A Surprisingly Fresh Switch 2 Shooter

Key Points:

• Splatoon Raiders marks Nintendo’s first full-fledged mission-based single-player shooter in the Splatoon series, expanding on the franchise’s traditional multiplayer and obstacle-course gameplay with varied mission types and boss battles.
• The game features a trio of treasure hunters exploring islands inhabited by Salmonids, presenting a lighthearted but somewhat contradictory narrative regarding these sapient creatures, which are treated as enemies despite their developed culture.
• Gameplay emphasizes fast-paced action without traditional cover mechanics, encouraging players to stay engaged in the middle of combat, supported by extensive weapon and gadget customization that enhances strategic variety.
• While the game excels in fun and fluid mechanics, some criticisms include repetitive map aesthetics, limited fashion and music options, and minor narrative and design shortcomings such as lack of retry buttons and shallow character interactions.
• Overall, Splatoon Raiders delivers an enjoyable and energetic experience with strong co-op support and rich post-game content, reinforcing the series’ reputation for accessible, well-crafted shooters.