Splatoon

Game Overview

Splatoon is a 2015 third-person shooter developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo exclusively for the Wii U. It introduces Inklings — humanoid squid creatures that transform between kid form (for shooting and running) and squid form (for swimming through ink, climbing walls, and hiding).

The core multiplayer experience is 4-vs-4 Turf War, where two teams compete to cover the most map area with their team’s ink color in three minutes. Winning is about territory control rather than pure eliminations. Additional Ranked Battle modes (unlocked at higher levels) include Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker. Players equip a wide variety of unique weapons such as shooters, rollers, chargers, and brushes, along with clothing that provides ability bonuses.

A single-player campaign tasks players with fighting through Octarian levels to collect the Great Zapfish, featuring puzzle-platforming elements and boss fights. Local multiplayer is limited to 1-vs-1 Battle Dojo matches. The game supported free post-launch updates that added maps, weapons, modes, and features. Official online services for Wii U ended in April 2024.

Splatoon was critically and commercially successful, selling nearly 5 million copies and earning awards for Best Shooter and Best Multiplayer.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Splatoon
  
• Platform: Wii U
  
• Release Date: May 28–30, 2015 (varies by region)
  
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
  
• Publisher: Nintendo
  
• Genre: Third-Person Shooter, Multiplayer
  
• Players: 1–2 local / up to 8 online (4v4)
  
• Rating: ESRB E10+ / PEGI 7
  
• Modes: Single-player, Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
  
• Compatible Controllers: Wii U GamePad (gyro aiming recommended), Wii U Pro Controller
  
• Features: Online play (discontinued), amiibo support, free post-launch updates, Miiverse integration (discontinued)
  
• Game Size: Approximately 2.9 GB
  

Key Features

• Unique ink-based gameplay — cover territory and swim through your own color
  
• Transform between kid and squid forms for versatile movement and combat
  
• Core 4-vs-4 Turf War mode focused on area control rather than kills
  
• Ranked Battle modes including Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker
  
• Wide variety of creative weapons and gear with ability customization
  
• Single-player campaign with levels, bosses, and collectibles
  
• Local 1-vs-1 Battle Dojo mode
  
• Free updates that expanded the game with new maps, weapons, and features
  
• Stylish art direction, soundtrack, and character customization
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Is online multiplayer still available?

No. Official Nintendo Network online services for Wii U, including Splatoon, were discontinued on April 8, 2024. Only single-player and local multiplayer remain playable.

How many players can play locally?

Local multiplayer supports 1-vs-1 matches in Battle Dojo mode (one player on the GamePad screen, the other on the TV).

What is the main multiplayer mode?

Turf War is the primary mode. Two teams of four compete to cover the largest area of the map with their ink within three minutes.

Does the game have a single-player campaign?

Yes. It features a story mode where you battle Octarians across multiple levels to recover the Great Zapfish, with platforming, puzzles, and boss fights.

Are there different weapon types?

Yes. Weapons include shooters, rollers, chargers, brushes, and more, each with unique playstyles. Gear (hats, clothes, shoes) provides additional abilities.

Can I use motion controls?

Yes. The Wii U GamePad’s gyroscope is strongly recommended for aiming and provides precise control when combined with the analog sticks.