-player teams. The new special weapons are arguably the biggest game-changer in competitive multiplayer, since a lot more of them become more effective when coordinated with team members.The new co-op multiplayer horde mode, Salmon Run, is the biggest unique addition to Spla2n. It puts teams of four players against waves of enemies of varying sizes, with a certain number of items that must be collected from bosses before the wave ends to proceed. Your weapons get randomized every round, which seemed annoying at first, but I grew to appreciate since it ensured the team always had a good balance of offensive and defensive weapons, and made each round feel different since my role on the team would change depending on which weapon I got. My only complaint about Salmon Run is that it is only accessible at certain times (it is the only mode that is ever completely inaccessible). My guess is they did that so people would not all leave competitive multiplayer to play Salmon Run, but it feels like Salmon Run is rarely available during the times I want to play, and I dislike the idea of having to schedule my day around the game's arbitrary schedule.I have not had a chance to try out the local multiplayer or amiibo functionality, so I will not comment on that.The last thing I will bring up is the Nintendo Switch Online app. As a voice chat solution, the advantages over other voice chat apps barely outweigh the downsides. However, SplatNet 2 is a fantastic service. Like the original SplatNet, it still shows you the current stage rotation, as well as some of your stats, but my favorite feature is the ability to buy gear (with in-game coins—there are no microtransactions) from the app. My time in the actual game is rarely spent checking the shops, so I like having the option to browse some in-game items when I am away from my Switch.In summary, if you never played Sp1atoon but were interested, Spla2n keeps the core of made Sp1atoon fun. If, like me, you DID play and enjoy Sp1atoon, Spla2n adds enough new features that I consider it worth purchasing. The only notable downside is the lack of a persistent minimap, but that does not outweigh all the new content.

Great substitute for typical shooters

Most popular games these days are military-type shooters that are completely inappropriate for children. No, I'm not being overly sensitive. I just don't want my children being brainwashed into believing that people killing each other is okay. Fantasy, on the other hand, is much easier to explain to them and makes more sense because it's creative and uses imagination; which is exactly how most, if not all, children are. Anyway, I myself (29) have enjoyed this game a ton and my children have as well. My son is still too young for video games (3 1/2) but, since he watches me play and his big sister play, and he has occasional turns to roam around, it's a colorful visual for him. My daughter (8 1/2) has had a blast leveling up playing online and completing the missions ... MoreMost popular games these days are military-type shooters that are completely inappropriate for children. No, I'm not being overly sensitive. I just don't want my children being brainwashed into believing that people killing each other is okay. Fantasy, on the other hand, is much easier to explain to them and makes more sense because it's creative and uses imagination; which is exactly how most, if not all, children are. Anyway, I myself (29) have enjoyed this game a ton and my children have as well. My son is still too young for video games (3 1/2) but, since he watches me play and his big sister play, and he has occasional turns to roam around, it's a colorful visual for him. My daughter (8 1/2) has had a blast leveling up playing online and completing the missions in the campaign. She naturally doesn't enjoy gore and violence and does enjoy colorful, messy fun so this is a good fit for her. As are many Nintendo games. I know how children in elementary schools like to talk about "owning each other" online and other absurdities that they talk about, almost as if they're skipping their young years to jump straight into rude, obnoxious teens. So, since my daughter doesn't know what all their lingo means, she'll at least be able to relate to the teamwork, aiming, strategy, etc. aspects of shooting games (and probably school some of them lol).Nintendo, once again, has done an amazing job with what they put out there and whom it's directed towards. It's fun and challenging enough for experienced gamers and not ridiculously difficult for beginners. The lack of multiplayer (more than 1 player playing on the same console) doesn't take anything away from Splatoon. It lets the player focus and improve gradually while having some good-natured fun. Leave it to other awesome games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, (future) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, (future) Super Mario Party, among others, to satisfy your multiplayer gaming needs. This game and the other content that Nintendo puts out only proves that Nintendo, as a company, and the Nintendo Switch are not full of gimmicks. It's the clear obvious choice for FUN compared to Sony and Microsoft. They're innovative and they're here to stay. All while providing super fun content for all ages.

One of my new favorite games/series

Splatoon and Splatoon 2 are amazingly fun games, and I think everyone should give them a try.Splatoon 2 built on a lot of what the original offered and included two two weapon types - Dualies (my favorite weapons) and the Brellas, while adding new sub weapons and specials (some specials didn't return).You have a single player more that is similar to the original, and a DLC single player that is harder and gives you access to Octolings (which Don t play any differently i believe), that challenge you to use all types of weapons instead of just the blaster from the original. The story was slightly affected by the last Splatfest, as the loser there (Callie) disappears and you work with Marie.Turf War is still the main mode for unranked, and is as fun as before. As ... MoreSplatoon and Splatoon 2 are amazingly fun games, and I think everyone should give them a try.Splatoon 2 built on a lot of what the original offered and included two two weapon types - Dualies (my favorite weapons) and the Brellas, while adding new sub weapons and specials (some specials didn't return).You have a single player more that is similar to the original, and a DLC single player that is harder and gives you access to Octolings (which Don t play any differently i believe), that challenge you to use all types of weapons instead of just the blaster from the original. The story was slightly affected by the last Splatfest, as the loser there (Callie) disappears and you work with Marie.Turf War is still the main mode for unranked, and is as fun as before. As someone who sucked at aiming, I feel this is a great way for me to be able to compete and still help my team as I improve my aim. There are many stages that change every couple hours. I haven't really played ranked but there are more modes there, tower control, clam blitz, and king of the hill, that some people like more than Turf War.The only downside is Splatfests are over, and I greatly enjoyed Splatfests.

Simply fun, but not for everyone

This is a shooting style game where even missing your opponents or never getting into a firefight still lets you contribute to your teams victory. For the more casual but competitive gamers, there is the Turf War, where two teams compete to cover the ground with their ink color; while the game does determine a winning team and losing team, you'd have to make an effort to see your record through the mobile app, and even then, it only tracks the last 50 matches played. For the more hardcore competitive gamer, there are ranked battles, which consist of three rotating game modes; here players are assigned letter grades, letting players show off their skill levels and making sure games are more evenly fought by grouping players of similar skill. Lastly, there is the coop ... MoreThis is a shooting style game where even missing your opponents or never getting into a firefight still lets you contribute to your teams victory. For the more casual but competitive gamers, there is the Turf War, where two teams compete to cover the ground with their ink color; while the game does determine a winning team and losing team, you'd have to make an effort to see your record through the mobile app, and even then, it only tracks the last 50 matches played. For the more hardcore competitive gamer, there are ranked battles, which consist of three rotating game modes; here players are assigned letter grades, letting players show off their skill levels and making sure games are more evenly fought by grouping players of similar skill. Lastly, there is the coop mode, Salmon Run; in this, teams of 4 battle against hordes of computer controlled enemies. There is a single player mode, but it serves more as an extended tutorial and training ground for practicing with various weapon types than a full fledged game mode.Once a month, there is a Splatfest, during which time, the only competitive mode is the Turf War; every player chooses a side to decide very important debates like ice cream vs cake, and then they go head to head to support the superiority of ice cream vs the right to have questionable opinions.For a community and multiplayer driven game, Splatoon 2 has some unfortunate design choices/limitations. There is no single console multiplayer; every player must have their own Switch and game. Playing with your friends means you have to host a private lobby, play ranked, or be okay with the potential to be on opposite teams. Voice chatting is limited to a mobile app and is not supported by the game/console itself. Salmon Run is on a schedule which means playing coop with strangers online is not always available, although it can be played locally with friends in the same room.Ultimately, the game is fun, but it has issues that could be deal breakers for some people.

Splatoon 2 is still very much worth it

As a collector Im always going to want to buy collectors edition items and for the price Splatoon 2 wouldve been at initial sale I think this is well worth it. Im never usually one to read strategy guides for video games but the one in here is actually a lot more useful than I thought.I bought it solely for the purpose of it being a collectors edition but I actually find myself looking at the guide quite a bit, but maybe its just because Im not very good at Splatoon. I played Splatoon 3 at first release without having played the other 2 games and I wanted to experience what Splatoon 2 was like and Im glad I did. Even though I think all of us Splatoon players agree they made some significant improvements to the game in Splatoon 3, I really believe it to be more like ... MoreAs a collector Im always going to want to buy collectors edition items and for the price Splatoon 2 wouldve been at initial sale I think this is well worth it. Im never usually one to read strategy guides for video games but the one in here is actually a lot more useful than I thought.I bought it solely for the purpose of it being a collectors edition but I actually find myself looking at the guide quite a bit, but maybe its just because Im not very good at Splatoon. I played Splatoon 3 at first release without having played the other 2 games and I wanted to experience what Splatoon 2 was like and Im glad I did. Even though I think all of us Splatoon players agree they made some significant improvements to the game in Splatoon 3, I really believe it to be more like comparing apples to oranges. They both have great things about them and they both have things that could use improvement, but I really think its worth it to have both. I love Splatoon 2 just as much as I love 3, theyre great games I really recommend them to anyone!

Very fun game, but not a groundbreaking sequel

Splatoon 2 is an excellent game in its own right. The online multiplayer is fun, the single-player mode offers some good challenges that can help prepare new players for the online mode, and the new Salmon Run mode is a welcome addition to the series. That said, if you played Splatoon 1 on the Wii U, most of Splatoon 2 will feel very familiar.Standard online multiplayer features the same sorts of modes as Sp1atoon—Turf War, Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker. While some of those modes have undergone small changes, they feel, for the most part, the same as before. Some new stages have been added, but they have generally felt smaller and less dynamic than the stages I became accustomed to toward the end of Sp1atoon's life. There are rumors of new stages and ... MoreSplatoon 2 is an excellent game in its own right. The online multiplayer is fun, the single-player mode offers some good challenges that can help prepare new players for the online mode, and the new Salmon Run mode is a welcome addition to the series. That said, if you played Splatoon 1 on the Wii U, most of Splatoon 2 will feel very familiar.Standard online multiplayer features the same sorts of modes as Sp1atoon—Turf War, Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker. While some of those modes have undergone small changes, they feel, for the most part, the same as before. Some new stages have been added, but they have generally felt smaller and less dynamic than the stages I became accustomed to toward the end of Sp1atoon's life. There are rumors of new stages and game modes coming in the future, but I can only judge Spla2n on what is available right now.The gameplay of the single-player mode in Spla2n picks up, more or less, where it left off in Sp1atoon, quickly reintroducing Sp1atoon single-player mechanics, and then throwing in a bunch of new ones. It does not feel nearly as fresh, but still keeps things interesting enough. And unlike Sp1atoon, you do *not* need to buy any amiibo to replay levels with other weapons.Salmon Run is the new four-player co-op mode, in which you face down waves of enemies. It is a ton of fun and easily the top reason to buy Spla2n. The enemies are challenging, and players are forced to rotate weapons between waves, which prevents things getting repetitive and stale.Spla2n also allows you to play any of the multiplayer modes over local wireless with the only major limitation being that everyone playing must own Spla2n (i.e. no download play).Overall, if you already own Sp1atoon, I personally consider Spla2n worth getting for the added benefits of the Switch's portability and the new Salmon Run mode, but do not expect anything incredibly game-changing in the competitive multiplayer. If you never played Sp1atoon, I *highly* recommend picking up Spla2n.