Splatoon Raiders review: Nintendo’s inky shooter fades to grey in this first spin-off entry. Splatoon is among Nintendo’s most ingenious inventions of the last decade: a series of shooting games whose paint-splattered turf war nature means being bad at shooting is just as valuable as – if not more so than – being good.
It is also blessed with an abundance of personality, with vibrant characters, a richly imagined world, and a hipness that the competition can only dream of achieving. Unfortunately, Splatoon Raiders makes it difficult to remember all of this. The first spinoff in the ink-soaked franchise, Splatoon Raiders is advertised as a single player-focused entry in this primarily multiplayer series.
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What Is Splatoon Raiders?
Splatoon Raiders is a new cooperative-focused title that shifts the formula from chaotic team battles to structured, repeatable missions. While it is true enough – one can play through the entire game solo just fine – Raiders is clearly best enjoyed cooperatively with up to three others.
Players start each session on a hideout ship where they can upgrade their equipment and tweak their play style before heading out on bite-sized repeatable missions, and this structure is tailor-made for teaming up with friends or helping out strangers (the game lets you do either), as each person works towards creating their ultimate squid-kid avatar of chaos.
Playing Solo vs. Co-op: A Comparison
Playing Splatoon Raiders solo feels like a lesser experience for this reason. Its levels are straightforwardly constructed to keep groups together. There is little of the puzzly rush of finding hidden depths with creative use of your tools.
| Aspect | Solo Play | Co-op Play |
|---|---|---|
| Level Design | Linear, group-oriented | Same, but synergy unlocks depth |
| Reward | Functional gear progression | Shared chaos and combos |
| Replay Value | Moderate – grind for upgrades | High – each teammate changes strategy |
| Fun Factor | Diminished without coordination | Peak when working as a team |
Instead, the fun is in putting together your kit. Splatoon’s weapons have always been goofy and playfully designed, but even better is learning how this new entry complements them with a suite of augmentable gadgets. As your options accrete and the game escalates in challenge, Raiders comes to life.
Why Splatoon Raiders Struggles to Impress
Some may not get that far. Splatoon Raiders takes a long time to make it clear how completely the experience can change with the right kit, and while it offers a decent variety of challenges to tackle, players are meant to replay them. The minimal story, in which you are an unnamed mechanic stranded on a mysterious archipelago, barely motivates exploration.
The ink shooter mechanics remain slick, but the magic of the original trilogy – where every match felt like a fresh turf war – is muted here. Repetition becomes a chore rather than a chance for mastery. Without the ebb and flow of competition, Splatoon Raiders fades to grey.
Key Takeaways from Our Splatoon Raiders Review
- Splatoon Raiders is best played with friends; solo mode feels shallow.
- Weapon customization and gadgets are the highlight, but unlocking them takes too long.
- Mission variety exists, but replaying levels is mandatory for progression.
- The story is thin and doesn’t drive engagement.
- Fans of the series may find enjoyment, but newcomers should start with the mainline games.
FAQ
Is Splatoon Raiders worth buying?
Only if you have a consistent group of friends to play with. Solo players will find the experience repetitive and less rewarding than the main Splatoon games.
How long is Splatoon Raiders?
The campaign can be completed in 8-10 hours, but reaching full gear upgrades requires grinding missions multiple times.
Does Splatoon Raiders have online matchmaking?
Yes, you can join random players or invite friends. However, the co-op focus means you’ll rely on coordination, which can be hit-or-miss with strangers.
Is Splatoon Raiders a direct sequel?
No, it’s a spin-off. It does not continue the story of the main series and has a different gameplay loop centered on repeatable missions.
Splatoon Raiders tries to do something new with the beloved ink shooter formula, but ultimately it fades to grey. For dedicated Splatoon fans with a squad, there’s fun to be had. For everyone else, stick to the turf wars that made the original series shine.
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