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Video GameSplatoon 3 (Series) Review
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Posted: 3 years ago, last updated 2 weeks ago.

Author: @GeekDadGamer and Jo Robertson.

OverviewOverview

Splatoon on the Wii U, Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3 on the Switch are games where you shoot ink rather than bullets in this deeply skilled combat game. As well as taking out opponents, teams work together to cover the arena with their colour of ink. This not only decides who wins but enables them to rapidly traverse areas in their colour. Weapons are both varied and imaginative, ranging from paint rollers to buckets of paint and water cannon-style shotguns.

For younger players, this is a good alternative to more violent shooting games like Fortnite, but every bit as skilful and exuberant.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 21/07/2017, updated in 2022

Platforms: Switch and Wii U

Content Rating: PEGI 7

Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds

Players: 1-8 (8 online)

Genres: Shooting, Traversal (Action and Platform)

Accessibility: 24 features

Components: 3D First-Person and Cartoon

Developer: Nintendo (@Nintendo)

 

ListsLists

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 8 hours and 12 hours to complete. Once you have completed the campaign (which can be played with two players locally) the real fun is in the online multiplayer game.
 

Play StylePlay Style

You can play with 1 to 8 players in the same room or as a 8-player online game. To play battles in the same place on the Switch version with up to 8 others you each need a console and the game. Or you can play online with up to 8 players in public or private matches.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

 

BenefitsBenefits

This game has helped players develop their Physical Health as part of the following pathways:

This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

This game was rated PEGI 7 for violence that lacks any apparent harm or injury to fantasy or mythical beings and creatures and for non-realistic violence in a child-friendly setting or context. The violence in this game is unrealistic. When the characters are hit with ink multiple times they explode into splashes of ink. The game is set in a very colourful, cartoony and therefore child friendly setting. The only available weapons are ink blasters or paint rollers.

Some of the bosses look evil but the general atmosphere of the game never gets scary. Characters use expressions like: “Oh carp!” and “This sucker’s not messing around” but no actual swearing.
 
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.

Skill Rating

8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Although the game looks perfect for super young players, you do need quite a bit of dexterity and motor skill to enjoy it. For children who have had a few years in school this is a great game, building team work and paint-covering strategy.

Our Game Pathways reveal how 11-year-olds play this game:

Account Rating

  • You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to Nintendo Online, but can then create accounts for children of any age to play online with Nintendo Switch.

CostsCosts

Splatoon 3 usually costs £34.99 to £49.99.
 

Splatoon

Switch Store Wii U £34.99

Splatoon 2

Switch Store Switch £49.99

Splatoon 3

Switch Store Switch £49.99
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
  • You need a subscription to play online:
    • You need to purchase a Nintendo Online subscription to play online with Nintendo Switch.
 
This game supports Nintendo's amiibo, figurines and cards that can be purchased separately to unlock in-game items.

If you subscribe to Nintendo Online for 12 months (required to play online) you also get a free set of clothing and other items. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

AccessibilityAccessibility

Our Splatoon 3 Accessibility Report documents 24 accessibility features:
Splatoon 2 doesn't have difficulty settings by offers matches of a variety of challenges and there are good tutorials for each mode and spaces in which to practice with each weapon.

There is reading to do, the text is quite big but the font is stylised.

There are a range of controls. Motion controls are default but can be switched off in favour of sticks. Sensitivity can be adjusted.

The colours are bright and can be locked to blue and yellow for colourblind mode. Rumble is used to communicate when you’ve taken damage and give you feedback on your movement.

The sound effects and score are also pretty helpful in anticipating attacks (although not the stealth attacks). You can't adjust the sound effects and music separately.

Diversity and InclusionDiversity and Inclusion

We haven't documented diversity and inclusion information for this game yet.

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Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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