- Splatoon Raiders is a single-player spin-off from the popular Salmon Run mode, designed to be more approachable than traditional shooters.
- While the game is entertaining in its Salmon Run raids, it suffers from a lack of depth and a pedestrian experience overall.
- Critics have noted that the game feels like a missed opportunity due to its minimal story and straightforward level design.
- The game has received a mixed review score of 6/10, indicating that while some aspects are enjoyable, it struggles to justify its existence.
- Nintendo has a history of making competitive shooters more accessible, with the original Splatoon introducing the genre to new audiences.
- Inoue, a developer, stated that the goal of Splatoon Raiders was to create a standalone spin-off that focuses on non-competitive gameplay elements.
- The game features gadgets that allow players to expand their range of actions, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Nintendo's Splatoon Raiders, released on July 23, 2026, attempts to transition the beloved franchise into a single-player looter shooter format. While it retains the series' fundamental controls, critics have noted that the game feels disappointingly run-of-the-mill and lacks the charm of its predecessors.13
The game introduces players to a minimal story where they assume the role of an unnamed mechanic assisting the idol group Deep Cut in a treasure hunt to alleviate Splatsville's debt crisis. However, the narrative is described as virtually non-existent, with characters coming off as entitled divas rather than engaging protagonists.
Gameplay-wise, Splatoon Raiders offers a mix of Salmon Run-inspired raids and straightforward levels that critics argue are downright boring. The core gameplay revolves around collecting eggs and defeating Salmonids, which, while entertaining, does not provide enough variety to sustain interest over time. “The best parts of Splatoon Raiders are highly enjoyable but it’s still a very slight and thoroughly unnecessary game,” one review noted, giving it a score of 6/10.2
Despite the introduction of new gadgets that enhance gameplay, the overall experience is seen as lacking depth. Critics have expressed that the game feels like a concession from Nintendo, stripping away the unique elements that made the original Splatoon series so appealing. As a result, many are left questioning the necessity of this spin-off, with the overriding thought being “why?”7
In summary, while Splatoon Raiders aims to broaden the franchise's appeal, it ultimately falls short, leaving players yearning for the vibrant multiplayer experience that defined the series.
“Nintendo's approachability ethos persists; the developer interview explains the single-player spin-off originated from the Salmon Run mode. Priced at £41.99 and releasing July 23, 2026 on Switch 2, the game faces criticism for its minimal story and generic levels despite entertaining Salmon Run raids.”
The Guardian
nintendo.com
Metro.co.uk
