Nintendo Switch 2 Critic Reviews

Splatoon Raiders of-fish-ally earns our seal of approval as a fantastic game in the franchise. Whether you go it alone or get help from other players, searching for loot and mining ore has never been so fun, thanks to the amount of weapons and gadgets you can equip to blast enemies out of existence. Plus, you get to hang out with Deep Cut, which is always a fun time.

Splatoon Raiders is a wonderful solo reinvention of the popular multiplayer series filled with smartly designed missions and endlessly engaging progression systems. Underpinned by the franchise’s fantastic shooting mechanics, it’s a fresh and exciting adventure that should be in every Nintendo Switch 2 owner’s library.

Splatoon Raiders doesn't take itself too seriously and knows its audience. It's not trying to redefine gaming, it's just a fun, lighthearted ride that doesn't underestimate the audience or hold back on its mechanics.

You know you’ve hit gold when your biggest criticism of a game is that you just wanted more. Between the fast-paced, technical gameplay, the depth of the build mechanics, and the irreverent design that underpins the Splatoon series, this is an experience that’s shockingly hard to fault. Go play it.

Splatoon Raiders marks an excellent entry to the Splatoon franchise I’d wager, and anybody that enjoyed the previous games but might’ve wanted a more fleshed out solo experience is gonna have a blast here. It might be a little repetitive if you’re not familiar with this style of looter gameplay, but otherwise it’s a fantastic experience. From the blend of stick aiming and gyro aiming to the fun soundtrack these games always offer and all the way down to the core gameplay, Raiders is an addictive title well worth playing. Personally, I’d wager I like it just a little more than the standard Splatoon titles if not solely for the fact I’m definitely not as good at Splatoon than other kinds of shooters. Existing Splatoon fans will have a great time with Splatoon Raiders, but for new fans or anybody interested in Splatoon it’s probably the best way to get into the series in a solo environment before you decide to make the plunge into the main games.

Splatoon Raiders offers excellent value for money, with plenty of variety to cater to different types of players. The main campaign delivers a more curated adventure with a steady learning curve that’s made even more enjoyable by teaming up with friends or strangers online. Once the credits roll, the post-game content shifts gears, giving hardcore players an endless chase for increasingly difficult scenarios and better loot that’s genuinely hard to put down. Splatoon Raiders, in my opinion, was a very risky move for a franchise that’s still growing its playerbase, but Nintendo has managed to defy expectations by delivering a solo Splatoon adventure with plenty of bait on the hook. Rather than simply serving as another Side Order, Splatoon Raiders inks its own identity in spectacular fashion, and it’s safe to say this adventure has me hook, line and sinker.

Splatoon Raiders is a gamble that paid off. Nintendo takes one of its most recognizable franchises and has the courage to steer it in a completely different direction without betraying its identity. Ink, movement, and chaotic combat remain at the heart of the experience, yet a surprisingly deep progression system emerges around these elements—one capable of winning over even those who usually view looter-shooters with skepticism. A bit too much grinding, a structure prone to repetition, and a narrative that falls short of the game world's full potential keep the title from achieving perfection. Yet, Raiders proves something important: Splatoon is not merely a brilliant competitive arena, but a world still brimming with possibilities. And this spin-off is concrete proof that Nintendo was right to explore them.

Splatoon Raiders is an amazing evolution of the series, perfectly expanding and improving the Salmon Run-mode. Especially the gameplay-feeling when fighting against the wicked salmonids sucked me right in and captivated me for hours on end.

Splatoon Raiders is more than a spin-off; it's an incredible launching point for a new branch of more single-player adventures, combining some of the best parts of the original Splatoon trilogy and turning it into something that feels fresh. Upgrading your arsenal as the Mechanic as you go from island to island, splatting hoards of Salmonids, is even more satisfying than it looks, and though the story isn't too deep, the gameplay couldn't be richer. Not only is Splatoon Raiders an essential addition to your Switch 2 game library when it launches 23rd July, it's a splat-tastic reason to own Nintendo's latest system in the first place.

Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms Splatoon's signature gameplay into an engaging single-player adventure. Excellent enemy design, rewarding progression, and deep customization make every expedition satisfying, while its polished PvE systems feel like a natural evolution for the series. More than a spin-off, it's a strong blueprint for Splatoon's future.