Splatoon

Are any of you planning on picking it up? I was able to take on the Global Testfire on May 23 and really enjoyed what I played, but I just can't personally justify a tiny single player mode and only 5 multiplayer maps for $60. We're getting patches as soon as August, but with Xenoblade Chronicles X, Yoshi's Woolly World, and Mario Maker - all arguably meatier experiences from right out of the box - and myself not budgeting hundreds and hundreds of dollars for video games because I'm not insane, a kid anymore, and/or paid for it, I can't. At least not on day one.

With that said, I applaud Nintendo for their marketing and think it'll end up being a cult success warranting a sequel down the road. It's definitely gearing up to be their next big IP, and the gameplay does warrant it. The content, for me, just isn't enough given my own parameters, but I do dig it quite a bit.

 

Having played the test launch of the online multiplayer prior to release, I can say that the gameplay is relatively addictive. The controls are tight and precise and it really does feel innovative moving the gamepad around to aim whilst simultaneously using it as a map, and filling up the stadium with ink is such a sight to see! It's vibrant and reminds me of all of the greatest parts of perceiving media during my childhood.

However, with the barebones-esqueness of current proceedings, as you've mentioned, @Eebit, I just can't warrant a purchase while I'm watching my budget right now. I'd imagine playing it like crazy for a good week before getting burnt out; the content just won't be there until August. There, I'll gladly purchase it if nothing else huge has come out by then that warrants my immediate purchase (primarily speaking about Xenoblade Chronicles X, here. Hype!).

In regards to whether or not it'll become a franchise, I don't think it'll spawn a sequel during this generation, though if it's enough of a success, it'd be hard not to foresee Nintendo selling it as a brand down the road. I'm talking a restock of toys like the Splatoon-branded watergun, amiibo, and maybe even a special animated feature (there is a Ika Musume collaboration on the way, after all). Once the next home console is released, I see them releasing a "sequel," then - either a super beefed up version of the original with more refined graphics, new maps, and a longer mode, or some sort of full-fledged brand new thing that's really a mystery to surmise right now.

Speaking of Smash, Inklings feel like a pretty obvious addition as playable, though probably not 'til the 5th. Still fun to think about.

 

Finally got Splatoon.

Holy duck.

Best thing.

*actual impressions coming once I edit this tomorrow-ish*

 

While I still hold my reservations against the idea of releasing a game with an online focus that's so bare-bones in terms of its course offerings (in my opinion, at least 6 should've been available for a slew of unique rotations to be available from the get-go), I realize that, subjectively speaking, I would've probably garnered just about as much joy as I do from it now that I would've had I bought it upon realize. What a fool I was! Its delivery is fantastic; it's so refreshing to see a Nintendo game bursting with its classic charm spread across totally new characters! I'm particularly fond of Walleye Warehouse and Moray Towers to battle on.

I'd totally be down to play with each and every one of you, by the way.

Speaking of which, @Zantok - 
[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Uk1LrSrYo[/video]

 

I've seen Urchin Underpass maybe twice over the rotations in the past week. Given, I'm not playing ranked just yet as I'd love to cap my level-ups first, but I'm getting there. The latest Splatfest is tomorrow night, so you might want to get on tomorrow to support waterslides.

 

For some reason, it's surprising that Team Water Slides lost. Maybe it's because I'd won the previous one with Team Dog so easily, or because rollercoasters seemed a bit too obvious for a win. Water slides did win the popular vote, so that's a thing, even though I really question whether team popularity should even be a factor in the end results instead of just a cutesy, inconsequential little additive.

That said, let's get some discussions going with some fancy-dancy questions!

Who's your favorite shopkeeper?

What weapon are you currently using? Which weapon would you describe as your "main," if any?

 

I’ve gotta say that characters in Splatoon are just bursting with that Nintendo vibrancy, and I’m so happy that they’ve finally extended themselves into new IP territory yet again instead of just going all “Mario spinoff” on us as originally planned. All of the shopkeepers are brilliant, and I agree that Annie and Moe make for a cute team! It’s always fun entering their shop and seeing the major differences between their personalities. They really play off of each other incredibly well.

With that said, my favorite has to be Crusty Sean on the overall. The faux tempura jacket is one awesome design gimmick in and of itself, but I dig his overall disposition, too. Maybe it’s just because I’ve been partial to shrimp lately, as @Muddy and @Eebit in particular may know all too well. :5

I’ve not yet become fully acclimated to the roller, but admire all of those that do put in the time for their playstyle considering how many newbies seem to gravitate towards it because they think it’s easiest for whatever reason. WRONG. You’ll die time and time again if you don’t offer yourself the time to actually learn your way around it, though perhaps even more than the average squid since you have such limited outward reach with the thing. Splatting an inexperienced roller out is probably the easiest type of kill I’ve consistently had in the game, though I’ve also been hit a lot by those who have the knack for balancing some stealth and the proper traits into their playstyle.

I’m more or less maining the custom Splattershot Jr. at this point. I’ve tried a ton of weapons thus far and keep gravitating towards one of the most baseline out of the entire set – go figure. I enjoy how rapidly its shots come out and with the right buffs, you’ll find yourself giving a lot more than you take. It’s not uncommon for me to average around 900 - 1,200 with that weapon equipped so long as I’ve gotten myself clothing that compliments it (primarily through ink savers and strength boosters, though with some added speed while in squid form included for good measure).