Splatoon

Splatoon, a new IP of Nintendo was first seen at E3 2014, and interested many Nintendo fans. (such as myself) Many were surprised that this interesting and unique 3rd person shooter would become one of Nintendo's most successful video game since the first Pikmin game was released in 2001! Splatoon is a 3rd person shooter which puts you in the body of an Inkling: a humanoid squid that can switch from squid to human with a push of a button. In human form, you can shoot or spill ink onto turf using the ZR button. In squid form, you can go into your ink and gather more ammo (or ink) to use once you run out. Then you can splat away! The game supports the Wii U gamepad and pro-controller. With the gamepad, it supports gyro controls to aim. I you aren't a fan of this, then luckily you have the option to turn it off and use the right control stick. Preferably, I LIKE to use the motion controls, but to others it most likely won't be their cup of tea. The way the game handles is great, it is such an interesting way to play! The main goal when you play online with other players in regular battles is for your team (of 4 players) is to ink up the most turf than the other team in a matter of five seconds. It's fast paced, fun, and at times incredibly exciting, yet very rage inducing: which is great because the battles feel great and exciting. as for weapons and clothing options, there is a HUGE variety. Each weapon has a special attack (of which you can charge up by shooting ink and getting more points) and a sub-weapon which is usually bombs. There are 4 main weapons: Splattershot Jr. which is the starting weapon which is weak but very mobile; the Splattershot which has a slower fire rate, but does lots of damage; a Splat Roller which has great strength and covers lots of turf; and the Splat Sniper which has to be charged but has lots of range. All weapons are good, which is relieving. As for clothes, each gives you a stat boost and extra abilities. The clothes are shirts, shoes, and hats. Now, there is also Ranked battles, which you get once you get to a certain level. There are two games in Ranked battles: Splat Zones and Tower Control. Splat Zones is a game where your team is trying to claim one or two zones by splatting them and keeping it for a certain amount of time. Tower Control is where your team claims a tower by inking and standing on the tower. You have to ride it all the way to the other team's territory to win. Each game is VERY fun to play. In Ranked battles, each time you win you gain points to upgrade you rank. You start out with a -C, then the more you win get higher up to an +A. If you lose, your rank goes down, and it REALLY sucks. Now onto some negatives. First, the Splat news with Callie and Marie happens very often and interrupts every 3 hours to change stages in battles. Second, there is no voice chat, which most FPS's have naturally come to bear. And third, and unfairness when it comes to games with other players. If you are a low level, I'd wish you'd have to play with people close to your level. But no, you could be level 10, and someone else on another team could be level 40! It leaves you losing constantly if you aren't as OP as them. Splatoon is fantastic IP by Nintendo, and shows that Nintendo still has it when it comes to their games! Thanks, and please like this damn review!