Splatoon - Nintendo 2015

[dataDave]

Yeah, don't the community have to collectively grind to unlock various modes? Or did I just dream that?

I'm sure Thursdays Direct will cover everything.

[wakka]

I'm sure it will be a laff either way. Looking forward to playing it myself, looks like a bundle of colourful fun. Just wish it had more local MP options however I will see how I go with the 2P local before passing judgement.

[QualityChimp]

Yeah let's not write it off before it's even come out!
One of my favourite FPS versus games is Nerf Arena Blast, which also was brightly coloured and didn't feature any ultragore.

I'm still excited to hear how you guys think it plays and if the various game ideas, which seem really unique and inventive, work within the game.

[Brad]

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/splatoon_global_testfire_demo_confirmed_for_this_weekend

[chopemon]

"Meanwhile, Nintendo said it plans to support Splatoon with free post-launch content, including new stages, weapons, gear and modes.
Five stages will be available from launch, Nintendo said: Urchin Underpass, Saltspray Rig, Walleye Warehouse, Blackbelly Skatepark and Arowana Mall. New stages will be added every few weeks. Also, a Ranked Battle mode called Tower Control will be added post-launch.
Of interest: Nintendo said to expect a "major" game update in August, which will add further friend matchmaking functionality to enable four players to form a team and battle against other teams, as well as functionality to create private eight-player matches with just friends. It's a shame this won't be in the game at launch.
Also due out in August is a third Ranked Battle mode, called Rainmaker.
On 27th June Nintendo will host the first Splatfest. You have to choose a side and represent it during the event. Splatfest carries its own ranking system, and your rank may score you the "Super Sea Snail" item once the event ends."

[chopemon]

Is the friend matchmaking update what you were alluding to Nu-Eclipse?

[Neon Ignition]

That doesn't sound like free content, it sounds like the second half of an unfinished release. I'm downloading the trial now and will try to get on on Saturday, the gameplay is going to have to really impress

[wakka]

Errr...yeah I'm with SF. Only 5 stages at launch and more every few weeks? That definitely sounds like the game hasn't been fully finished, particularly with the 'major' August update.

Irritating.

Still, I'm looking forward to playing it.

[Brad]

"this game may contain product placement and advertising "

Well, this is a different Nintendo!

Anyway, online only and got to wait til servers are up.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Errr...yeah I'm with SF. Only 5 stages at launch and more every few weeks? That definitely sounds like the game hasn't been fully finished, particularly with the 'major' August update.

Irritating.

Still, I'm looking forward to playing it.

Nintendo, of all devs, half-baking releases? We really are living in different times.

Is the friend matchmaking update what you were alluding to Nu-Eclipse?

Pretty much. No serious online capability at launch is disappointing.

[teddymeow]

I'm still looking forward to it.

I woke up at 4.15 this morning for some reason and was debating as to whether I should go try out the demo but I dozed off again.

Still, there's midday and later on this afternoon left to have a bash.

EDIT: Except I've got my dates wrong and it's actually Saturday the the demo is available to play.

[chopemon]

It looks like you can matchmake with friends but it randomises the teams at launch. The team of 4 friends vs team of 4 friends is what's coming later.

The Splat Zone mode unlocks after launch when there are enough level 10 players. Not sure if the game isn't finished or Nintendo are trying a new approach to rolling stuff out to keep people playing but this seems like a risky move. Launching a new IP seems like a good time to overload a game with maps and modes to entice people in.

[Neon Ignition]

These might be old but I hadn't seen them, single player mission playthroughs:

Mission 8:


Mission 5:


Mission 3:

[The Mole]

No doubting the game is fun. However it suffers from 1 major problem online that i found over and over...

If a player drops from a game after it starts that team then has very little chance of winning. One game i found myself alone aganst a team of 4 i was hammered. With the game not being about kills and being about area coverage 1 person against a team of 4 will stand no chance no matter how good they are.

With the news that you will not be able to play with Friends till August almost makes me wonder why i am bothering till then. I know this has been made by a very small team, but come on Nintendo releasing a half finished game is not upto your usual standards.

The excuse that no voice chat is due to being a bit sweary online does not wash with me either. Just have this option available with friends or the ability to turn it off.

This aside i had a blast playing last night. After about 3 games i got a really solid group who stayed together for a further 7 matches so i got to give it a good go with even teams and its great but i do see it more as an eshop game.

[Decider-VT]

Really enjoyed this last night, while my connection lasted. I was a bit surprised to find that GAF seemed to collectively favour use of the gyro controls for aiming though- I turned that nonsense off straight away and dropped the sensitivity of the right stick a bit to compensate for being a bit too twitchy.

How did you all get on with the controls?