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Nintendo really are spoiling us recently. They gave us a wonderful Pokemon Presents the other day and now they’ve given us an in-depth look at the upcoming Splatoon 3.
The Splatoon special Nintendo Direct, revealed new levels, weapons and an all-new three-way fight mode.
Three-way fights will be part of the returning Splatfests. Matches for the limited-timed events will be split into two halves. The first being a traditional 4v4 battle, while the second sees a 4v2v2 fight for territory.
Demo
There’ll be a chance to sample this new mode during the Splatfest World Premiere on August 25th. Players will need to decide if they want to fight for rock, paper or scissors (those are team names, not prizes). A demo is being released on August 25th, giving players a bit of time to squeeze some practice in.
The demo will also give players a chance to try out some of the other new features, including some new moves. Squid Surge allows you to speed up an ink-covered wall while in squid form. While Squid Roll lets you dive out of ink with a couple of seconds of precious invincibility.
What's New
There’s a new background and player hub, too. Splatsville is a new Hong Kong-esque cityscape where you’ll find vendors selling gear. Arms dealer and horseshoe crab Sheldon returns with a bunch of weapons. Although in Splatoon 3 players will use “Sheldon Licences” for their purchases, which will be unlocked in battle.
New weapons will include an explosive bow and arrow set and a ‘Splatana’ (a paint flinging sword). New special weapons will include a Tacticooler that can be deployed to buff teammates. A Wave Breaker that will damage nearby enemies. And a Reef Slider that looks like an exploding jetski.
Splatoon 3 will also introduce new maps. Scorch Gorge, Eeltail Alley, Mincemeat Metalworks and Undertow Spillway will join some familiar faces. At launch Splatoon 3 will boast 12 maps, with more due post-launch as free updates. Post-launch content has also been reworked, with unlockable collectibles being introduced every three months for the next two years. Not only that but paid DLC will also arrive at some point.
Details were short on what we can expect from the story mode, which is called ‘The Return of the Mammalians’. Salmon Run will return as Next Wave, which promises more intense showdowns and a handful of new bosses. A card battler mini-game called Table Turf Battle will playable throughout Splatsville. If it’s anywhere near as addictive as Gwent or Triple Triad count me in!
Splatoon 3 will also allow players to find friends to join in battle with an all-new lobby. You’ll also be able to view other player lockers and decorate your own with item unlocked in-game.
And finally there’s an all-new group of idols to enjoy. The group ‘Deep Cut’ comprises of Shiver, Frye and Big Man. Nintendo stated that three new Amiibo will coincide with the launch of Splatoon 3 on September 9th.