Splat happy or set to pass on toon?
This past Friday and Saturday, Nintendo launched its first ever limited time online stress test/demo with theSplatoon Global Testfire. Due to multiple work-related responsibilities, I was only able to jump on for one match, but I think it was enough to get a feel for game’s mechanics and online functionality. It also gave me a chance to play the littleSquid Jumpmini-game that’s there to help you pass the time while waiting for a match. It was simple enough, but still pretty fun.
I’m not sure the same can be said forSplatoon. While it seemed simple at first, it didn’t take long to see that the game’s multiple variables (the location of your team mates, where they’ve painted, where you’ve painted, what weapons you all have, and the same for all your opponents) offer a lot of complexity and depth. WhileSplatoon‘s developers have made it clear that they don’t think the game needs online voice chat, I can’t help but wonder if having the option to ask teammates where they are and what they’ve painted wouldn’t have helped to keep all of those ever-shifting components straight.
That said, I’ve never been a huge fan of playing shooters competitively online, so maybe I’m just not the audience for this mode. Two things I can attest to with total confidence is that I experienced no lag, and thatSplatoon‘s mechanics are really engaging regardless of how aware you are of the bigger picture. I actually had the most fun with the game when I was just running around, painting, and swimming through ink as a squid. It was such a good time that I’ve alreadystarted forming a groupto playSplatoonin “competitive pacifism mode” when it launches later this month.
How about the rest of you? Did you have the chance to check outSplatoon‘s little stress test, and if so, what did you think?
