Model |
Nintendo Wii U |
Weight (kg) |
0.1 |
Splatoon[a] is a third-person shooter video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U, which was released worldwide in May 2015. The game centers around fictional characters known as Inklings—anthropomorphic squid that can transform between humanoid and cephalopod forms and swim through colored ink sprayed on surfaces using various types of paint-based equipment. Splatoon features several different game modes, including four-on-four online multiplayer and a single player campaign.
Splatoon was developed by Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis & Development division, and originated from a competitive multiplayer ink-based territory control game, which was later expanded to include squid and the ability to swim through ink. The concept was created by lead programmer Shintaro Sato, who had previously worked on games in the Animal Crossing franchise. The development team for Splatoon was generally composed of younger Nintendo employees compared to other games by the company.Splatoon received positive reviews, with critics praising Nintendo's decision to enter the genre with a new franchise, the game's overall style and presentation, gameplay mechanics, and its soundtrack.
Key Features
However, criticism was directed at the exclusion of voice chat and private lobbies, the small number of multiplayer maps at launch, and issues with online matchmaking.
Nintendo provided post-release support for the game by adding new maps and equipment to the game, adding a feature to allow users to create private lobbies and holding time-limited events called "Splatfests".
Splatoon was awarded and nominated for several year-end accolades from several gaming publications.
A sequel, Splatoon 2, was released for the Nintendo Switch in July 2017.