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Splatoon Raiders Review
Splatoon Raiders, the first action RPG spin-off from Nintendo's Splatoon series, has been reviewed by IGN and praised as the strongest campaign the franchise has produced. Unlike the mainline games, it drops competitive multiplayer entirely in favour of a solo-focused loop of building characters, tackling varied stages and collecting loot, which the reviewer found compelling for over 40 hours of play. This matters because it shows Nintendo successfully adapting Splatoon's core mechanics into a new genre, and the game is shaping up to be one of the strongest titles on Switch 2 so far.
The game follows Splatoon 3 characters Shiver, Frye and Big Man as they travel to the Spirhalite Islands to hunt treasure and pay off Splatsville's debt by fighting Salmonid enemies. Players control a customisable Inkling or Octoling called the Mechanic, who crafts scrappy, homemade-looking versions of the series' 11 weapon types. A new addition, "Gadgets", offers separate equipment split into Speed, Power and Tactical classes, adding fresh tactical options such as mobility tools and heavy-damage attacks. The campaign runs around 18 hours and is due for release on 23 July, priced at $59.99.
In short
- IGN reviews Splatoon Raiders, calling it the series' best campaign yet
- New action RPG spin-off drops multiplayer for solo crafting and combat
- Releases 23 July on Switch 2 for $59.99
Explained simply
Splatoon Raiders is the first action role-playing game spin-off from Nintendo's Splatoon series, which is primarily known for competitive multiplayer shooters. The new game marks a significant departure from the franchise's foundations, moving away from competitive play altogether in favour of a single-player campaign focused on character customisation, combat and loot collection.
The story follows familiar Splatoon characters Shiver, Frye and Big Man as they travel to the Spirhalite Islands to search for treasure and raise funds to pay off their hometown's debt. Players create their own customisable character—an Inkling or Octoling—who fights Salmonid enemies using improvised weapons and special equipment called Gadgets, which provide tactical advantages such as speed boosts or heavy damage.
This marks the first time Nintendo has adapted Splatoon's gameplay mechanics into an action role-playing game format. The campaign is expected to last around 18 hours and will release on 23 July for the Nintendo Switch 2 at $59.99.