Today’s Nintendo Direct focused on upcoming sequel Splatoon 2. It detailed new features and modes such as SplatNet 2 for mobile devices, and another timed demo in the Splatfest World Premiere coming July 15. You can watch the full 26 minute Nintendo Direct above.
“Splatoon 2 is a huge, robust sequel to the original Splatoon,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Fans that played and loved the first game will have plenty of new stuff to enjoy, while the game is also a great introduction for players new to the colorful and stylish series.”
Customization is much more varied in Splatoon 2, including eye color, hair style, and skin tone. The usual clothing options will be available to purchase in the Inkopolis Galleria, and you can hang out in the social lobby of Inkopolis Square.
Each piece of gear can grant special abilities. They can come with abilities or have them added on. Abilities include optimizing a weapon’s ammo consumption and decreasing your respawn time. New weapons include the Goo Tuber, a sniper gun that holds a charge for a long time, and the Dapple Dualies, lightweight dual pistols. Some classic weapons have added functionality, such as Chargers keeping their charge while swimming in ink, and vertical attacks with Rollers.
Splatoon 2 also features lots of new Special Weapons. Tenta Missles are long-range artillery rockets, while the Inkjet gives you temporary flight. Splashdown lets you crash down in a classic superhero pose, splashing ink all around you. The Baller lets you roll around in an explosive hamster ball.
Good news for amiibo owners: all older Splatoon amiibo are compatible with Splatoon 2. All Splatoon amiibo also reward exclusive gear, and can be used to save gear and weapon loadouts.
SplatNet 2 is a new mobile app that integrates with Splatoon 2. You can view all your stats, friends lists, and gear shop on SplatNet 2. SplatNet 2 also offers voice chat.
Five modes were detailed: Turf War, Ranked Battles, League Battles, Salmon Run, and the single-player campaign.
Turf War is the familiar 4v4 online match. Ranked Battles also return with three modes – Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker that rotate every two hours. Splat Zones tasks players with controlling multiple areas of the map. Tower Control features a single moving tower that must be controlled, while Rainmaker features a single capture-the-flag scenario with a super-powerful weapon.
League Battles let you form a team with friends for ranked battles over a two-hour period. Salmon Run is the new co-op mode where you survive three waves against the new salmonid enemy. Salmon Run features unique boss enemies and map hazards and can be played locally or online at certain times (similar with Ranked Battles). Finally the single player Adventure mode returns as you rescue Callie of the Squid Sisters from the Octarians.
The Splatoon 2: Splatfest World Premiere is a free demo on the Nintendo eShop. The Splatfest will be available to play on July 15 from 3 to 7 pm Pacific (6 to 10 pm Eastern).
Splatoon 2 launches on July 21 for Nintendo Switch. SplatNet 2 also launches on July 21 for mobile devices.
