It has become tradition for Nintendo Direct announcements to end with a surprise “but wait, just one more thing” announcement at the very end of the event – and today’s Direct was no different. The final announcement of the fifty-minute broadcast was Splatoon 3, the unexpected but highly requested sequel (or would that be “threequel”) which continues the popular “squid kid” shooter franchise.
The trailer reveals little about the new game, as it primarily focuses on a rather amusing sequence of a playable Inkling character traveling from the desert to a new city on a train, accompanied by a cast of bizarre characters from throughout the series. Nintendo’s Twitter has revealed that the new city is called “Splatsville,” located in the middle of the harsh “Splatlands,” and that it is inhabited by Inklings and Octolings even more accustomed to constant battles than those appearing in previous titles.
Splatoon 3 will feature new character customization options, including the ability to customize a sidekick creature referred to as a “little buddy.” In addition to new weapons and new moves, battles will now begin with a “drop” onto the battlefield from high above, a move used in a number of battle royale and other multiplayer fighter titles such as Fortnite.
Like previous entries in the series, Splatoon 3 will focus on multiplayer battles between opposing teams, with the goal being to cover your opponents in as much brightly hued ink as possible in order to claim the victory. The first trailer shows off a stunning variety of weapons, from traditional guns to what appear to be ink-shooting crossbows.
Splatoon 3 is currently planned for release some time in 2022. Nintendo confirmed at the very end of the Direct that more information will be coming later in 2021.
Are you ready to join the battle again? Are you a kid now or a squid now – or both? Let us know!
