Splatoon 3 fans finally received long-awaited information this past Wednesday, and it held nothing back in terms of what fans could expect from the game. Fans now know about a handful of new stages and game modes that will be added in Splatoon’s third entry and were told how long they may be able to expect post-launch updates. Splatoon 3 introduces new idol characters, social customization, and even a new 1v1 mini-game called Tableturf Battle. This is all on top of the regular gameplay additions that are added, and of course, it may seem overwhelming to new players.
Splatoon 3’s Nintendo Direct managed to include all this information into a roughly 30-minute presentation. Being the third installment, there may be many parts of this Direct that fans could anticipate. But anyone who is being introduced to Splatoon for the first time with this Direct, or anyone who has only now become interested in Splatoon because of this Direct, may have been out of the loop. Instead, the Direct is presented surprisingly with a tone that is welcoming with enough contextual information shared for basic gameplay details and is inviting for anyone excited to learn.
Splatoon 3’s Direct Spoke Purposefully About its Core Gameplay
Splatoon 3 could have focused its Direct around its existing fanbase exclusively. Players who have been with the franchise since its inception on the Wii U will obviously understand its gameplay and what to expect from future installments that adhere to its multiplayer design formula. Therefore, if Nintendo wished to pander to these fans, in particular, the Direct could have done so by assuming all of its viewers already understood how Splatoon works for some of its baser details. The Direct described a lot of features new to Splatoon in this third entry that is new to longtime fans, but it also took the time to explain certain parts of the game that interested viewers may not have known.
For example, the Direct briefly explained how ordinary Turf Wars work, and how the basic premise of Splatoon’s multiplayer gameplay is for one team to saturate the stage with more of their own ink than the other team’s ink. Splatoon is a franchise with a dedicated fanbase at this point, but it is also smart and considerate for this Direct to have indulged in making new fans feel like they would be warmly welcomed into Splatoon’s community. Indeed, Splatoon 2 was released five years ago now, and it makes sense for Splatoon 3 to be approachable from a newcomer’s standpoint in order to expand its community further. Splatoon 3’s Direct achieved this in a way that felt natural, while it also mentioned a bunch of new content that previous players could enjoy as a fun surprise.
Splatoon 3 Demonstrates its Value of New and Old Players Alike
But while Splatoon 3 does seem welcoming to new players, it appears as if its game modes reward competitive play. This is fantastic news for anyone who has devoted a lot of their time to Splatoon and Splatoon 2 and wishes to compete in ranked matches in Splatoon 3. New additions to gameplay mechanics include a 180 degree back dash from the ink and an upward surface boost, which will likely keep experienced players on their toes as they also adapt to new weapons in Splatoon 3. Competitive play is ingrained in Splatoon, but it seems like an emphasis on team-oriented play in inviting events is key.
Splatfests are a perfect example of this, where teams’ camaraderie is a shared experience. Now, this competitive edge is extended further through Splatoon 3’s new Tricolor Turf Wars, which make each match much more interesting due to having three teams competing in a match’s second round.
It may be difficult for new players to grasp the competitiveness of even regular Turf Wars let alone Tricolor Turf Wars, but as the Direct mentioned there will be many ways players can practice competency in ranked matches later on. Such means of practice include Splatoon 3’s saga-ending story mode, as well as new additions to the cooperative Salmon Run mode. But with so much for both experienced and inexperienced players to enjoy, Splatoon 3 clearly cherishes all its players.
Splatoon 3 will release on September 9 for Nintendo Switch.
